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Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2006, on Mother's Day! I will never forget that moment in time. Mattie was four years old and at that moment in time, I thought there would be many more celebrations like this together. You may notice next to us was a bag. This was my bag of tricks.... filled with puzzles, Legos, coloring books and activities to keep Mattie focused and seated at the table. Unlike me, Mattie was not motivated or intrigued by food. Therefore, it required creativity to get Mattie to eat. When I tell you that Mattie was my life's greatest teacher, I am not kidding. I learned so much being his mom in 7 short years.
Quote of the day: The mention of my child’s name may bring tears to my eyes, but it never fails to bring music to my ears. If you really are my friend, please, don’t keep me from hearing the beautiful music. It soothes my broken heart and fills my soul with love. ~ Nancy Williams
Tonight's quote is spot on! It is vitally important to me that Mattie's name be spoken, remembered, and that his legacy continues. Which is why I write everyday! I haven't missed a day..... imagine writing for 17 years straight? Well I have, and it has become part of my daily routine like brushing my teeth! I can't imagine a day without Mattie's blog. It is in these moments of writing, that I feel like an active mom to Mattie. Strange as that sounds. It takes energy, focus, and determination to share and nurture my child's life and memory, but I would have it no other way.
This morning, I received a text message from one of the researchers I have worked closely with for over a decade. She wrote,
I will be thinking of you tomorrow as the mother of beautiful Mattie, the mother of the first set of Psychosocial Standards of Care and the most incredible daughter!
As I told her these words are the gift! I strongly believe Mother's Day is not about the cards, flowers, and gifts, and instead more meaningful and intentional acknowledgments. I am honored that this same researcher is doing a presentation this week on the Standards of Care at a well known cancer institution, and guess who will be featured on her first and last slide? MATTIE! Music to a mom's ears. Between the Standards of Care that guide the evidence-based care for all children with cancer and hearing that Mattie's photo will be shared, I pause and acknowledge...... I will always be Mattie's mom and as long as I have breath and life, his memory will be shared with the world, and I remain confident that the lessons I learned from Mattie will hopefully make access to psychosocial care and support more effective for other children and families to come.
2 comments:
Dear Vicki. You were and are a wonderful mom. You were by your child’s side as he faced his illness and you continue to keep his memory alive and bring him into the lives of others. You will always be Mattie’s mom.
Your loyal reader from Washington state
My Dear Reader in Washington State..... THANK YOU! Thank you for reading, thank you for keeping Mattie's journey and mine in your mind, and joining forces with me to carry his memory and legacy forward. Best Mother's Day gift ever! Vicki
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