Tonight's picture was taken in August of 2008. Mattie was a month into treatment. We were pictured in the outpatient clinic, at the art table. Mattie's two art therapists, Jenny (in orange) and Jessie (next to us), were beyond outstanding. These two women entered our lives almost on day one, and I don't know where we would have been without them. Not only did they believe that art came from within the child, they also were very insightful and excellent at helping Mattie get at his feelings and emotions through his art. It was never contrived or planned, but natural! These women set a beautiful, trusting, and respectful tone that produced not only wonderful creations from Mattie, but on difficult days helped Mattie get out of his shell. I am not sure these therapists know this, but all the art Mattie created while battling cancer, I now consider legacy items that we cherish. When people think childhood cancer is ALL about the medicine, I just shake my head. At the end of the day it is how you were TREATED as a person that remains with you always. The medications, dosages, and so forth fade from consciousness.
Quote of the day: Formal education teaches how to stand, but to see the rainbow you must come out and walk many steps on your own. ~ Amit Ray
This evening I went grocery shopping. As is typical in DC during the summer.... we get horrific rain, thunder, and lightning storms. Before I got to the store, it wasn't raining. But while inside the store, I could hear thunder and lightning. However, I was in the store no enough that when I exited it, look what I saw. A wonderful rainbow. It was the highlight of my day. 
1 comment:
Vicki, Despite the heavy rainfall in Burke, I missed the rainbow. I did however see the Mattie Moon, not quite full yet but very bright in the sky as we ate dinner on our porch. Rainbows as well as Butterflies are important to me. They bring memories of Children, going through Cancer treatment drawing,, creating with sculpey, play doh, fuse beads, etc. beautiful pieces of art. I am glad to know that Mattie had experiences with people who recognized and learned Mattie's interests. After all treatment & diversion through psychosocial support is about the individual child not the program.
The Moon has become important to me because of Mattie. I watch on clear nights for it and always think of Mattie Moon.
I am glad to know the security Sunny is finding with you & Peter. Although, your walks with him seem different because he has figured out that he can lead you!
While eating our dinner, we had a visit from one of the hummingbirds from next door. He came up to the screen, fluttered looking in at us for a few seconds, before flying away to a tree. It felt like we had eye contact. Quite unusual.
I hope those young women who worked with Mattie & other children do realize the art that the children do, does become a legacy for the parents. It is a tangible gift forever from their child. Just like photos, all those pieces tell a story of a life that ended too soon!
Post a Comment