Tonight's picture was taken in September of 2007. Mattie came home from kindergarten that day with this creation! I enrolled Mattie in an after school program called construction club. The club was run by his teacher and this was an activity Mattie absolutely loved. His teacher collected everyday objects and the kids had a great time assembling them in creative ways. By that time, Mattie was a glue gun champ, as he learned this skill in preschool. I can't tell you how many creations came home with him that year. When Mattie was diagnosed with cancer a year later, he took the lessons he learned in construction camp and built all sorts of things with objects found at the hospital.
Quote of the day: Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart and you’ll never walk alone. ~ Rodgers and Hammerstein
Most times Peter and I can absorb the stuff coming at us. But there are times it isn't possible and the only thing one of us can do is either start screaming or walk away. Peter chose to walk away and of course I had to have a conversation with my mom about her behavior. The whole thing is exhausting. Which is why when I received this beautiful photo from my friend in California yesterday, it made me smile. Her husband was admitted to the hospital recently. While walking through the hospital hallways, she saw this and thought of me. That alone makes me smile.
For example, when Mattie was diagnosed with cancer, we were dealing with what felt like the impossible. But given we had an amazing support system inside and outside of the hospital, this gave us the strength and hope necessary to keep the faith. Our greatest miracle (saving Mattie) was not achieved, but it was within this nightmare and during our greatest loss that I discovered the beauty of those around me.
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