Tonight's picture was taken on Halloween of 2002. It was Mattie's first Halloween. He was only 6 months old, and had no idea what Halloween was all about. However, right from day one, he gravitated to those beautiful orange orbs! He was a pumpkin lover and I can't think of a pumpkin now without reflecting on my own little pumpkin!
Quote of the day: Grief turns out to be a place none of us know until we reach it. ~ Joan Didion
Once I got my haircut and my nails done, the ladies in the salon were talking and they told my mom that they have a beautiful daughter. Not just physically but a woman with an amazing heart. I told them that meant a lot to me, because being left behind, has impacted every aspect of my life.
After the salon, I took my mom to Starbuck's for tea. As you know, I know everyone who works there! They knew immediately that I had my hair done and they were very kind with their compliments. While I was sitting down, my friend in England asked how my haircut went (as she knows I hate getting my haircut). So I snapped her this photo! I actually hate seeing my photos now. I can feel how tired I am by looking at them and you can see my headaches reflected in my eyes, as it is hard to open them appropriately.
Today is Mattie Miracle's 17th birthday! It is hard to believe that we have been in existence that long. I am not sure what is more sobering.... the fact that I have been doing this for 17 years, or that Mattie has been dead longer than he ever was alive.
In October, Xavier Silas, reached out to me. Xavier is the Associate Head Basketball Coach at Virginia Military Institute. Xavier created "Pinned with Purpose." At each home game, he will be featuring a non-profit based in Virginia. He selected Mattie Miracle to be the first charity to be acknowledged in the season. As you can see, he wore our Mattie Miracle awareness pin on his jacket and Mattie Miracle will be featured today at the game! As I told Xavier, I don't believe in coincidences, we were supposed to be connected! The first game just happened to fall on November 2, the Foundation's birthday! What are the chances of that?
Mattie Miracle has accomplished a lot in 17 years, and though I do not have a penny to show for it in my own bank account, I believe that success can't be measured by money, but instead by the difference you make in the lives of others. Another fact, we started a Wishes program in 2022, after our board member, Margy, died from ovarian cancer. A wish grants children $1,000 for an activity, trip, or item. In four years, we have awarded $90,000 worth of wishes and counting. We do not have to advertise our wish program, families and social workers are finding out about us through word of mouth! I think Margy would be proud, and I am honored that we can help children at all phases of their journey make lasting memories with their families.
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