Tonight's picture was taken during the Mattie March of 2009. This was the event planned by our Team Mattie care community, that in essence has served as the model for all subsequent Foundation Walks. Pictured with Mattie are two of my former undergraduate students, Ariel and Tess. Ariel has graduated from nursing school and is practicing in New York City. Mattie's battle with cancer and our story inspired her and today I found out that Tess just got accepted to nursing school. Both women were captured by Mattie and the role that nurses played in our lives. I can only imagine Mattie's reaction to hearing this news and I have to wonder how he would feel knowing that his life has changed the career path of others.
Quote of the day: To me, education is a leading out of what is already there in the pupil's soul. ~ Muriel Spark
Today I had the wonderful surprise of getting a message through Facebook from a former student of mine. I am not a big Facebook fan or user. I do use it to promote our Foundation, but I do not have a personal page for myself. I suppose in lieu of a Facebook page I have Mattie's blog, and Mattie's blog is FAR more detailed about my life. I have known Tess for at least 10 years. Perhaps longer. She was a student of mine when I taught at the George Washington University. However, there are some students who do stand out in my career and I can assure you I taught hundreds of students. Tess was such a student. When Tess contacted me today and told me she was accepted into nursing school, I wasn't at all surprised by this. She is a very bright, committed, and compassionate individual. However, what I did not know was the extent to which Mattie's battle, the blog, and my story have impacted her decision. After all these years I was truly touched to hear that I have made such a difference in the mind and heart of one of my students. As I told Tess, this is a true gift she gave me as a teacher and as a person.
Mattie Miracle - I had you in mind this weekend at the Cycle for Survival event to raise money for rare cancer research. Mattie's story has had a lifelong impact on me, and the Sardi family continues to inspire me, especially as I head into the nursing profession!
The message Tess wrote is lovely but I also love what is on her poster. It says... Vicki I'm remembering your Mattie Miracle. Mattie (2002-2009). Your blog changed my life. You inspired me to go to nursing school!! I'll never forget and I want to help make a difference.
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