|
|
 2001:
Mattie Stepanek is only 11 but if we
all shared his vision, if we all had his wisdom, the world most
likely would be at peace.
Mattie and his
mother, Jeni, suffer from a rare hereditary form of muscular
dystrophy that has claimed his brothers and sister. One would
think that Mattie's burden would be much too heavy for anyone,
let alone for a boy of his tender age.
Not for Mattie! He carries it with joy, courage, determination,
and a wisdom far beyond his years.
He has been writing
poetry since he was 3 and his latest book, Heart-Songs,
a collection of poems and drawings, is  a true inspiration.
As we read, we
learn that he doesn't look at the world in terms of color, race,
religion, gender. Neither has he allowed his difficulties to
poison his mind, to warp his understanding of love, courage,
justice, goodness, and the right way to go about solving seemingly
insurmountable problems.
The comment above,
that color, race, religion, and gender have no place in Mattie's
philosophy, needs some modifications. On the contrary, COLORS
are a very important part of his view of life, but never in a
divisive or negative way. The subject is touched on or is the
central theme of some of his poems, such as, The Gift of Color.
He writes about God's Rainbow in an appreciative way, as he marvels
at nature's splendor and gives thanks for the beauty God has
created. As to RELIGION, some of his words would be very much
at home in any House of Worship. Regarding the last two, RACE
and GENDER, as he melds nature with the spiritual and expresses
his appreciation of LIFE in all its forms, one understands that
he sees all people as being members of one family, humankind,
regardless of superficial differences - "one with the earth."
We highly recommend
Heart-Songs. Get it here or get it at your local bookstore,
but get it for yourself and your family. Not only is his tiny
book a source of inspiration, so is his life.
 Heart-Songs
|
|
On
Growing Up
We are growing
up
We are many colors
of skin
We are many languages
We are many ages and
sizes.
We are many countries...
But we are one with the earth.
We each have one heart.
We each have one life
We are growing up,
together,
So we must live as
one family.
by Mattie Stepanek |
MDA - Ways to
Help
|
In
Mattie's Own Words (at age 8) |
I am Mattie J.T. Stepanek.
My body has light skin,
Red blood, blue eyes, and blond hair.
Since I have mitochondrial myopathy,
I even have a trach, a ventilator, and oxygen.
Very poetic, I am, and very smart, too.
I am always brainstorming ideas and stories.
I am a survivor, but some day, I will see
My two brothers and one sister in Heaven. |
|
When I grow up, I plan to
become
A daddy, a writer, a public speaker,
And most of all, a peacemaker.
Whoever I am, and whatever happens,
I will always love my body and mind,
Even if it has different abilities
Than other peoples' bodies and minds.
I will always be happy, because
I will always be me. |
Dear
Mr. Bush
You said
we are caught between terrorism and hopelessness.
You said we cannot find peace in this situation.
I caught your words, but I cannot agree with the conclusion.
Clearly, we cannot perpetuate terrorism,
But perhaps, if we choose to accept hopelessness with a catch,
We will find peace in all situations.
Hope, or lack of hope, is an attitude.
And an attitude is a choice.
In this great country, we do have a choice.
And so, in conclusion, we cannot get caught with a bad attitude,
Or we are not choosing peace.
Mattie
J.T. Stepanek
June 2002 |
There are many Mattie's in this
world. They come in all colors, religions, races, and ages.
God bless them all and may
they lead the way. Mattie, the
world will miss you and your goodness.
|
Mattie has left us. In his own words, he has
gone to join his "two brothers and one sister in Heaven."
Mattie (Matthew J.T. Stepanek) passed away on June 22, 2004.
We mourn the loss of that beautiful 13-year-old who would have
turned 14 on July 17. His presence made this world a better place
by proving that the goodness mankind dreams of is attainable,
that it's possible to transcend earthly bonds and be more like
spiritual beings - embodiments of light and love. He was a brave
little boy, angelic in nature, loaned to us for a very short
time to give us hope and glimpses, through his messages of peace
and love, of what could be. He believed in "harmony and
love, peace and harmony." Thank you, Mattie, for the wisdom
you brought our way. We offer our condolences and pray for his
family, especially his mother, Jeni Stepanek. May she find comfort
in knowing that her child was very special, an earthly angel
who has now joined the heavenly angels above serving God.
