Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2009, at the Mattie March. This event was organized by Mattie's community, to show support for him and us. What I want you to notice was the little fellow next to Mattie in the wheelchair. That was Mattie's closest kindergarten friend, Zachary. Despite how sick Mattie was and how frightening his treatments appeared, Zachary remained friends with Mattie and found new ways to play together. As prior to cancer, Mattie and Zachary did a lot of active play, involving running and climbing. However, after diagnosis, Mattie's treatment left him physically impaired. That could have altered their friendship, but what Zachary showed me was that friendship transcends disease.
Quote of the day: You give to yourself by giving of yourself. ~ Matt Kahn
To several of my dear friends who wrote to me today.... THANK YOU! Thank you for reading my words last night on Mattie's blog. I can't say that today I am feeling much better, but with time I will rationally accept that this family friend is clueless, and move forward with our mission and my commitment to Mattie's legacy. Because unlike what this friend is implying, I think I am quite mentally healthy and I am in touch with my feelings about Mattie's death. Which just points out how insignificant his comments are, because to me denial of feelings associated with child loss, and trying to PUSH memories out of one's head are what leads to true mental health issues down the line.
Peter had made significant headway on our first floor. All Walk items in our living and dining rooms have been organized, wrapped and are now in storage. Next week I will tackle all the items piled up in Mattie's room. I have yet to be able to dig out of walk donations and compile a total, but hopefully by next week this will happen.
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