Tonight's picture was taken in February of 2009. That day Mattie went to clinic and his art therapists, Jenny and Jessie, asked him if he wanted to paint something on the Pediatrics welcome sign that was going to placed by the elevator banks on the fifth floor of the hospital. Mattie was totally disinterested with that whole request until I suggested that he could put his foot print on the sign. Mattie's left leg was nicknamed "George." After the lovable monkey, Curious George. Not unlike Curious George, Mattie's left leg was the only limb without a tumor in it, and therefore was never operated on. It functioned beautifully and in many ways, Mattie's left leg and foot almost operated like an arm and hand. Any case, you can see Jessie and Jenny putting red paint on "George." The photo below shows you the sign that hangs on the fifth floor of the Hospital with Mattie's footprint on it. As people pass that sign each day, they probably do not know whose hand print and footprint are on that sign, but I remember all too well. The hand print belongs to Baby Morgan (who is no longer a baby!) and the footprint belonged to Mattie.
Quote of the day: The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. ~ Allan K. Chalmers
Peter and I are safely in Tampa. It was an uneventful flight, which is the best kind. About 13 years ago, Peter worked in Tampa. Literally he would hop on a plane on Monday and return to DC on Friday. We managed this for over a year. One spring I came down to visit Peter and literally for an entire week all I experienced was rain. I mean torrential rain. I frankly have never seen Tampa when it wasn't raining. Guess what, as I am typing this, it is pouring! I am thrilled to be on the ground and not in this rain storm.
Actually we are lucky we were able to get to Florida at all, since the East coast is at a stand still with pending snow. In fact, several of our think tank folks have canceled flights and one of the keynoters for the conference is now not coming because of canceled flights. We are fortunate to have our friends Denise and Dave with us. Not only are they friends but they are also Mattie Miracle supporters, who helped us today with luggage and brought all sorts of teas for me. They come to attend the think tank and to help us man our exhibit booth on Friday and Saturday. Help which is greatly appreciated!
When we arrived at the hotel, the front desk was busy, so they referred us to the concierge desk for check in. That was a fortunate problem for us, because it was there that we met Dorcas. Dorcas just transferred to the Marriott from the Ritz Carlton. The key is she worked at the Ritz Carlton in Georgetown, in Washington, DC. So we had a lot to talk about. Needless to say, Dorcas has taken very good care of us. She upgraded our room to the 24th floor, with an amazing balcony and view, and she gave us a reduced price on top of everything else. NOT the price I was quoted when I booked the reservation. Clearly nothing to argue about, I am not used to prices going down, only UP! 
I am trying to take it easier tonight, as I am still recovering. The Foundation's think tank is from 9am to 4:30pm tomorrow, and after which we will need to set up the Mattie Miracle exhibit hall booth. So it will be a very full day for us and Mattie Miracle!
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