A True Hero of Our Times
Mattie Stepanek touched the hearts of thousands with a little 48-page poetry book called Heartsongs. His motto: "Think gently, speak gently, live gently."
His optimism and hope shone through 13 years of great suffering and brought hope and inspiration to many in similar situations. He put to shame many people like me who lead far comfortable and easy lives yet still complain and groan incessantly!
Despite being wheelchair-bound, needing a tube inserted into his throat for breathing and being in and out of the hospital frequently, Mattie never despaired, never lost hope, and never lost his sense of humour. His faith in God was strong - he knew he had a mission on this earth and he spent his time living for God and others.
Mattie died at the tender age of 13 in 2004, after battling a crippling and painful disease called dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy (DMM). He is indeed, a true hero of our times.
His optimism and hope shone through 13 years of great suffering and brought hope and inspiration to many in similar situations. He put to shame many people like me who lead far comfortable and easy lives yet still complain and groan incessantly!
Despite being wheelchair-bound, needing a tube inserted into his throat for breathing and being in and out of the hospital frequently, Mattie never despaired, never lost hope, and never lost his sense of humour. His faith in God was strong - he knew he had a mission on this earth and he spent his time living for God and others.
Mattie died at the tender age of 13 in 2004, after battling a crippling and painful disease called dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy (DMM). He is indeed, a true hero of our times.
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