Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Tuesday, May 28, 2019 -- Mattie died 505 weeks ago today.

Tonight's picture was taken in June of 2007. Mattie was five years old and we took him to Pennsylvania for Memorial Day Weekend. We wanted Mattie to experience Dutch Wonderland, a theme park in Lancaster County, PA, geared toward preschoolers. 

We stayed at a Marriott, and the chef took a liking to Mattie. One morning, the chef gave Mattie his own chef's hat to wear. Mattie loved the hat so much that he wore it back to the room and while IN THE ROOM!!! 




Quote of the day: To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson


Today is the first day in WEEKS that I slept for for more than 4 to 6 hours. It is glorious to have the Walk behind me and to be home. Home without deadlines and other obligations. With that said, the Walk maybe over, but the work isn't! I spent several hours this morning re-organizing Walk materials that were stacked in Mattie's bedroom. They were re-organized and stored away for next year. It is wonderful to have that behind me and accomplished! 

I can safely say that Walk items are now officially stored away. But unfortunately I am not done. I still have raffle baskets to deliver or mail to winners across the Country, donations that came in by mail/check to acknowledge, and then my focus will go to acknowledging all of our raffle donors. Of which we have around 40! Mind you, a good portion of our Walk donations were acknowledged on-line, as they came in, that same day I sent out a thank you email. Which is a blessing, because with over 300 donations, the use of technology makes processing this volume manageable. 

Posting some more photos from the Walk & Family Festival. This is a photo of two teams combined together..... Team Mattie Moon (our family's team) and That Walk Team (with my friend Peggy as its captain). Peggy had a small team this year and asked whether she could take a photo with us.  

A family photo of Peter, me, my parents, and Peter's parents!

Me with Barbara and Don (my in-laws) and Lisa (my sister in law). All three came down from Boston to attend the Walk. 

Me, my mom, and her friends from New York..... Ronee and Eugene. 

Next to me are Gary, Lisa, and their son, Zachary. Gary was a student of my mom's. Actually one of her favorite students! Gary brought his family down to Alexandria, VA from NJ to attend our anniversary Walk.  

Our photographer, Herman, captured this photo of my dad at the magic show. My dad always loves this show (performed by Mattie's assistant head of school), and I think this photo captured that feeling completely. 

Our God Daughter, Charlotte, came to the Walk with her parents. So happy Herman captured Peter with Charlotte. 

This is a photo of us with Tricia (Mattie's favorite HEM/ONC nurse) and her family. Tricia hasn't missed one Foundation Walk yet. We are deeply grateful she continues to be on this journey with us, as we think she is an incredible nurse and person. 

Left to right: Peter, Tricia, Vicki, Nicole (Tricia's daughter), Mike (Tricia's husband), Matt (Nicole's boyfriend), and Matt's mom

Monday, May 27, 2019

Monday, May 27, 2019

Tonight's picture was taken on Memorial Day of 2006. That year we took Mattie to Sesame Street Place in Pennsylvania. I had learned about this preschool theme park after talking to several moms at Mattie's school. Given that Mattie loved Sesame Street, and especially Elmo, it seemed like a good place to visit. Mattie had a GREAT time. I am not sure what he loved more.... staying in a hotel, going to the park, or seeing the park's Memorial Day parade. It was a weekend to remember! 







Quote of the day: People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things. ~ Sir Edmund Hillary

Peter and I stayed at the Fairfield Inn in Brunswick, Maine this weekend. I have never stayed at this form of a Marriott hotel before, but I would have to say everyone who worked at this hotel was stellar. Starting with the people working at the front desk. Who always greeted you with a smile and they even gave us a hand written welcome letter when we checked in. Absolutely unheard of living in the city! 

Though Maine is a very rural state, there are aspects of it that are fantastic. Starting with green space and NO traffic EVER! Do you love the humorous signs on the road that we passed??

In addition, people are warm and friendly. Not to mention trusting. A night and day experience from living in Washington, DC. This morning, we went downstairs for breakfast a little after 9am. The hotel said their buffet was open until 10am, given it was a holiday. But when we showed up, the buffet was being dismantled. I spoke with the lady working in the restaurant, and I wasn't sure who was more mortified by this timing error, me or her. She couldn't do enough, and brought us out food and made sure we had a full breakfast. Absolutely amazing service at this hotel and I would love to clone them! 

Before heading to the airport, we stopped at Freeport Village. Which is an outdoor shopping area, situated in a charming town. Though it was a holiday, there were NO crowds, NO trouble parking, and yet there were major sales. Living in a city, this freedom of space is a rarity and a welcomed treat! Though our luggage was packed, we bought several lovely things and I squeezed it all into our carry on bags!

