Monday, July 25, 2016

Monday, July 25, 2016


Tonight's picture was taken on July 25, 2009, the last birthday I celebrated with Mattie. With the help of my in-laws, Mattie constructed this lovely lighthouse birthday card for me. A card I have always cherished. Mattie knew my love of lighthouses, and I tried over the years to share this fascinating with him. It is hard to believe that many of the items seen in this picture still remain, but Mattie is gone. 







Quote of the day: Age is not measured by years. Nature does not equally distribute energy. Some people are born old and tired while others are going strong at seventy. ~ Dorothy Thompson

Mattie was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on July 23, 2008, two days before my birthday. In many ways, I associate my birthday with cancer and Mattie's death.

With that in mind, yesterday we went to visit Mattie's memorial tree. I changed the bow around the tree to this sunny orange one, and try to do this on a regular basis so the bow reflects the season we are in!

This beautiful fountain was created by Mattie and Peter. It was Mattie's idea, since he knew I loved fountains and listening to the running of water. Mattie and Peter gave me two fountains in July of 2008! Literally right after Mattie was diagnosed. I would never have guessed that the fountains would out survive Mattie. Needless to say, these fountains are VERY important to me. They are not used in the cold weather months, but every Mother's Day, Peter cleans them out and starts them back up for me. 

This is the second fountain Mattie and Peter made for my birthday in 2008. They worked very hard on them and I cherish them! You will notice that this fountain has seashells in it! Mattie collected many shells, and I placed many of his shells in this fountain! 








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A 2016 birthday message from Virginia R. Sardi, My mom:

Happy Birthday Vicki,

You have grown into a remarkable woman and have made both Daddy and I proud of you through all the stages of your life. You are the reason we feel young in spite of our age because you challenge us to keep up with your quick mind and innovative ideas which keep bouncing off you like a nuclear chain reaction. We have to be fast and alert or else we will miss out on all the fun, excitement and adventure that are an integral part of your personality. 

You also were the apple of grandma's eye and gave her a new reason to live after your grandfather died from cancer. He was very dear to her heart but when you came along you completely filled a void created by his death. You were irresistible and she fell for you like a ton of bricks. The timing was perfect because she needed that lift just then in her life. The two of you were buddies and often plotted strategies together to accomplish your own agenda. We were aware of it all but enjoyed watching the two of you operate so smoothly and in sync. Great fun was had by all, as you two schemed to improve or get the best rooms at any hotel we were staying at and made sure that any agenda included your favorite activities. We remember those days with great fondness. 

I am glad that you became a caring and sensitive young woman who takes sharing and helping others so seriously that you are willing to try to make this troubled world a better place. You are to be applauded especially for the  Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation you created to ease the mental and physical suffering of children with cancer and their families. It takes strength and stamina to bring an organization like this into existence and keep it thriving for so many years. It is basically a one woman show. You need to take a bow! You are admired by so many for the talents that you inspire in others. You have the power of passion in your voice that when heard by others makes them want to volunteer and offer unfailing support for you in your mission of hope. 

Your love of life is illustrated by your passion for nature and beauty. There is no tree, flower, butterfly or bird that you do not appreciate for its contribution to life and happiness. You are indeed the Renaissance woman of our times.