Tonight's picture was taken in October of 2008. Mattie was home recovering from his first surgery and decided to create a haunted house out of tinker toys. He then decorated it with lights and other items. Though managing Mattie's cancer diagnosis was challenging, it got exponentially worse once he had surgery. No one ever prepared us for the psychological issues that would unfold. Knowing what I know now, I have to wonder how medical professionals did not even think about the psychosocial impact of limb salvaging surgeries on an active child. Surgeries that left Mattie unable to walk, toilet himself, or do the most basic activities of daily living on his own.
Quote of the day: How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world. ~ William Shakespeare
This is Colleen and her children. They collect candy for us at the McKinley Elementary School (Brownie Troop 555 and Daisy Troop 60039) in Alrington, VA. Colleen has been collecting and sorting candy for us for several years now!
In addition to these teenagers, we also had a mom and two girls from the Discovery Elementary School in Arlington, VA. They came to donate candy and sort with us for an hour. Their mom, Kristina, wanted her girls to see the production and to understand where the candy goes.
From left to right:
Julia (Mattie went to preschool with her), her mom Suzanne, Tina, Sara Catherine (Mattie went to preschool with her), and her mom Catherine. The two little ones near the table are Charlotte and Parker. These are Margaret's (Mattie's preschool teacher) grandchildren. The candy drive is taking place at their home and everyday after school they come out and spend some time with me. It is very special for me, as I was very close to their grandmother.
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