Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Tonight's picture was taken in November of 2007. Mattie was home recovering from his second limb salvaging surgery. At that point Mattie became truly disabled and was unable to walk, toilet himself, or even feed himself. Our living room was transformed into a hospital room, as this hospital bed replaced our couch. However, whenever companionship was needed, Nurse Patches came to the rescue. She was an amazing cat because she had a sixth sense about sickness, and as you can see just knew Mattie needed her. 


Quote of the day: In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ~ Albert Schweitzer

Each Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Mattie's school has a "Saintsgiving" event. This is an event in which students and faculty can freely volunteer to help with school selected projects that will benefit the community. Each November Mattie's school chooses to help sort Mattie Miracle candy and also make sandwiches for Martha's Table. 

Peter went to Saintsgiving today and pictured with Peter are Bob Weiman (Assistant Head of School, and the Magic Man--- as Bob came to the hospital weekly to teach Mattie how to perform magic tricks) and Kirsten Adams (Head of School).

All the kids and adults you see in this photo came to volunteer on their own volition. They aren't getting service hours or anything in return for their hours of support! 

A table of kids sorting candy and clearly full of smiles!

A colorful table indeed! Though Mattie Miracle is MUCH more than just candy, the candy drive does help kids have a better understanding for some of the direct psychosocial services we provide families. It is the hope as they learn more about us they may want to participate in our other events. 

The girl with the braid, on the right, is Claire. Claire was in Mattie's kindergarten class. Of course now she is in 9th grade. 

The assembly line of candy sorting! Basically children and adults would sort candy at their tables and once their table was sorted, that sorted candy came to this centralize location. 

There were signs for each bag, so kids and adults knew which candy went in what bag. Our friend Ann worked very hard to organize this massive sorting event, and what I can say is candy sorting is now officially over! Mind you we started sorting on November 1! Twenty three days later, over 10,000 pounds have been sorted!!! Now that is something to be thankful for.