Tonight's picture was taken in July of 2009. In the clinic, we were all celebrating Brandon's 19th birthday. Brandon was a close friend of Mattie's as was Jocelyn (also in this photo). Mattie and Brandon were diagnosed at the same time, but thankfully Brandon's treatment was effective and currently has no evidence of disease. Jocelyn was battling with osteosarcoma, just like Mattie. Jocelyn had been dealing with this disease for years and truly tried to mentor and support Mattie through his battle, every step of the way. She met Mattie by happenstance one day in clinic, and once she found out he had osteo, she took him under her wing. She helped to explain limb salvaging surgery to him and she even showed him her amputation. Jocelyn had a great sense of humor, and despite the frightening subject matter she was talking about, she made it very doable and kept Mattie engaged. In this photo, the three of them were creating alligators out of clips at the art table. Believe it or not, I still have one of these clips in our kitchen. It is hard to believe that two out of the three young people in this photo died.
Quote of the day: A helping word to one in trouble is often like a switch in a railroad track..... an inch between a wreck and smooth, rolling prosperity. ~ Henry Ward Beecher
We wanted to visit Mattie's Memorial Tree today. As you can see it is thriving and truly growing! I placed a new orange ribbon around the tree.
The funny part about all of this is the tree is so full with leaves, you have to practically step inside the tree to see all the wonderful decorations and ornaments!
1 comment:
Vicki,
I love Mattie's tree. I will always only know Mattie through stories, you tell, your blog and his tree. The tree is a thriving, living beautiful thing in Nature. I find myself already looking for what I will put there come Fall to honor Mattie and for you to know I care. I look at pictures of Mattie, the smiling p, beautiful little boy and find it hard to believe, I won't meet him. That becoming friends with you, something I truly treasure is because you lost your greatest treasure, Mattie!!!!
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