Friday, May 7, 2021

Friday, May 7, 2021

Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2003. That day I took Mattie to the Reston Zoo. He was about a year old. This photo is priceless because I had my eyes on Mattie and the goat standing up on his hind legs at the same time. While Mattie was clearly tracking a goat closer to his eye level. It was the perfect Zoo, small and hands on. Never any crowds and right up Mattie's alley, as he loved nature and animals. 

Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins.

• Number of people diagnosed with the virus: 32,640,373
• Number of people who died from the virus:580,776

It is Friday, and I am truly exhausted. I can't keep up the pace that I am at because running around looking at houses, commuting all over the place, and managing the admin for the Foundation Walk is a very bad combination for me. After conference calls this morning, I went back out to see three more houses. In one house the owner put up a tennis court in the backyard. Therefore the backyard wasn't green but all court! The pictures on line of the house were disingenuous because they did not feature the court. FOR GOOD REASON, BUT! I can officially say I hate house hunting. Or perhaps I hate it because of the climate under which I am buying the house..... meaning if the house is good, you have to move quickly, otherwise by an hour later it could be sold. The strategy my realtor had today was to see houses that have sat on the market for 60+ days! That certainly cuts down on the buyer competition, but there is a reason a house sits for days. 

For example I saw a house yesterday that I went back to in the evening with Peter. We were seriously considering this house, but then Peter looked at the survey plot of the land and noticed a gas pipeline through the backyard! NOW I know why the house has been sitting on the market! It had to be something, because inside the house is beautiful and pristine. Back at it again tomorrow!

Today's Walk thermometer...

$101,113!

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2002. Mattie was a month old and frankly even at that age he was very alert and just ON! I also think that as an infant, Mattie looked much more like Peter. Only when Mattie became a toddler, did things change, and at that point he looked exactly like me. 

Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins.

• Number of people diagnosed with the virus: 32,603,569
• Number of people who died from the virus: 580,054

Today was another LONG day! I met our realtor at 10:30am and I was running around with her until 3pm. At which point, then I drove to Mattie Miracle's mailbox in Arlington and got mail, did a couple of more chores, and then ran home to pick up Peter. At which point we continued house hunting at 4:30pm. I literally got home at 7pm. After a very full day, with no end in sight, I go back out tomorrow and Saturday with our realtor! Any one who tells me house hunting is fun is going to get a dissertation from me! 

I can tell you ALL the houses for sale in Great Falls and Oakton. With each house I look at, I am getting better at determining if it will meet our needs, as I am truly honing in on what will work for us and my parents. But this is physically, mentally, and emotionally draining. 

On the Walk front, I am happy to report that we have 49 states participating in our Walk! Mississippi we need you! If you know anyone in Mississippi, please encourage them to walk with us, donate, or purchase raffle tickets. 

https://2021.mmcfwalk.com/walk

This has NEVER happened to us in 12 years of hosting the Mattie Miracle Walk! As of today, 9 days before the Walk, we have already met goal! Usually we meet goal the day before the event. I am very thankful to see today's thermometer, because given the pandemic and having a virtual Walk two years in a row, I wasn't sure we could keep this fundraising model up and be successful! Our supporters have clearly spoken.

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Tonight's picture was taken on May 5, 2002. About a month after Mattie was born. That day, his cousins were visiting from Massachusetts. We all met up in Shirlington, VA to have ice cream outside. While there, the family bought Mattie this cute beanie bunny in the toy store. I loved Mattie's facial expression as he was trying to focus in on the bunny. 

Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins.

• Number of people diagnosed with the virus: 32,552,408
• Number of people who died from the virus: 579,225

Many of our Walk committee members are working on getting people to sign up for our event all over the country! Today I put out a request on Facebook, and we got three more states to sign on. We are three states away from having all 50 states represented. Truly a great achievement. 

Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Mississippi.... we need you!

Our Walk thermometer rose today to $97,778! A wonderful sight to see! 

It was another day of house hunting, between Walk work! I saw four more. I honestly can tell you every house on the market in Northern Virginia. The four I saw today were not great at all. So we go back at it tomorrow, Friday, and Saturday! House hunting has become like a part time job for me. I find it exhausting and this is even before I have to pack and move things for myself and then for my parents. 

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Tuesday, May 4, 2021 -- Mattie died 605 weeks ago today.

Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2004. That weekend we walked down to the National Mall and Mattie and I were standing by the reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. He was checking out the ducks. At this time of year, it is a common occurrence to see ducks and their ducklings. A sighting Mattie absolutely loved! Now Sunny and I walk the Mall on a daily basis, and whenever we pass the ducks and their little ones, I think of Mattie!

Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins. 

• Number of people diagnosed with the virus: 32,507,113
• Number of people who died from the virus: 578,319

I have to admit that this time of year, when we fundraise, is very stressful both on me as a person and as a Foundation leader. Last year and this year, the Walk has been virtual! I honestly do not know how I managed all that I am doing now, plus the actual logistics of having a live event. It truly is a lot to juggle. To give you some idea of what I am talking about, we received over 270 actual donations for the Walk so far. Each one of these needs to be processed and it is a big admin lift. Of course I make it much harder on myself, because I insist on emailing each donor individually and thanking them. Nonetheless, I believe this is important to do as our donors are the life blood of our organization! 

Here is today's update! We have 44 States participating in our event! 

Still need.....

Nebraska

Oklahoma

Arkansas

Mississippi

Kentucky and

Maine

We had a very productive fundraising day and our event thermometer now reads

$94,058. 

If I am not looking for a house, then for me it is all Walk, all the time! 

Monday, May 3, 2021

Monday, May 3, 2021

Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2004. Mattie was two years old and Peter snapped this photo of Mattie and me together. Mattie loved touching cheek to cheek or nose to nose! A classic Mattie moment caught on camera. 

Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins.

• Number of people diagnosed with the virus: 32,463,649
• Number of people who died from the virus: 577,464

Peter drove to Richmond at 6am today! He will be there for the next couple of days. Peter started a new job in November, yet never met his colleagues or boss face to face. Today was a first! I am so happy Peter got to interact live with people, as it is a different and better experience than a Zoom call. Peter described the meeting as first awkward. Not because of personality dynamics, but due to COVID. People were unsure how to interact, where to sit, etc!

For Peter this was the first time he really was in a group situation inside. Unlike myself! I have been interacting with people, hospitals, caregivers, airports, and airplanes all throughout COVID. That has its pluses and minuses, but since I skew anxious, this was actually helpful for me, because it forced me early on out of my comfort zone. Therefore, interacting safely became my norm. 

Our photo campaign is kicking off to a good start! I received a photo today of Mattie's buddy, Ellie, at Marin Headlands! 

Mattie Miracle's sunshine is shining over San Francisco. 

This is a photo of Kitty (my friend Margy's sister) at Disney World. Here's the story behind the visit to Florida! Kitty won Disney tickets from Mattie Miracle's raffle last year. So she took her husband, son, and grandson to Disney this week!

A photo of Dokken at the Prudential Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Dokken graduated from Mattie's school. 

As of today we have 42 states represented at our virtual walk. 

Today's thermometer reads $85,108! With 13 days until the Walk. 

Sunday, May 2, 2021

Sunday, May 2, 2021

Tonight's picture was taken in April of 2005. Mattie was three years old and received a WHOLE coconut in the mail from Peter's parents. They sent it to Mattie from Florida. That day, Peter and Mattie worked on our deck to open its very hard shell. It was quite a process, and a lot to be learned. So much so, that we took the show on the road to Mattie's preschool and kindergarten class. 

Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins. 

• Number of people diagnosed with the virus: 32,415,345
• Number of people who died from the virus: 577,007

So as a follow up to last night.... we did put an offer on a house at 11pm on Saturday. Our realtor called us today to let us know that the seller's realtor is vacationing in the MOUNTAINS and has spotty reception. Therefore, we may not hear back on a decision today! Who actually does this? If you are going to the mountains, wouldn't you ask a colleague to help you out so that you can have coverage for your clients? I know... stop being so logical! So we wait!

It is hard to believe by in two weeks, Mattie Miracle will be hosting its 12th annual walk. We are looking for people in the 13 states below to register, donate, or purchase raffle tickets. If you know anyone in any of these states, I would love it if you could pass along our event link! As our goal is to get to participation in all 50 states. 

13 states we are missing:

• Arkansas 
• Kansas 
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Mississippi  
• Nebraska 
• Nevada 
• North Dakota 
• Oklahoma 
• South Dakota 
• Tennessee 
• Wyoming 

 

As of today, our Walk thermometer reads

$81,598!

