Proud of my work -- 16 Years of Service

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



A Remembrance Video of Mattie

September 22, 2023

Friday, September 22, 2023

Friday, September 22, 2023

Tonight's picture was taken in September of 2007. That day we took Mattie to the old Nationals park to see a baseball game. Peter loved the sport and I think he was hoping Mattie would gravitate to it as well. However, in this department Mattie was JUST LIKE ME. At a stadium we are more interested in people watching and the food. 


Quote of the day: Some people come in your life as blessings. Some come in your life as lessons.Mother Teresa


Tonight's quote caught my attention because in Mattie's case, he was both! He was a blessing and taught me many life lessons. I would say that every aspect of Mattie's existence has shaped my current life. Everything from what I advocate for, to the work that I do, my passion to help others, and of course I credit Mattie for bringing the gifts of many amazing friends to my life. 


Today at the memory care center, the theme was...... dress in your favorite team's colors! I had to really think about this with my dad as he wasn't a big sports enthusiast! However, my dad did love basketball and when he lived in Los Angeles he attended several Lakers games. Literally he got seats right on the court and I remember as a teenager, he would tell me that players sometimes fell right into his lap. Basically they were so tall that the players' knees were at eye height with my dad who was sitting!

Any case, I am not sure my dad appreciated team color day, but he loved his new sweat jacket. My dad runs cold now, so all jackets are appreciated. He got lots of compliments today on how good he looks in yellow! Who knew!?

After running around today and doing a ton of chores, cleaning, laundry, and cooking, I found these yellow beauties at my front door! I knew immediately that they were from a Team Mattie friend! I say that because Team Mattie knows my love affair with sunflowers. Thank you Carolyn and Ellie for brightening up my day and week! Mattie died in 2009, but the love and support of Team Mattie is alive and well. This kindness and thoughtful community we have doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated by me. 


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