Friday, October 28, 2016

Friday, October 28, 2016

Tonight's photographic creation was sent to me by my Facebook friend, Tim Beck. As I told Tim, he has a way of always sending a creative surprise when it is deeply needed. All of the photos along the border of this creation were from October of 2008, Mattie's last Halloween. These photos show us that despite the physical and emotional challenges of dealing with cancer and living in the hospital, Mattie still smiled. He still found a way to have fun, laugh, and bring joy to the lives of others. He also found a way to make new friends and to touch the hearts and minds of those around him! In a way this composition illustrates the BEAUTY of Mattie. 

Quote of the day: Sometimes you will do good and not get an acknowledgement for it. Don't let that dishearten you, the world is a better place with your good deeds. ~  Gugu Mona


Last week, I learned that the Girl Scout troop at Mattie's school is running a "flocking" fundraiser. I have to admit I had NO IDEA what that was, until I read about it. Basically, in the dead of the night, the girl scouts place plastic flamingos in the yards of friends that you wish to have flocked. For $25, you can surprise a friend and a whole neighborhood. Each of the flamingo flocks have a note attached to them explaining that I paid to have them “flocked” in support of the girl scout fundraiser. Also, the note lets my friends know that the flock is ONLY temporary and that in two days, it will be picked up by the girl scouts and transported to another location!

I frankly think this is a very creative way to raise money. This particular girl scout troop has supported Mattie Miracle for years. The troop purchases all the items for our Lego raffle basket every year (their basket from 2015 is photographed here). It is a very generous donation in Mattie's memory that they make to us every spring. So in my perspective this is the least I could do to show the troop our appreciation. 

I have arranged for 10 people we know to get flocked. This is location specific, since the flock jumps from lawn to lawn ONLY in Alexandria. Otherwise, I probably would have flamingoes all over the DC area. My goal is to let several of our Mattie Miracle workers know how much they are appreciated. I can't think of a more public way of doing this than having a flock of flamingoes on their front lawn.
This is what my friend Mary's home looked like this morning!

Two friends were "flocked" today.... Mary (above) and my friend Jane. Jane helps in tremendous ways with our annual candy drive and is my team coordinator for our annual walk. 

I do think it is noteworthy to mention that I met both Mary and Jane at Mattie's preschool. They were both preschool moms and they have been supporting my family since 2008, when Mattie was diagnosed.