Mattie's Blog and his Fight Against Osteosarcoma

Thank you for keeping Mattie's memory alive!

Dear Mattie Blog Readers,

It means a great deal to me that you take the time to write and to share your thoughts, feelings, and reflections on Mattie's battle and death. Your messages are very meaningful and help support me through very challenging times. I am forever grateful. As my readers know, I promised to write the blog for a year after Mattie's death, which would mean that I could technically have stopped writing on September 9, 2010. However, like my journey with grief there is so much that still needs to be processed and fortunately I have a willing support network still committed to reading. Therefore, the blog continues on. If I should find the need to stop writing, I assure you I will give you advanced notice. In the mean time, thank you for reading, thank you for having the courage to share this journey with me, and most importantly thank you for keeping Mattie's memory alive.

As Mattie would say, Ooga Booga (meaning, I LOVE YOU)! Vicki

July 15, 2018

Sunday, July 15, 2018

Sunday, July 15, 2018

Tonight's picture was taken on July 15, 2007. It was our anniversary and I know this for sure, because if you look closely on the table you will see two wine goblets (one is cobalt blue and the other a deep burgundy). These goblets belonged to my paternal grandparents. They shared the same wedding anniversary with us, and when they died my uncle gave me these goblets to carry on a tradition of remembering both wedding anniversaries.

Quote of the day: Marriage is a partnership in which each inspire the other, and brings fruition to both of you. ~ Millicent Carey McIntosh

Facebook greeted me this morning with a short reflection video in celebration of our wedding anniversary. Typically I think FB is clueless, but in this case I found it fascinating that for the most part the video was all about Mattie... the love we created.

Click on the link to see the Facebook Video:
https://www.facebook.com/668118467/videos/10156405604938468/?id=668118467

It is a tradition for us to celebrate our anniversary at Chez Francois in Great Falls, VA. Chez Francois has the best outdoor terrace for dining in our area and you can't beat the food and the old world service. It provides memorable charm that so many restaurants are missing.

It was about 91 degrees today and only the brave were eating outside. Us and another couple. But it was a cloudy day, so we had no sun beating down on us. It was perfect, surrounded by trees, gardens, birds, butterflies, and fountains.

A selfie of us together. Another thing I love about this restaurant, is they don't rush you. It is a four course meal, paced over time.

First course:
Gazpacho - Vicki
Oysters - Peter

Second course:
Salads

Third course:
Trout - Vicki
Duck - Peter

Fourth course:
Grand Marnier Souffle - Vicki
Baked Alaska - Peter

A glorious setting

A line up of the desserts.... Baked Alaska, a complimentary dessert for our anniversary (that had homemade meringue, which was incredible), and a grand marnier souffle.

Reflections from July 15, 1995. A candid of the two of us! I love candids much more than posed photos.

This photo was taken outside under a tree. It was over 100 degrees that day, sunny, and humid. I am not sure who was hotter, me in the dress or Peter in a tuxedo.