Saturday, May 25, 2019

Saturday, May 25, 2019

Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2007. This was classic spring time Mattie. He loved to collect tent moth caterpillars at his school. He would bring them home and we would put them in jars. Over time, we concluded that the only leaves in our area that they loved to eat were from oak trees. You heard of the very hungry caterpillar? Well it is true, they eat a ton until they create their cocoons. It was a great way to learn about metamorphosis, and after about a week when the moths broke out of their cocoons, we would have a releasing ceremony on our deck. To this day, whenever I see a white moth in the warm months hanging around our deck, I think of Mattie. 


Quote of the day: In our world of big names, curiously, our true heroes tend to be anonymous. In this life of illusion and quasi-illusion, the person of solid virtues who can be admired for something more substantial than his well-knownness often proves to be the unsung hero: the teacher, the nurse, the mother, the honest cop, the hard worker at lonely, underpaid, unglamorous, unpublicized jobs. ~ Daniel J. Boorstin

It was Marvel Super Hero Day at Nats Park! In addition to the super heroes, the park acknowledged FOUR community unsung heroes. Peter being one of them!!!

I would say that today was a once in a lifetime opportunity for both of us. When we arrived at Nats stadium, we entered through the media door. After we went through security, no one knew what to do with us, which was disconcerting and I began to worry that the day wouldn't be special for Peter. Well that was until we got connected with our Nats rep, Lindsey. Lindsey was fabulous and greeted all four "unsung heroes" and told us what the plan was for the ceremony. To our surprise, she told Peter that he was selected to throw the first pitch! I am not sure if it would have been better to know this ahead of time! Fortunately Peter knows how to pitch and I think more time to mull over this would not have been good. The spur of the moment was actually perfect and exciting. 

We met two of the other unsung heroes. All men and all interested in mental health issues, in one way or another. 

Before Peter went out onto the field, he was given the time to throw a ball against a wall in the tunnels. I can't get over the tunnel system under the ballpark!

Honestly, I think the Nats made this day very special for Peter. They gave him two game balls. In addition to that, he got to personally meet the Nats pitcher, Erick Fedde, and Erick even signed the ball Peter pitched in front of a large audience! Peter pitched the ball directly to Erick Fedde. 

There were several Nats representatives on the field with us, directing and coordinating the whole process. This is an amazing operation to observe! Well organized, like a symphony. So we were lucky they were on hand to snap photos of us together.  

The Nats gave us tickets to see the game today, but because he had to fly to Maine this afternoon to attend my nephew's graduation on Sunday, we gave our tickets to our friends Maria and Darryl. I snapped a photo of them, and I am happy they were there to support us. In fact, several supporters wrote to us today, letting us know they were at the game and were cheering us on!

Peter in front of the dug out! Here's the funny part about this, the Nats have been on a losing streak! However, after Peter's pitch today, they won the game. I think that is a sign!

Before Peter was invited onto the pitcher's mound, everyone told him that when fans pitch, it typically doesn't go well. Fans bounce the ball and can't get the ball to home plate. I literally told Peter NOT to pay attention to any of this, as I knew he could pitch the ball without a problem! I was RIGHT!!

Before Peter pitched, they took photos of us, we were on the jumbo tron, and the announcer gave background about the Foundation and Peter's accomplishments with Mattie Miracle. 

This person dressed as an eagle is "Screech," the Nats mascot. Peter got to meet Screech and get his photo with him and the Nats pitcher, Erick Fedde. 

I tried to balance photos and video! It was hard in the moment. So I await the photos and videos the Nats will send me. 

A close up of Peter with one of his two game balls. This is the ball that Erick Fedde signed right in front of Peter. Erick caught this ball after Peter pitched it, so this ball has meaning. 

In any case, I look forward to following up with the Nats next week, as our rep said she would connect me with the community relations department. Community relations is always looking for ways to get involved with non-profits, and I figure why not Mattie Miracle!

I hope you can see the attached video below. It is of Peter pitching the ball to Erick Fedde! I tried my best to capture it, but it happened SO fast. Needless to say, Peter DID NOT bounce the ball! He looked like a pro and was on cloud 9 for the rest of the day. Very happy for my 'unsung hero.'