Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Tonight's picture was taken in June of 2003. Mattie was one year old. That weekend, we took him to Great Falls, and walked along the pathways. Mattie LOVED being outside and he especially loved traveling on Peter's back. In fact, it was the only mode of transportation he liked.... as he hated his car seat and stroller. 

Quote of the day: If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together...
there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you. ~ A. A. Milne (Winnie-The-Pooh)

Believe it or not, there are still more Walk 2018 photos to highlight! Tonight's photos feature our crafts tent! There were two wonderful crafts at the event. One was to paint a ladybug on a garden stone and the other was to make a flower pot out of newspaper and plant sunflower seeds in this pot. 

These wonderful craft activities were organized by our friend, Debbie. Debbie has been in charge of kid activities at the Walk since 2009, before Mattie died. The young lady wearing the orange lanyard is Lexi. Lexi is a college student at Virginia Tech and volunteers her time at each Walk. 

This photo shows the children's ladybug stones drying! Many families claimed their ladybugs at the end of the event, but four of the bugs were left behind. Needless to say, I have three lovely ladybug stones in my garden and the fourth I gave to a friend who is coping with cancer.

The lady on the left is Liz. Liz is Lexi's mom. Both mom and daughter travel from Pennsylvania to attend and volunteer at our event. About a year ago, Lexi had to manage her own health crisis. I tried to support her and her family during that time, and in the process, we developed a friendship. So much so, that they choose to attend the Walk and support Mattie Miracle each year. 

This cutie is Bethie. Bethie and Mattie met in elementary school. In fact, Bethie's brother and Mattie were close kindergarten friends. Bethie and her entire family have attended our annual walks since the creation of the Foundation. Bethie's mom, Junko, is one of our volunteer coordinators at the Walk. 

I will never forget Junko's kindness. As she used to visit me often when Mattie was in the hospital. Unlike other visitors, she was really there to support me. She would bring me tasty treats, lunch, and frequently gave me a shoulder massage right in the middle of the hospital hallway. She made me feel special in the middle of that cancer nightmare, and I believe that feeling will be forever remembered.