Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Tuesday, November 22, 2016 -- Mattie died 375 weeks ago today. 

Tonight's picture was taken in November of 2008. Mattie was in the hospital recovering from his second limb salvaging surgery. What was so remarkable about all of this was how Mattie decided to entertain himself. He wanted to play around with the computer, so I set it up for him and then used the only limb he had that wasn't operated on! His left leg got the nick name of "Curious George." Mainly because it was always getting into trouble by doing all sorts of things. Mattie was skilled with this left foot, and used it just like a hand with fingers. To me this photo captured the strength, power, creativity, and persistence to carry on in the face of adversity. 


Quote of the day: Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. ~ William Arthur Ward

I am happy to report that 5,000 pounds of candy was removed from my friend's garage and transported to Mattie's school. Mattie's school helps to store the candy and also assists me on two of the 12 candy deliveries I need to make this year. This team of students and faculty were our candy helpers today who helped load the truck with bins and bins of candy. The teacher on the far left is Larry Jenney. Larry was one of Mattie's kindergarten teachers. Larry understood Mattie beautifully as a teacher and Mattie truly respected Larry. Now years later, Larry is still supporting us and Mattie Miracle. The other teacher on the far right is Mary. Mary is new to the school, but has helped me coordinate today's candy pick up and our next deliveries around town on December 2. 

The students hard at work! This was the first year these particular students helped us with loading the truck. I have a feeling they learned first hand just how heavy candy in bulk is. 

The progress being made, as they picked up 40 bins filled with candy today!

It is a back and forth kind of process between the garage and the truck, and though this may look easy, there is nothing easy about picking up and lifting these bins into the truck. 

This is the after photo... with the garage emptied of most of the bins. However, in the back of the garage are 20 more bins and boxes and boxes of candy, which Peter and I will have to deliver on our own. 

A photo of the bus leaving from my friend's house. The bus transported the students to the house, since the truck can only fit a driver and passenger. So it truly is a caravan of candy!!! 

You maybe asking yourself.... how did Vicki capture these photos today? Well I didn't since I am in Los Angeles. But thankfully my friend Mary oversaw the whole process and kindly took these photos and sent them to me. The power of technology! A big thank you to Mary!!!