Thursday, September 7, 2017

Thursday, September 7, 2017

Tonight's picture was taken in August of 2009, almost a month before Mattie died. At this point, we knew Mattie's cancer was terminal, but we also knew Mattie wanted a special gift. Actually something he always wanted, which was a big ride-on car. When Mattie was healthy, I always said NO to this ridiculously expensive request. But it is interesting how your perspective changes when you know your child is dying. Quite a commentary no? In any case, my parents paid for "Speedy Red," the name that Mattie gave to his car. Peter and I went to pick out the vehicle and we dragged it upstairs and wanted to surprise Mattie with the box. In this photo, Peter was wheeling Mattie onto our deck for him to see the HUGE box the car came in! You can see Mattie's big smile, but you can also see how emaciated he was.... look at his legs which were as thin as toothpicks!


Quote of the day: A sad soul can kill quicker than a germ. ~ John Steinbeck

I received an email from our friend Tim today. He sent along picture number two for the week, of his orange tie. If you read last night's blog, then you know Tim used to be our philanthropy professional at Mattie's Hospital. He has come to know Mattie through our chats and words, as he never met him when he was alive. Every year, Tim has a tradition.... to wear an orange tie each day to work in memory of Mattie. Tim does this during Mattie's anniversary week of his death. 

I feel like I know all of Tim's ties and commented to him that I did not recognize this one and I asked if it were new! Indeed I was right. 

This was day one's tie! I think it helps to see them in a row! When I think the blog may not matter to anyone else other than me, then I pause and reflect on Tim's tradition! Tim and many others would never have come to know about Mattie, his courage, and bravery if it weren't for the blog. The blog enables me to keep the life and spirit of a precocious little boy alive. If you doubt this, then take a look at the photo below. 

I have become friends with an international airline pilot! Laura is much younger than I am, and we met through a colleague of Peter's at work. Mind you I have NEVER met Laura. She emailed me often during Mattie's battle, read the blog faithfully, and even now, messages me! She lives in Doha, Qatar, and this morning she sent me this photo! Can you see the moon in the sky over Qatar? She wanted me to know that Mattie Moon was following her. In fact, I get many photos from Laura from the cockpit, with real time Mattie Moon shots. Here again is a woman who never met Mattie or me for that matter, and yet through my words, I have apparently brought Mattie to life for many people! Not much gives me joy after losing Mattie, but I would say knowing that I am achieving my mission IS VITAL!