Tonight's picture was taken in October of 2003. Mattie was a year and a half old and this was the first Halloween in which he wore a costume. Mattie did not like clothes that really confined him or were scratchy or bothered him in any way. So this pumpkin sweat suit was the perfect solution. In fact, sweat suit material became the option of choice for years to come as you will see. To me, Mattie made the cutest pumpkin that year!
Quote of the day: A life of short duration...could be so rich in joy and love that it could contain more meaning than a life lasting eighty years. ~ Viktor E. Frankl
I remember learning about Viktor Frankl in graduate school and the incredible experiences he had surviving in concentration camps. It was perhaps through these experiences that he developed his very powerful and meaningful existential psychological theory and therapies. Yet it amazes me how some one can see and experience the worst of humanity and still through this within one's self find the hope, strength, and inspiration to help others through the misery.
Frankl's quote, like so many of his words were truly beautiful. As if they were written about Mattie. Mattie only lived to age seven, yet in his short life, it was rich in joy and love. He gave Peter and me so much that apparently his life continues to inspire us to give back each day in his memory.
This evening I received an email from Beth Parker at Fox 5 news. Beth has done several great stories for Mattie Miracle in the past, and we greatly appreciate her expertise and sensitivity in the coverage of human interest stories in our DC area. Beth wanted me to know that a follow up story was airing tonight about Mathias Giordano. Mathias is 13 years old and lives in Virginia. He is struggling with osteosarcoma, and is out of treatment options. Just like Mattie. Beth connected me with Mathias' family a few weeks ago. I am so thrilled to hear that Mathias' wish is on its way to becoming a reality. The wish is to have a license plate in the state of Virginia that promotes Childhood Cancer awareness. With great advocacy efforts, Mathias' family has secured 450 signed applications and these applications are now before the Richmond General Assembly. Check out Beth's wonderful story link below! May this bring Mathias and his family a ray of sunshine and hope, when I know the great sadness that is before them.
http://www.myfoxdc.com/Clip/10781394/va-specialty-license-plate-for-pediatric-cancer-receives-needed-signatures-for-application
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