Mattie, My Hero
Mattie was a gentle soul, weak in body yet in spirit bold,
touching lives profoundly with his words of inspiration.
A mature mind, though a child, with a poet's heart of gold,
living life fully as a gift from God and celebration.
Despite an incurable disease, he had a zest for life,
sharing love and peace through poetry, speech and lyric.
While publically speaking, he demonstrated his courage through strife,
and chose to live with love and laughter; he was sick but not in spirit.
This pint-sized hero was brilliant, thoughtful and eloquent.,
He believed every person can make a difference in some way.
A seven-time, bestselling author, his words of peace were resonant,
His motto was think, speak, and live gently, his philosophy to play and pray.
He lived his short life in a wheelchair with a ventilator,
in and out of hospitals, unable to run and play like other children.
Yet he chose to be a participator in life not a spectator.
His "heart song" shined brightly on the outside from within.
He left this world to be with God before he turned fourteen-years-old.
I often wonder what my bright, young hero might have achieved.
If he had lived a few more years, what wisdom would he have told?
Mattie shared God's love on earth, and in mankind...he believed.
April 10, 2012
for Holding Out for a Hero Contest (Janette Fisher)
*Mattie Stepanek, July 17, 1990 - June 22, 2004
visit www.mattieonline.com for more information about
Mattie's inspirational life and poetry
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