This moose sign was at the Portland Airport. Unlike airports at major cities, this airport was open, no traffic, not a lot of people, and was truly a more relaxing experience!

Check out our sparrow friend who was sitting right near us as we were waiting to get on the plane. Perhaps a sign from Mattie? Perhaps this bird knew I wasn't in the best of moods, as celebratory events such as a college graduation depress me. Either case, the sparrow provided us with a happy diversion and a good send off to Washington, DC. 

Sunday, May 26, 2019

Sunday, May 26, 2019

Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2007. We took Mattie to Pennsylvania over Memorial Day weekend. Because Mattie LOVED trains, we took him to the National Toy Train Museum. Mattie enjoyed the whole experience, especially seeing trains up close and personal. Near the museum, there was also the Red Caboose Motel. Literally train cars have been converted to hotel rooms, which Mattie thought was great. We always joked about coming back and staying in one, but of course a year later, Mattie was diagnosed with cancer. 


Quote of the day: A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. ~ Christopher Reeve

This morning we attended the Bates College graduation. I have never been to the campus before, but we wanted to make the journey up to celebrate our nephew, Nat's graduation. As we arrived on campus, we got to see Nat proceeding in with his 469 other classmates. Peter snapped this photo!

The ceremony lasted for about two hours. What started as a cool day, turned out to be bright and sunny. We took a family selfie. From left to right:
Will (our nephew), Nat (our nephew), Chris (Peter's brother), Sydney (our niece), me, Lisa (my sister in law), and Don (Peter's dad). In the front are Barbara (Peter's mom) and Peter. 

Nat with his siblings and parents. 

Peter and me with Nat. After the graduation ceremony, Bates had a luncheon buffet outside for the graduates and their families. It was a major production, but very nice for the campus to provide lobster rolls and other goodies for everyone. 

After graduation, we drove about an hour to Waterville, Maine. The rest of the family was staying at a camp by a lake. So we visited them there and had dinner together. 

Of course we are happy to spend time with our nephews and niece and to see them grow and mature. Yet I would say that happy events always give me pause. I pause because I am reminded of who is missing and who we won't be seeing graduate. I saw parents all around me today watching their children graduate, clapping, cheering, and helping them pack. I can absorb all of this but that doesn't mean I don't also feel the loss. 

I would have to say that Maine is not for the meek. It is very beautiful, but very rural. Trees everywhere and frankly since I navigate by landmarks, I would be lost here ALL the time. As every road looks exactly the same to me. We see signs along the road for Moose and deer, and can only imagine these roads at night with no lights.  

My view while Peter was driving back to the hotel. I am thrilled we drove before the sun completely set, because I truly think the four legged creatures own the roads at night. 

Saturday, May 25, 2019

Saturday, May 25, 2019

Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2007. This was classic spring time Mattie. He loved to collect tent moth caterpillars at his school. He would bring them home and we would put them in jars. Over time, we concluded that the only leaves in our area that they loved to eat were from oak trees. You heard of the very hungry caterpillar? Well it is true, they eat a ton until they create their cocoons. It was a great way to learn about metamorphosis, and after about a week when the moths broke out of their cocoons, we would have a releasing ceremony on our deck. To this day, whenever I see a white moth in the warm months hanging around our deck, I think of Mattie. 


Quote of the day: In our world of big names, curiously, our true heroes tend to be anonymous. In this life of illusion and quasi-illusion, the person of solid virtues who can be admired for something more substantial than his well-knownness often proves to be the unsung hero: the teacher, the nurse, the mother, the honest cop, the hard worker at lonely, underpaid, unglamorous, unpublicized jobs. ~ Daniel J. Boorstin

It was Marvel Super Hero Day at Nats Park! In addition to the super heroes, the park acknowledged FOUR community unsung heroes. Peter being one of them!!!

I would say that today was a once in a lifetime opportunity for both of us. When we arrived at Nats stadium, we entered through the media door. After we went through security, no one knew what to do with us, which was disconcerting and I began to worry that the day wouldn't be special for Peter. Well that was until we got connected with our Nats rep, Lindsey. Lindsey was fabulous and greeted all four "unsung heroes" and told us what the plan was for the ceremony. To our surprise, she told Peter that he was selected to throw the first pitch! I am not sure if it would have been better to know this ahead of time! Fortunately Peter knows how to pitch and I think more time to mull over this would not have been good. The spur of the moment was actually perfect and exciting. 

We met two of the other unsung heroes. All men and all interested in mental health issues, in one way or another. 

Before Peter went out onto the field, he was given the time to throw a ball against a wall in the tunnels. I can't get over the tunnel system under the ballpark!

Honestly, I think the Nats made this day very special for Peter. They gave him two game balls. In addition to that, he got to personally meet the Nats pitcher, Erick Fedde, and Erick even signed the ball Peter pitched in front of a large audience! Peter pitched the ball directly to Erick Fedde. 

