Tonight's picture was taken on Mother's Day of 2007. Mattie was five years old. My boys took me out for Mother's Day brunch and Peter snapped this photo of us. I love that Peter caught Mattie's hand gesture in this picture. Mattie's hands were to signify how much he loved me! To me this is a priceless photo!
Next Sunday is our tenth anniversary Mattie Miracle Walk and in many ways I suppose it is a blessing that I was so busy today doing one task after the other, that I did not have time to dwell on the reality of the day. It is a reality that constantly plays in the back of mind, ever present, and yet somehow managed in order to function. Yet look at that cute face, it is hard to accept that Mattie could get diagnosed with cancer and in 14 months die.
Quote of the day: For women whose children have died, it can almost go without saying that Mother’s Day is deeply painful, and because of that, it should never go without saying. If you know a mother whose child has died, at any age, please acknowledge her motherhood as well as her pain. The greatest gift for a bereaved mother on Mother’s Day can be the simple, but hugely powerful, recognition of her motherhood. ~ Karla Helbert
I couldn't agree more, as I feel tonight's quote is spot on. It is virtually impossible to lose a child, but what makes the hurt even worse (if that is possible) is to have you and your child forgotten. I received a beautiful email tonight that got me to pause and reflect. It comes from a fellow cancer mom, whose daughter was diagnosed at the same time as Mattie. We have known each other for 11 years and have become friends through our cancer experiences. Both of us respecting the other. Here is a snippet of what my friend wrote....
You are an inspiration, not just in what you do for others but in the way that you raised Mattie. Today you are not just Mattie's mom but my daughter's and all the other children dealing with cancer that you help. You ARE love!
Mattie's oncologist also wrote to me, and one of the things she said was...
I am reminding you today of the amazing mother I watched and learned from. I gave thanks today for your example to me.
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