Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2009, at the Mattie March. The Mattie March was an event that his support community hosted for him. Despite Mattie's depleted state and the pain he was in, he had a good day at the event. Pictured with Mattie was Tricia. Tricia was Mattie's favorite nurse, so much so that one day while in the hospital, Mattie screamed across the hospital unit for Tricia. She came running over thinking that he wasn't feeling well. When she arrived by his side, Mattie told her that the pressing issue was that he "loved" her. It was a priceless, genuine and tender moment. 


Quote of the day: There is nothing more painful than the untimely death of someone young and dear to the heart. The harrowing grief surges from a bottomless well of sorrow, drowning the mourner in a torrent of agonizing pain; an exquisite pain that continues to afflict the mourner with heartache and loneliness long after the deceased is buried and gone. ~ Jocelyn Murray


This morning, I was running around doing chores. At some point, I glanced at my cell phone and noticed I had a voice mail message. I did not recognize the phone number. As I proceeded to listen to the message, I couldn't place the name or the voice. Despite that fact, I could tell that this woman clearly knew me and wanted me to call her back because she had something important to tell me. 

When I called her back she told me that she was Patricia's mom. Since I know several Patricia's that did not narrow it down for me. However, as she kept on talking I realized the Patricia she was talking about was Tricia, Mattie's beloved nurse and our friend. I learned today that Tricia's husband unexpected died on Tuesday. I honestly was in shock, since I just saw him in May at our Mattie Miracle Walk. He looked like the picture of health! But I know all too well how fragile life is, as one can look and feel great one minute and the next minute be facing a health crisis. 

I am deeply sorry for Tricia's loss and wish I could help in some way. Tricia was and continues to be a supportive force in our lives and I value her as one of Mattie's memory keepers. I found some photos of Mike from past Mattie Miracle Walks and posted them below. Mike will be missed and I am saddened that Tricia and her children are facing this forever loss. 

Mike entered our Mattie Miracle Corn Hole Tournament every year. He was a good sport and believed in supporting a good cause. Mike was an excellent player and typically won 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place in the tournament each year. This photo was taken at this year's Walk. 

Mike was one of our winners in 2018. Tricia and her family have attended all TEN of our Walks. We know Tricia's three children, her mom, and her dogs!

Mike in 2017!