Tonight's picture was taken in October of 2008, around Halloween. Next to Mattie is Jey. Jey was Mattie's CT tech and they developed a close rapport and connection with each other. In fact, Jey used to call Mattie his "little brother!" When we were in the Hospital, and Jey knew Mattie was in-patient, he would come up to visit Mattie when he was on a work break. Jey always went the extra mile for all of us and I recall him telling me that it is vital hospital personnel remember why they became medical helpers in the first place. He told me that when you forget about the motivation and the job becomes rote then the effectiveness of the patient care one provides goes down. There is great truth in his sentiments. With Jey it was always clear to me what his motivations were and our family appreciated the personal bond and care he provided us. Jey understood life was tough enough for us, therefore, he tried to make Mattie's scanning process as painless as possible.
Quote of the day: No one knows for certain how much impact they have on the lives of other people. Oftentimes, we have no clue. ~ Jay Asher
Asher's quote is SO applicable for tonight's posting. However in our case, not only do we have a CLUE about the impact of Mattie on others, but whenever I interact with people who went above and beyond to help us when Mattie battled cancer, I let them know it. I think not expressing one's thanks, not giving positive feedback, and not showing gratitude are big mistakes. It makes me feel good to acknowledge these amazing people in our lives and I feel it is important for them to know the significant impact they had on Mattie's life and ours. Why keep it a secret? Mattie died three years ago, yet all our Georgetown University Hospital family mean a great deal to us. Time doesn't cloud my feelings in this respect.
I had a meeting today at the Hospital to discuss the monthly nurse support group that the Foundation funds. This is our second year funding this service. While walking on campus to the meeting, I bumped into Jey. Jey always calls me "mom." This is the only time I hear this word now. What I love about Jey is his honesty. He has no trouble reminding me of the impact Mattie had on his life and I SO appreciate this!!! What you need to understand is that after Mattie died, Jey left his position in the radiology department. He no longer could work there. Now he works in a totally different division of the Hospital. Mattie's death was tragic to Jey and he said he just did not have the heart to return to his work. Personally I get Jey's decision and I am deeply touched that my son was so loved by his "big brother." It is amazing the impact my seven year old had on people!!!
On September 8, 2009, the day Mattie died at Georgetown. Jey found out and came to the floor. After the nurses cleaned and bagged Mattie's body (a process no parent should have to see or experience!), Jey insisted on taking Mattie's body down to the morgue personally. He said no one else was taking his "little brother" down. He wanted to make sure Mattie's body was treated properly and correctly. I will never forget Jey's words. Words that evoke feelings remain with me ALWAYS. So when I see Jey, even now three years later, how could I not have a special feeling about him? When you see someone love your child, respect and understand your child, you begin to love them too!
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