Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Tuesday, May 9, 2023 -- Mattie died 710 weeks ago today.

Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2008. This was two months before Mattie was diagnosed with cancer. That day we took him for a walk on Roosevelt Island and along the way Mattie found a tent moth caterpillar. Mattie absolutely loved these creatures and we never came home from the Island empty handed. At one time, we had quite a rock, leaf, acorn, and stick collection.... LIKE YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE!

Quote of the day: In the end, though, maybe we must all give up trying to pay back the people in this world who sustain our lives. In the end, maybe it's wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices. ~ Elizabeth Gilbert

As of this afternoon, Peter is on a business trip to Philadelphia. With Peter's new job comes travel. I am very happy for Peter, as this job comes at the right time in his career. He most definitely earned this position and I am glad he seems to be surrounded by colleagues who appreciate his skills, his commitment to patients and healthcare, and his determination and drive to make any company he runs successful. 

Of course whenever Peter goes away, it is challenging for me. Not that I try to pester him while he is working, but it is always good to know my wing man is home and available. My caregiving role is all encompassing and debilitating, but I continue to plug on and take it one day at a time. 

I took my parents to the hospital today, as my mom had a physical therapy appointment. Since I can't leave my dad home alone, he was in tow. After therapy, I took them both out for lunch. Along our journey, I stopped at Mattie Miracle's post office to pick up mail. Low and behold, there were a ton of donations to pick up. 

This leads me to tonight's quote! I am quite aware of the countless acts of kindness and generosity I have and continue to receive from our support community. When Mattie was diagnosed, I will never forget meals, toys, and gifts that we received daily for over a year. Then of course when Mattie died, the support changed. It went from helping us actively grieve to helping us raise funds to keep Mattie's legacy alive through his Foundation. There really are NO words to adequately describe our gratitude, but as this quote points out, I will continually and probably always say...... THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for standing by us for over all these years. Our supporters are the gifts that Mattie left behind for us and we do not take this special connection you have with us lightly.