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 15, 2026

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Tonight's picture was taken in April of 2007. A year before childhood cancer became our reality! My parents were visiting from Los Angeles, and we went to the National Mall because it was Kite Day! In the midst of of that event, the cherry blossoms were in full peak! Those beautiful white snowy trees are the glorious blossoms! An innocent and naive moment in time!


Quote of the day: And one has to understand that braveness is not the absence of fear but rather the strength to keep on going forward despite the fear. ~ Paulo Coelho


I got up extra early this morning because my Verizon Angel was coming over anytime between 8am and noon! The reason why I have to get it together so early is because it would be very hard balancing this visit with showering and toileting my dad. Which is why I get up super early, so I can manage my dad's needs and get him downstairs before anyone comes over. Why did I need the Angel over? Because I am having trouble with my TV in the bedroom and I also lost my guest wi-fi. That may not sound like a big issue, but it is! There is very poor to no cell signal in my neighborhood. Therefore, anyone who visits and wants to use their phone, needs to hop on our wi-fi! Our guest wi-fi was working perfectly until I switched to Verizon extenders two weeks ago. Any case, the Angel (as I call him) arrived and corrected these two issues immediately. He then sat down with me at my computer, and helped me with my Shared Drive. I am beyond amazed how some people are gifted in technology. I used to rely on my other half for all these issues, therefore this is beyond my comfort zone. You should see how anxious I get any time wi-fi or my computer are affected. The Angel knows this, but despite his calm and professional demeanor, I worked myself up into a silly, and developed an enormous migraine! That aside, I am so grateful for the Angel and his boss, of which I have both of their cell numbers!

Later this afternoon, once I got my parents settled, I was determined to plant the flowers I bought yesterday! Given our intense heat, I didn't want anything to die!

This is my tribute area on our porch to Mattie. You may notice the garden angel. This angel was given to me by my friend, Toni. Toni's son is Brandon, and Brandon and Mattie were the best of friends as they went through cancer treatment together. When Mattie died, Toni sent me this angel! YES 17 years ago, and I love it! The angel watches over us, it is a reminder of my Mattie, and the beautiful friendship he shared with Brandon!
I am a big basil fan! I am beginning to plant my herb garden! Basil was the first thing in! You will notice this orange Adirondack chair! The former owner of our house had this chair literally sitting among the bushes in the backyard. It was also green in color. I happen to love the chair, so my other half pulled it out of the bushes and we painted it ORANGE... Mattie Miracle's color! To me this chair is a symbol of what my life USED TO LOOK LIKE. 
Meanwhile, this is a daily occurrence of mine..... sweeping up cherry tree blossoms. I love the tree, but when the blossoms fall, it looks like pink snow. 
If you compare last night's photo to tonight's, you can see how the irises are responding to the sun and heat!
Planted more mandevillas! I absolutely love them! They are hardy, always blossoming, and a happy looking flower. 


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