There were several Nats representatives on the field with us, directing and coordinating the whole process. This is an amazing operation to observe! Well organized, like a symphony. So we were lucky they were on hand to snap photos of us together.  

The Nats gave us tickets to see the game today, but because he had to fly to Maine this afternoon to attend my nephew's graduation on Sunday, we gave our tickets to our friends Maria and Darryl. I snapped a photo of them, and I am happy they were there to support us. In fact, several supporters wrote to us today, letting us know they were at the game and were cheering us on!

Peter in front of the dug out! Here's the funny part about this, the Nats have been on a losing streak! However, after Peter's pitch today, they won the game. I think that is a sign!

Before Peter was invited onto the pitcher's mound, everyone told him that when fans pitch, it typically doesn't go well. Fans bounce the ball and can't get the ball to home plate. I literally told Peter NOT to pay attention to any of this, as I knew he could pitch the ball without a problem! I was RIGHT!!

Before Peter pitched, they took photos of us, we were on the jumbo tron, and the announcer gave background about the Foundation and Peter's accomplishments with Mattie Miracle. 

This person dressed as an eagle is "Screech," the Nats mascot. Peter got to meet Screech and get his photo with him and the Nats pitcher, Erick Fedde. 

I tried to balance photos and video! It was hard in the moment. So I await the photos and videos the Nats will send me. 

A close up of Peter with one of his two game balls. This is the ball that Erick Fedde signed right in front of Peter. Erick caught this ball after Peter pitched it, so this ball has meaning. 

In any case, I look forward to following up with the Nats next week, as our rep said she would connect me with the community relations department. Community relations is always looking for ways to get involved with non-profits, and I figure why not Mattie Miracle!

I hope you can see the attached video below. It is of Peter pitching the ball to Erick Fedde! I tried my best to capture it, but it happened SO fast. Needless to say, Peter DID NOT bounce the ball! He looked like a pro and was on cloud 9 for the rest of the day. Very happy for my 'unsung hero.'

Friday, May 24, 2019

Friday, May 24, 2019

Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2007. That Memorial Day weekend we took Mattie to Dutch Wonderland, in Pennsylvania. I snapped this photo of Mattie and Peter in a roller coaster car. This was Mattie's first experience on such a ride, and I wasn't sure he was going to like it. But he wanted to try it. Notice the smile! That day Mattie rode the roller coaster with Peter at least five times. After that he caught the roller coaster bug and couldn't get enough of them. Though Mattie and I were a lot alike, we differed very much when it came to rides involving motion. 


Quote of the day: True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others, at whatever cost. ~ Arthur Ashe

As promised, I will be sharing photos from our 10th anniversary Walk over the next week. This is our Cup Tally board. Each cup color represents a different team. We had 17 walk teams this year. Each lap that a person does, a cup is earned. The cup is then placed through a chain link fence. Which makes a beautifully colored visual, of the amazing number of laps walked for our cause. 

We are proud to announce that the Blessed Sacrament School's Bullfrogs team won the cup challenge. They walked 146 laps in total, which is 37 miles! 

Our cup table on the track. As walkers complete a lap, they grab a cup with their team's color. 

The fellow you see holding cups with the plaid shirt is our loyal volunteer and supporter, Dave. Dave was on campus, the morning of the Walk, at 6am with Peter. Dave helped with setting up our challenge wall for cups, our sponsor posters, and this cup table. Dave does this for us each year, and it is a ton of work. Which we appreciate! I also know when Dave is tasked with something, it will get done effectively! What you can't see behind the cups in Dave's arms, is that he was wearing our original t-shirt, from the Mattie March of 2009. The event that gave birth to the Foundation's annual awareness Walk. 

The teen holding the yellow cups is Abby. Abby went to preschool with Mattie. She is a loyal volunteer! Abby and her sister, Emily, not only volunteer at the Walk but prior to the event they visit local stores and shops and post flyers advertising the Walk. We are grateful for thier decade of service to the Foundation. 

The teen handing off a cup to the little one is Emily (Abby's sister). Emily is handing a cup to Charlotte. Who is Charlotte? Charlotte is the grand daughter of my dear friend Margaret (Mattie's preschool teacher). Charlotte was our youngest volunteer at the Walk this year, as she was working at our craft tables. 

This trio is Sergio, Lili, and Rachael. They are the children of our DJ, Sergio. Over this past decade, Sergio's children have helped at our cup wall. This year, I officially made them volunteers. I love seeing the little ones volunteering, because this is the best way to bring awareness of childhood cancer to the next generation. 

