Mattie Stepanek - My Hero by summer1412
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Description
While watching a rerun of Oprah, I was introduced to Mattie Stepanek, who at the time was only ten years old and trying to bring awareness to muscular dystrophy.
But when I looked at this little boy on the screen, so small on the TV that he could fit in the palm of my hand, I didn't see a ten-year-old boy - even though I was but eleven myself.
In Mattie Stepanek, I saw a hero. I saw someone I looked up to. Even though he sat in a wheelchair, a tube protruding from his throat to help him breathe, I saw an ancient soul who loved life for the good things that it held.
As I sat with my teddy bear clutched in my arms, Mattie Stepanek began to talk about his book of poetry, which had so quickly turned from a thin book of his feelings and struggles to a bestseller. "A heartsong isn't a song that everyone can hear," he told Oprah. "It's the song that's in your heart."
And so, he opened his heart to the world and read two of his heartsongs. To my ears, there has never been a sweeter sound than his voice over the television set; to hear the truth that only a child's heart knows and something that, at the time, I had forgotten. By the time he was finished reading his poem, tears were streaming from my eyes and I had found a new reason to live and go on. And I had found my own heartsong to sing.
In June, Mattie passed away. There have been many people who say that he "lost his battle" with muscular dystrophy, but that is not so. He did what his spirit told him to: he brought awareness to his illness so perhaps one day others could be saved, and he inspired people everywhere. I cannot think of a better battle to have won.
Every word that I write is for Mattie Stepanek, my angel, my hero. He will live on not only in the hearts and minds of people all over the world - he will live on through the heartsongs that he so bravely sung.
Let us not mourn his death; let us celebrate his life, the life of a hero and peacemaker.
"Remember to go out and play after every storm."
Thank you, Mattie.
-Summer
Comments (23)
Axeye
Excellent and touching tribute... Wonderful image...
DM Online Now!
Very touching tribute .. wonderful!
seansan2
The speachlessnessness.....what to say.....what..to..say...I'll let the ranking speak for me Ranking - Excellant
i-popba
Wonderful work my friend..!! so cool.
The3dZone
very heartfelt,made me teary eyed :0)
msebonyluv
Wonderful dedication to such a young spirit. Although you didn't meet him in real life, he's smiling down on you for this!!
SoulSearcherr
I seen the show too..and sitting there the tears were running down my cheeks..and my heart was touched forever
Crimmy
Very good image and very good on the written word. Deep thoughts there, kid! Keep on going!
DreamersWish
I remember him too. He was a wonderful soul and he will live with us through if we chose to remember his life. I am sorry to hear he past away. This is a extremely lovely tribute to him in words and in image.
Bez
Such a beautiful tribute to a very special person. Well done Summer.. hugs :o)
Avalonne
I remember Mattie. I saw him several times on the Maury Povich show, and he was a beautiful soul indeed. He inspired love and admiration in everyone he touched. He will be missed. This is a beautiful dedication to him :-)
B_PEACOCK
Awesome image and tribute .The posing around th eframe is to cool .You get my vote not only for image but for the heart that you put into it.Sad the little guy is gone .He was a brave little soul
Fairelady
I saw him too,A friend of mine called me up the other day(she just had a baby)told me that he also touched her heart,she started speaking about her blessings,and how little things she took for granted,are no more insignificant.She has a finer taste for things in life,but now,as i was listening to her,she spoke of good health,shelter,the grin on her baby..a healthy baby at that.She went on sayin how she mourned over Mattie..and how he brought a new meaning for living...i believe she is changing within,a softer heart.I will share this with her,and thanks so much for the dedication.:)
prog
A beautiful image and dedication!!! Excellent work!!
iamkate101
He was an amazing little man that accomplished more in his short life time than many do in long years!! A very beautiful dedication and image!!
lwanmtr
Lovely work :)
visualgirl
A wonderful tribute an image. May he linger in our hearts and memories and not be forgotten.
Doodles
An excellent tribute. He was such a couragous little boy with wisdom beyond his years. He's inspired many the world over.
british_rob
nicely done hun...great tribute.
neowannabe2183
I needed to feel alive, thanx for the help, very touching. can say that boy is certainly much stronger now than he was ever.
boumboum34
THe image is just "ok"...but that caption....pretty awesome. That is very, very fine writing, about a true hero, who should get a lot more attention than he does. Powerful emotionalism there! I can see why you consider him a hero! :)
RnRWoman
An emotional tribute to what sounds like an inspirational person to many. May God watch over him in Heaven and May God help everyone to cope and heal. God Bless you all.
kellendor
There are no words I can add to yours...you created your image just as your words - beautifully and from the heart. I am deeply touched and silenced by them. I offer this moment of silence for Mattie, and for people like you, Summer, who care. Blessings, Shawn.