A Remembrance Video of Mattie

Thank you for keeping Mattie's memory alive!

Dear Mattie Blog Readers,

It means a great deal to me that you take the time to write and to share your thoughts, feelings, and reflections on Mattie's battle and death. Your messages are very meaningful and help support me through very challenging times. I am forever grateful. As my readers know, I promised to write the blog for a year after Mattie's death, which would mean that I could technically have stopped writing on September 9, 2010. However, like my journey with grief there is so much that still needs to be processed and fortunately I have a willing support network still committed to reading. Therefore, the blog continues on. If I should find the need to stop writing, I assure you I will give you advanced notice. In the mean time, thank you for reading, thank you for having the courage to share this journey with me, and most importantly thank you for keeping Mattie's memory alive.


As Mattie would say, Ooga Booga (meaning, I LOVE YOU)! Vicki



January 20, 2019

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Tonight's picture was taken in February of 2009. That day, Sally the Story Lady, was visiting the pediatric units. Sally was a gifted actress, who started her own performing arts company. She shared her talents generously with the kids, at least once a month.  She knew how to bring a story alive and how to get the kids interested in participating. In fact, regardless of Mattie's mood, he always wanted to see Sally and participate in her antics. I will always be grateful to the joy and happiness Sally brought to all of us. 


Quote of the day: 
Living in a way that reflects one's values is not just about what you do, it is also about how you do things.Deborah Day


On January 20th, I always post a tribute to my maternal grandmother. She died on January 20, 1994, at the age of 86. My grandmother lost her husband to colon cancer before I was born. By the time I came along, my grandmother was already living with my parents. So to me a multi-generational house was normal. 

This is a photo taken during a snow storm with my grandmother and Heidi, our collie. Heidi is the reason I LOVE collies. 


This photo was taken when I was in college. My mom and grandmother came across the country from Los Angeles to visit me in college, which was in upstate New York. 
This photo was taken by Peter on New Year's Eve. We celebrated it in New York, and Peter joined us. I am so happy Peter got to know my grandmother. 
This was taken in Rockefeller Center in New York. Typically during the winter, there is a skating rink where we were sitting. But in the spring and summer, it becomes a cafe. My mom and I were sitting with my grandmother and my cousin Clara. 

Most children reflect on how they have aspects of each of their parents within them. In my case, I don't only have my parents in me, but I was also heavily influenced by my grandmother. So I would say there is a part of her within me always..... as we both like to cook, eat, have a special dining experience, we like things to be clean and organized, and we care about people and can be very nurturing. It maybe 25 years ago that she died, but she is never forgotten. 

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