Mattie Stepanik passed away

[dwbakerjr]

Mattie died last night. Probably doesnt mean a lot to most posters, but his volumes of Heartsongs and Journey through Heartsongs routinely helps me deal with my trivail daily problems.

With all the contention (and sometimes even anger) on these boards, I dont think many people who knew who Mattie was will have any ill feelings about how he used his 13 years in this veil we live in.

God speed, Mattie....

 

[Towncrier]

I heard that sad news on the Today Show this morning. Even though I wasn't familiar with Mattie's plight, I shed a tear at his passing. He was a remarkable young man.

 

[Deb in IA]

I heard the announcement on Good Morning America . . .

I'm sure Oprah will talk about him too . . .

 

[Dan Murphy]

I was not familiar with Mattie, but now I am, a remarkable young man, an inspiration, very sad.

Facing the Future

Every journey begins
With but a small step.
And every day is a chance
For a new, small step
In the right direction.
Just follow your Heartsong.

by Mattie Stepanek

<img width=450 src=http://www.mdausa.org/special/stepanek/mattiestepanek.jpg>

CNN News

Thanks, dwbakerjr, and yes, God speed, Mattie.

 

[gymnasticsmom68]

Who is Mattie Stepanik and what does this have to do with his death?

With all the contention (and sometimes even anger) on these boards, I dont think many people who knew who Mattie was will have any ill feelings about how he used his 13 years in this veil we live in.

 

[grinningghost]

I'm not familiar with him either, but when I heard the news I found it to be very sad. He was quite the young man.

 

[goofy4tink]

He was quite a young man. My 10 y/o dd will be saddened when I tell her. Her children's choir director gave each one of the kids one of Mattie's books a few years ago. She loves that book. She was/is so impressed by his accomplishments.

 

[mickey4ver]

Originally posted by gymnasticsmom68
Who is Mattie Stepanik and what does this have to do with his death?

http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20040623092409990005

 

[barbeml]

I am so sad today. I saw Mattie on Good Morning America when he met his hero, Jimmy Carter. He was such an inspiring young man--I have two of his books.

This morning the GMA folks were barely holding back the tears. His passing is a real loss.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

He means a lot to me , as my company published his poetry books in their mostr ecent run. From my brief experience with his family, I know he was an aboslute sweetheart and my heart goes out to him, and his family.

 

[olena]

 

[inaminute]

I hadn't heard about his passing until just now.

He was a very special young man who was wise beyond his years. He completely stole my heart on the first occasion I saw him on television. He was amazing.

Godspeed, Mattie. You will be missed.

 

[HauntedMansionGeek]

How one so young can be such an inspiration to so many is amazing.......

what a neat young man, wise beyond his years for sure.

Godspeed, Mattie.

 

[monarchsfan16]

He was an amazing kid. I saw this on the news this morning. Very sad. The whole story about him and his family is sad. He was such an inspiration.

 

[yourtravelpro]

What an unbelievable young man! He taught us all so much about life!

God's Speed Mattie!

 

[DisneyJules]

Annnnn, that's so sad to hear. Mattie was such an amazing kid. He appeared on the Oprah shows many times. Grown adults could learn a lot from him.

 

[nkjzmom]

Oh...what sad news. But he is home now without any of the troubles he knew here.

Prayers for his family.

 

[TerriP]

I have been shedding tears for Mattie today. He was such an amazing soul. So much wisdom in such a little body.

My prayers are with his mother. God Speed, Mattie.

 

[Poohbear123]

Prayers for his Family, he will be missed.......Faith

 

[RaySharpton]

Dear Mattie must surely have been an Angel here on earth.

"9-11-2001"

It was a dark day in America.

There was no amazing grace.

Freedom did not ring.

Tragedy attacked sky-high.

Fiery terror reigned.
Structures collapsed.

Red with blood, white with ash,
And out-of-the-sky blue.

As children trust elders,
Citizens find faith in leaders.

But they were all blinded,
Shocked by the blasts.

Undefiable outrage.

Undeniable outpouring
Of support, even prayer,
Or at least, moments of silence.

Church and State
Could not be separated.

A horrific blasting of events
With too few happy endings.

Can the children sleep
Safely in their beds tonight?

Can the citizens ever rest
Assured of national security again?

God, please, bless America…
And the rest of our earthly home.


Excerpted from the book Heartsongs by Mattie J.T. Stepanek Copyright © Sept. 2001, Mattie J.T. Stepanek. Published by VSP Books/Hyperion