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Mattie's Friends Share
Their Thoughts
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Comments
MDA received via e-mail -
My Heart is Sad. I know I should be glad that Mattie is in heaven with the
angels, but he was gone much too soon for many of us who were so inspired with
his courage, his insight and his love.
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A poem I wrote
In Loving Memory of Mattie Stepanek
The Hope of One Boy
If we could all have the hope of one boy,
his love for life and share his same joy.
If we could obtain his desire to persevere,
and lay aside all our doubt and fear.
If we could learn his ability to inspire,
amidst those times that seem dire.
If we could take time to stop and write,
or find the words of a young poet to recite.
Maybe we could get all the fighting to cease,
and focus on his dream of world peace.
Just think of the life we could enjoy,
If we could all have the hope of one boy.
Jeremy J. Lile/ 2004
18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach the
gospel to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim
liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty
those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.
Luke 4:18-19
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My husband died May 31, 2003, from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). During
his illness a friend of ours who helped me care for my husband the last year of
his life gave as a gift to my husband several of Mattie's books. She used to
read his poetry to him because there wasn't much he could do in an almost
completely paralyzed state without the ability to speak. Mattie's poetry
brought inspiration and hope to all of us at a time we were jaded by loss.
I am very sad today hearing of Mattie's death and I am praying his spirit finds
my husband in heaven. I will go to sleep tonight after I read a few poems from
his book and will remember his thoughts and what he represented always.
Johnna
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Mattie had the best attitude and best sprit of any human being I have ever seen.
His outlook on life was so great. Mattie exemplifies the true meaning of a
Champion. He is not a Champion because of materialistic achievements but life
achievements. Mattie always inspired me to do the best that I could and to
always have a positive attitude about anything and everything that happened in
life. I will be forever grateful that I got the chance to see Mattie work his
magic through the television programs that he was featured on. Mattie's life
and message will continue to remembered for many, many years to come. He will
be greatly missed.
With Love,
Jason, age 19,
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Kokomo, Ind.
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Our household is so saddened to learn of Mattie's death. Yet we know these last
few months have been particularly difficult. Our heartsongs now go out to Jeni
and to everyone else, esp. the worldwide MDA family, who has loved Mattie as we
have.
In our home, Mattie was "The Man" - the MattieMan. He was also "the other
Mahatma," another truly "great soul." He leaves such a remarkable legacy - of
strength and encouragement; of peace, which was always his first wish; and of
grace. How many people well beyond Mattie's years face life (let alone what he
faced) as gracefully, or as graciously, as he did?
We give thanks for Mattie, for the words and wisdom - for the inspired and
inspiring witness - he has left.
Grace and peace, MattieMan....
N. B.,
Father of Luke, MDA Goodwill Ambassador for South Carolina
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To Mattie's Family:
Mattie was an inspiration to me and my family. What a beautiful boy! He was
God's gift to mankind. He gave my family strength to deal with this dreadful
disease that has hit our family. My nephew, Joshua, is 13 and was diagnosed
with Becker muscular dystrophy a few years ago. It is very hard watching
someone you love get weaker with each passing day. But Mattie really lifted our
spirits and was a joy to listen to and read his poetry.
God Bless Mattie!
Kathleen
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I am so sorry for your loss; it is never easy to hear a child has passed on. I
can only say that my duaghter Nicole (Complex 1 def.) has the same spirit Matte
had. She is doing so well it scares me sometimes. But I know now that he is
watching over all children that suffer with this disease and I know he will
make sure they all live life to the fullest. Every day is a gift, and even
though it pains us as parents, we prevail from the strength our children give
us because they show such amazing courage and strength themselves.
God Bless you
Diana,
Mother to Nicole Kelli (just turned 4), mito complex 1
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Mattie touched everyone's heart and was an inspiration to everyone. His very
positive attitude and will to never give up hope caught my attention
immediately. My thoughts and prayers are with his mom. Mattie will be greatly
missed.
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On behalf of the Pueri Cantores (Singing Boys) we will always keep Mattie's
spirit alive in our hearts. By unanimous approval of all the boys in the choir,
Mattie was made an official member of the Pueri Cantores at the time we
performed our benefit concert for the MDA in June 2003. We arranged for him to
receive our official Pueri Cantores shirt, which was embroidered with his name,
as well as a music portfolio of all the boys in the Pueri with personal notes
of encouragement written by the boys to Mattie. Mattie was truly the
inspiration for every boy in the Pueri Cantores. Our hearts are heavier today
because we have lost one of our own. May his soul through the mercy of God,
rest in peace. May he watch over all the Pueri and all children as a one of
God's Guardian Angels.
Warm regards,
Michael,
Director, Pueri Cantores
Genesee Valley Choral Company,
Grand Blanc, Mich.
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One day as I was watching TV I came across a program about Mattie Stepanek. How
in awe I was as I listened to his inspirational words about others, the world,
and even his health. Mattie was able to bring hope to all those who are aching
or are chronically ill. Laughter was a part of Mattie's daily routine. He was
not angry at the world - he adored it. He was thankful to God for providing him
with all of his gifts - family, friends, his poetry. Mattie was truly a gifted
young boy. Tears of sadness and wonder and happiness poured down my face as I
absorbed Mattie's stories concerning his experiences, his condition, his
friends and family, his poems, his life. Although he was only 13 years old, he
had one of the fullest and most loving lives I have ever seen of a child.
Mattie brought a feeling of comfort to my heart and mind, as well as to my
grandmother's. When she became ill (cancer), I brought to her one of Mattie's
books of poetry. She read them from cover to cover and said they were so nice;
she really enjoyed them. It was wonderful to see a smile on her face.
