Mattie's Blog and his Fight Against Osteosarcoma

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 1, 2021

Friday, January 1, 2021

Friday, January 1, 2021

Tonight's picture was taken in December of 2008. A colleague of mine is a quilter, and she sent Mattie this amazing quilt for Christmas. One of Mattie's babysitters called Mattie "Super Mattie," even before he was diagnosed with cancer. That name stuck and I used it on occasion when I wrote the blog. Certainly when Emily would write to us, she always used the phrase, "Super Mattie." Clearly this name caught on and it was a complete surprise when we received this gift in the mail.

Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins.

Number of people diagnosed with the virus: 20,085,408
Number of people who died from the virus: 347,202

Given that today is a holiday and because I am here in Los Angeles, I believe my dad's caregivers believe they have more flexibility. The caregiver who was supposed to come today, told me on Wednesday she wasn't coming. Fortunately I asked her, because otherwise this would have been a big New Year's surprise.

I got up at 6am, and showered, dressed and began my day. I started the first load of laundry as my dad had an irritable bowel syndrome accident last night. I then made breakfast, and cleaned and marinated a 5 pound chicken for today's linner. I got my dad up at 8am, helped him shower, dress, and get downstairs. He and I had breakfast together and we even connected with Peter by phone. My dad keeps asking about Peter, so I figured it is best to hear directly from Peter for an update.

We got a lot accomplished as I have been determined to get my parents to sign durable power of attorney forms. Otherwise, it is very hard for me to help them legally. I have been working with a lawyer since September and really wanted to start the New Year with all the documents in place. I have no joy in doing these documents, but I am adamant about being able to help my parents and at the moment I can't speak to any institutions without these formally notarized documents.

After all of this, we then did cognitive exercises, my dad's 20 minute walking routine, all his PT exercises and his occupational exercises. Ironically my dad asked what I was doing!? Clearly the caregivers are NOT doing the exact exercises that the PT and OT prescribed. Which I will have to address this week. It just never ends!