We have:

• 17 teams
• 150 people registered
• participation in 37 states
• $1,355 worth of raffle tickets sold

Saturday, May 1, 2021

Saturday, May 1, 2021

Tonight's picture was taken in March of 2003. Mattie was 11 months old and it was his first trip to Los Angeles! I had to attend a conference, so it was a family affair. That day we took Mattie to the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena. Clearly he loved the bamboo! I think this was a classic photo because it showed Mattie on Peter's back, which was his favorite mode of transportation and it showed his curiosity with the world around him. 

Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins. 

• Number of people diagnosed with the virus: 32,389,652
• Number of people who died from the virus: 576,719

For the past several weeks, I have been looking at houses twice or three times a week. Not for an hour at a time. Try 5-6 hours a day. Not to mention commuting around town to figure out where we wanted to live. Buying a house is stressful for anyone, but when you take into account that we are going through a housing shortage, with more buyers than sellers, the competition and stress are worse than ever. Literally on Friday I saw a house with our realtor that I wanted Peter to see today! Do you know by the time we took Peter to the appointment today, the house was under contract! It's that competitive. If a house is in good shape and in a good school district, it will sell within 7 days. 

This is my first time ever buying a house. I think I had some sort of romantic idea about how glorious the process would be! I thought I would instantaneously  know when I saw the house that I loved, and that I would get joy out of the whole adventure. I have received no joy and I have also concluded that what I am looking for doesn't exist. After seeing around 40 houses, I can speak with some confidence, and therefore have concluded that I have to be more rational in my decision. Our situation is complex because I am not looking for a house that would accommodate a traditional family of parents and children. Instead I need to find a house that works for my parents needs as well as our own. Not to mention that I want a yard for Sunny. Given some of my dad's needs, I have been looking for a house that has two half baths on the first floor, a staircase where I can attach a stair lift or a house with a first floor master bedroom! I have other must haves, but the bathrooms and accessibility demands have been problematic. 

Last week we put in an offer on a house in Oakton, VA. That was a nightmare of an experience! Not very pleasant as a first time buyer. I wrote the owner a beautiful letter about her house and we offered her $50k over her asking price. Do you know she sold the house to someone who offered her less than us? Why? She was being passive aggressive. She wanted us to give her $100k over her asking price. When we said no (because the house needed work), she sold it to the family who made a lower offer. A real peach!

Today we went looking at houses from 11am to 5pm. We took Peter back to a house in Great Falls, VA that I saw yesterday. To me the house could work for all of us and it has potential. Again, it too needs work! There are things about the house I don't love, but then there are things that are quite nice. Long story short as I am typing this, we are putting in an offer on this house. I wrote NO LETTER this time to the owner. So we shall see!

Friday, April 30, 2021

Friday, April 30, 2021

Tonight's picture was taken in April of 2006. Mattie was four years old and I took him to the Reston Zoo that day. To me this shows farmer Brown in all his glory. Mattie loved animals, being outside, and the adventure the combination brought into one's life. Typically I never let Mattie ride a horse without me being next to him, but he had graduated to that level, and we were celebrating that moment. 

Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins.

• Number of people diagnosed with the virus: 32,341,678
• Number of people who died from the virus: 575,876

Did you know that Indie loves her outdoor time? She is very nocturnal, and only goes on the deck at nighttime. Though Indie isn't as bright as our calico cat, Patches, she is smart enough to know NOT to leave our deck and travel into the commons area. 

Does this make you happy to look at? My friend Carolyn sent me this photo this morning. She bought it in honor of May 16th, the Mattie Miracle Walk. Carolyn and I have been working on our walk and raffle for 12 years now. Not only does she help us keep Mattie's memory alive, she is a friend we know we can count on to support us and the work that we do. My friend Margy loved to send messages by creating hashtags. So in true Margy fashion, I look at this sun and say #very grateful!

Newsflash..... we now have Walk participation in 37 states!

As of today, our Walk thermometer reads... $80,098! We are in our final countdown of 15 days until the Walk. 

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Tonight's picture was taken in April of 2007. Mattie was five years old. April was Mattie's birthday month, but it also is the start of spring. A time Mattie loved, because he enjoyed nature and being outside! That day, we were checking out our flower boxes, trying to determine when to begin planting. I am glad I decided to snap a photo of my two boys. 

Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins.

• Number of people diagnosed with the virus: 32,274,941
• Number of people who died from the virus: 574,978

I woke up today feeling queasy. A few minutes later a violent migraine came on. So it hasn't been a great day. In the midst of how I am feeling, I attended a tenants meeting today in my complex. The purpose of the meeting was for tenants to hear from the a few of the owners of the complex and their lawyer. Specifically because the owners are trying to apply for a new zoning designation for the property. Regardless of what happens, tenants will have to relocate for a significant period of time and perhaps return to the new complex in the future. Naturally tenants had many questions and I am not sure any of our questions were truly answered today. I have my own opinions but what truly troubled me was our neighborhood commissioners were at the meeting and unfortunately NONE of them are on the same page. One of them incensed me, a true politician. Never answered my question and wanted to lecture or talk over me. Sorry, that doesn't work with me. Therefore, an issue that should have been about the tenants, in my opinion became more political than it had to be. 

The highlight of my day was I received this photo from my friend, Carolyn. This is Carolyn's daughter, Ellie. Believe it or not, Ellie and Mattie went to preschool together. Ellie has been involved with the Foundation, and is a good fundraiser too, since she was in elementary school! 

Ellie is kicking off our photo campaign in San Francisco. She took our Mattie Miracle sunshine to the Giants game last night! 

Today's update! We have:

1. 35 States participating
2. We have raised $78,108
3. There are 17 walk teams
4. 138 people registered
5. Raffle has raised $930

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Tonight's picture was taken in April of 2008. Mattie came home from kindergarten that day and since it was such a lovely weather day, we went outside so he could fly his dragonfly kite. Mattie received this lovely kite as a birthday gift from a friend. Our commons area is the perfect place to fly a kite, based on the wind direction. I am so happy I captured this memory. 

Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins.

• Number of people diagnosed with the virus: 32,225,012
• Number of people who died from the virus: 574,280

My day started with talking to our research team! I am very happy that we are all on board to apply for government funding for a research project we wish to pursue regarding the implementation of the psychosocial standards of care. The rigor  and intensity of the study requires MONEY, money which would be impossible for me to raise. So now until the application goes in, we will have weekly conference calls. 

After that, I jumped into the car to meet Betsy, our realtor. How did I pick Betsy!? I met Betsy YEARS ago when Mattie was alive and healthy! Back then we were thinking of moving into the suburbs to get Mattie closer to friends and his school. So one day, we went to an open house. The realtor at the open house was Betsy. I liked her whole demeanor and professionalism and therefore started working with her at that point to look for a house. However, life got in the way, and we never bought a house. 

Given that our living arrangements maybe changing (as the owners of our complex are trying to rezone it for high use commercial, rather than high use residential) and I need space for my parents, we determined we need a house. So I literally sent Betsy an email in February. We reconnected and have been working together ever since. 

Last week, we put in an offer for a house. The offer was declined. That is an emotional roller coaster in and of itself. In addition, all the houses I saw today won't work for us. The problem is there is a housing shortage, in which more people want houses, then the number of houses going on the market to be sold. So literally if a house is decent, it gets snapped up within a week! 

Something about me today must have illustrated.... tired and stressed! So Betsy suggested we stop in Reston for lunch and to sit by the water. That was a great idea. Look at the beautiful view from the restaurant terrace. To me there is something magical about Reston. It is a well planned community, with parks, recreational centers, walking trails, shopping, and it isn't that far from Washington, DC. 

Betsy and I talked about all sorts of topics. We are both very familiar with loss and grief, so for us this is a very safe topic to discuss. But Betsy also asked me what it will be like moving from a home we have been in since 1994? It's a good question and one that is an emotional hot button for me. Which is probably why we never moved earlier. Many life milestones happened in this townhouse! Peter graduated with his MBA, I got my second master's and PhD, we had Mattie, we became parents, we had our first cat, Patches, together, and the list goes on! It is hard to leave behind a space Mattie grew up in, and it is even more daunting to think that our whole complex could be leveled completely and there would wipe out our 27 year history/memory here. Seems to me we have had enough wiped out of our lives, and I must admit I don't particularly like change.

It was an 80 degree weather day, and though I had work to do for the Walk, I am so glad I stopped and regrouped today. Sometimes you just have to slow down and take in the world around you. Especially when someone invites you to do this with them!