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2009. It is hard to believe that four months later, Mattie died. At that point in time, we had every hope that Mattie's cancer would go into remission and we could focus that summer on physical rehabilitation. After all, we all thought Mattie would return to school in the Fall. No one, including his doctors thought his cancer would spread with a vengeance only six weeks off of chemotherapy.  

Mattie loved our cat Patches, however, because of Mattie's immuno-compromised state, we boarded Patches at our vet for almost a year. In lieu of our cat, Mattie had this cute stuffed animal, which he'd like to have sit on his lap. To this day, this cat resides in Mattie's bedroom. 


Quote of the day: Real courage is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. Doing the unpopular thing because it's what you believe, and the heck with everybody. ~ Justin Cronin

This evening my parents returned to Los Angeles. Before leaving, we went out to lunch at Mattie's favorite restaurant. He loved this place, as it was close to his preschool and there was a pond outside the front entrance. When Mattie would get bored at the dining table, outside we went to look at the koi. 

A fellow diner was kind enough to snap this photo of us!

Seems like the fundraising thermometer jumped $1,000 from last night. I think this maybe the final total.... $118,272!

Meanwhile the exciting news is that Peter was selected by the Washington Nationals as their "unsung hero."

Somehow I am on the Nats listerv and therefore I get communications from the team. When I saw the email announcement about the community contest, I immediately thought of Peter and applied last week! Because I was in over my head with Walk plans, I couldn't devote a ton of time to crafting an 100 word submission. But I wrote from the heart and it was easy! When I applied for this, I never really looked closely at the event date. But it happens to be this Saturday and we already had plans to fly to Maine to attend our nephew's college graduation. 

Last night, I received an email from the Nats, thanking me for my nomination of Peter and letting me know he won. Therefore, we needed to be present at the pre-game ceremonies this Saturday. At first, I wrote to thank the Nats, but explained we wouldn't be able to attend. However, since this is a once in a lifetime chance, I changed my mind and I encouraged Peter to rearrange our flights so he could attend. 

I asked the Nats representative how many people applied and how many will be acknowledged. She said 60 applied and four will be acknowledged on Saturday. Quite lovely I think! The Nats have been very accommodating. We will be there for the pre-game ceremony, but then running to catch a flight. All unsung heroes are given two free tickets that day to see the game. Because we will be running to the airport, they are willing to allow me to give our tickets to friends. 

I am so glad Peter will be acknowledged on Saturday, and also happy that Mattie Miracle's name will be announced to the whole stadium. Below is the submission I wrote to the Nats.............................

Peter lost his only child, Mattie, to bone cancer. Mattie was only 7 years old. In memory of Mattie, Peter created the Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation. To date the Foundation has helped over 25,000 children with cancer. Peter works tirelessly to bring awareness to the psychological and social issues that arise from childhood cancer. This year, he helped raise over $125,000, spread awareness to over 400 people, all while taking no salary from the Foundation. Peter experienced the worst nightmare faced by any parent, and yet honors his son’s life and memory by selflessly helping others impacted by this disease.    

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Tonight's picture was taken around Mother's Day of 2009. We were in the hospital and Mattie surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Under the tissue paper flowers was a red clay vase. Something Mattie had made himself in clinic. To this day, I still have the vase and the tissue paper flowers in our living room. 












Quote of the day: No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world. ~ Robin Williams

I am slowing digging out, and we have concluded that on the day of the Walk, we generated $7,986. Giving us a grand total of $117,536. However, a few more donations are still coming in and I think we will be up to $118,000 when it is all said and done. 

This afternoon, we took my parents to a wonderful lunch on the Potomac River, at Fiola Mare. It is one of my favorite restaurants in DC. After lunch, my mom and I went to Dumbarton Oaks. 

In 1920, after a long and careful search, Mildred and Robert Woods Bliss found their ideal country house and garden within Washington, DC. They purchased a fifty-three-acre property, described as an old-fashioned house standing in rather neglected grounds, at the highest point of Georgetown. Within a year, the Blisses hired landscape gardener Beatrix Farrand to design the garden.

Working in happy and close collaboration for almost thirty years, Mildred Bliss and Beatrix Farrand planned every garden detail, each terrace, bench, urn, and border. 

This orange butterfly was fluttering all around us!

To me Dumbarton Oaks is like entering a secret garden. You just don't expect all this beauty in the middle of Georgetown. 

Hues of purple filled the gardens. 

Fountains and water elements were also prevalent! 

Pathways take you from one terraced garden to the next. 

This is the pebble garden. Do you notice the chaff of wheat created by pebbles. Apparently the Bliss family motto was.... you sow what your reap and you reap what you sow!

My mom in front of the house, which is now a museum. 

The swimming pool for the property!

Me next to a wonderful gardenia bush! The gardens make you feel like you are stepping back in time. They are peaceful, beautiful, and a true escape from city life.