Millions of people knew Mattie through the MDA and through his books, so he
touched many, many lives of those who are ill, are healthy, are young or old.
However, I will forever remember that show I saw and the feeling of comfort he
gave through his poems, and I wanted to express just how much he did for me,
for my grandmothe, for my heart. Mattie will give joyous memories to all that
heard him and knew him. I wish I could have met him.
My heart and prayers go out to his mother, for she certainly is a strong woman.
Through their struggles, she and Mattie shared a bond that is truly a very
special one. Mattie would want her to smile and to know that he will help her
through her days and nights, never leaving her side.
Thank you for providing the e-mail option to express my feelings about Mattie
Stepanek.
Thank you, Mattie, for your courage, laughter, poems and amazing - so amazing -
love for life and people.
Kelly
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| Everybody loves to meet Ray Romano, star of
"Everybody Loves Raymond," and Mattie was no exception. |
When I heard about Mattie's sudden passing, I could not help but cry. I cried
for Mattie 'cause he is now gone, but I also cried for his mother because now
she is "alone" without him...probably her reason to live. However, Mattie is in
a safe place now...his brothers and sister greeted him at heaven's gate, took
his hand, and I'm sure before running off to play with them, he looked back and
told his mom, "It's ok mom, I'm ok now, I'm in a better and safe place...."
Thank you, Mattie, for lighting the flame to tell the world about muscular
dystrophy, opening doors and raising money for all the children and adults who
are affected with this terrible disease. But your beautiful smile, your sweet
voice will be heard....now you are with the greatest Champions of all.
Dee n' Tim
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Mattie was an inspiration, and my heart is heavy with his loss. God Bless you
Mattie! And God Bless you Jeni and Micah. Mattie will be missed.
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I saw Mattie on "Larry King" last night. I have never seen or known someone as
brave as he. What a loss to all of us. As I listened to Mattie talk I realized
that I need to change my ways of thinking and living. I have so much to be
thankful for and yet I do complain about my life. Mattie has made me realize
that my life is great. I liked what he said about making peace a habit and an
attitude. I am gonna do my best to keep these words in my heart. I know Mattie
is in heaven looking down on all of us. My prayers are with his Mom. I know
this is a difficult time for her. God Bless you.
Teresa
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IAFF General President Harold
Schaitberger and Mattie Stepanek
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I watched Mattie whenever he came on "Larry King." I have always been a big
supporter of MDA and I have watched the telethon from start to finish since I
was about eight years old.
Mattie was a unique person. He was an extraordinary child. I would watch his
interviews with awe. Children do not speak that way. Most adults do not speak
that way.
For a child who was suffering with such a terrible disease. Mattie could have
been angry and bitter. Mattie instead was brave and cheerful. He lived every
day of his short life to the fullest.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his mother and his family. I know that if
there is a place in heaven, Mattie is there with his brothers and sisters.
Mattie and his siblings are no longer in wheelchairs. They are running and
playing free. Next time there is a gentle breeze...that is Mattie walking
through heaven.
Sincerely,
M.K.B.
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Hi,
My name is Philippe and I am writting from Lebanon. I heard the terrible news of
Mattie's death and I would like to express my sympathy to all his parents and
friends. I hope this message will reach them for I could not reach Mattie's
e-mail. For as far as I am concerned, Mattie had a rare disease because he was
indeed a rare person. I do not have any doubt that he must have put so many
changes to the life of the ones who had the chance to meet him. I watched him
once on the "Larry King" programme and I will always remember him as the child
who taught me that people don't have to be alike in order to respect and love
each other but that it would be so much more interesting if we can love others
through and because of our differences. I hope Mattie is known in the world of
love where he belongs.
May God rest his soul and bless the family who raised him,
Philippe
P.S.: Please make sure that this message reaches Mattie's family.
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Dear Mattie:
I wrote to you some time ago, but you must have been too ill to answer. Now that
you are with God, I know you must have my message. My prayers are with you,
your siblings, your Mom and Micah, whom I know loved you very much. Be happy!
Most of all, be well! You are loved all over this world and now you are free.
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What more can one say than, "Amen, Mattie, Amen."
Rev. Ron
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Dear Jeni:
We first saw Mattie on the Oprah Winfrey show, and became his fans right away.
We have his book "Heartsongs", and watched him on the MDA Telethon. He was
quite special and lovable, and inspired us with his great courage. And although
we never met him, we are honored to have known of him. Thank you for giving
Mattie to the world, and for the wonderful memories that we will have of him.
Take care of yourself and take heart .
Your angel Mattie is watching over you now from up in heaven.
God Bless You,
Peg and Mary,
Syracuse, N.Y.
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Dear Jenni,
Our heartfelt sympathies on Mattie's passing. We were very touched by your
amazing son. You must know that people around the world wish you well.
Eileen and David,
Ottawa Canada
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My name is Franklin, and I am a professional firefighter in Silverdale, Wash. I
never had the privilege of meeting a truly remarkable individual, Mattie J.T.
Stepanek; but what I did get will be a gift that I will treasure. Forever!
Mattie, you had an opportunity to show me that life is too precious a gift to
be wasted on the trivial comings of our days. It was after reading about you
that I became involved with the MDA. Recent family obligations have not allowed
me to participate to the level that I desire, but I am able to share your
stories with my wife and two children.
You have given so many people so much to be thankful for. You are a remarkable
figure that will be remembered and spoken about for years to come. Mattie, rest
quietly and keep your eye watchful upon us. We will continue the fight, and we
WILL find a cure!
With Sincere Heartfelt Warmth,
Franklin,
Professional Firefighter, IAFF, Local 2819
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