A Remembrance Video of Mattie

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



April 1, 2026

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Tonight's picture was taken on April 4, 2002, on Mattie's birth date. I will never ever forget this moment in time. I was in labor for two days and by the time Mattie was ready to be delivered, my health was declining. I had a fever, developed my first migraine, and because of the epidural, I was so numb, I had no sensation of pushing. Mattie was born by an emergency c-section. When the doctor pulled him out of me, she commented that he was the most beautiful baby she ever saw. Does she say this to every mom? Probably, but to me MATTIE WAS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BABY ever! 


Quote of the day: Of all the magic words in existence, words of kindness create the greatest transformation spells. ~ Richelle E. Goodrich

 

For the past two months, I have been working with Zachary and my friend Jane. Zachary was Mattie's best preschool buddy. He is now attending a business program and was required to shadow a non-profit leader. Over the course of our virtual meetings, we decided to work on a visual project together. Zachary and Jane meet with me every two weeks, and during that time, we have worked on developing story boards that highlight our M&M Wish recipients. Honestly this has been such a great project to be involved in because pairing the photos with family quotes is so powerful! To date Mattie Miracle has funded over $70,000 worth of wishes since 2022. I attached one of the slides we created, so you get a feeling for what I am talking about!


As tonight's quote points out, there is indeed magic in kind words. I had the opportunity to electronically communicate with my friend in Los Angeles and my cousin in Connecticut today. They both are well aware of the turmoil and pain I am living with, and frankly as I always say, I will NEVER EVER get over my divorce. But in an amongst the meaningful communications I received today were these two sentences below. They touched my heart and made me smile............................................................................................. 

 

I hope when we get to heaven you will let me come from my small bungalow to the huge mansion you have awaiting you to visit. ~ my family friend


Just know you are amazing and will always be amazing because that is the kind of person you are. You are a 'get things done' and 'how can I help you' kind of girl. ~ my cousin


I have to admit I don't always understand God's plan or why bad things happen to certain people. But I learned this reality years ago in my Catholic education, that we can't always look at things, situations, and issues with our human lens. I have no idea what is in store for my future, how could I? Because what I thought was true for the last 35 years of my life, now no longer exists. If it ever existed at all to begin with! All I know is I take it one day at a time and when I wonder if God is out there and looking out for me, I realize his love shines through in every kind word, card, and package I receive. These messages today reminded me that people know me, they know my character, my integrity, my losses and pains, and they undying commitment to those I love. Amazing how such kindness can transform a day! 

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