A new little star in Heaven: Mattie Stepanek

[pwyll]

Many years ago, I wrote on this very forum about a tremendously gifted little human being named Mattie Stepanek. As Stevie and Fleetwood Mac's words and music have meant so much to me and the rest of you, so did his, though his weren't set to music.

By now, I hope many of you have had the opportunity to experience Mattie and have been able to hear some of his poetry and talks of peace on CNN (Larry King), Oprah, Today Show,etc., etc.

Mattie was one of the most gifted poets and peacemakers I may ever know of, and his gift started showing at the age of 3! He has published several books of wonderful poetry over the past few years.

Mattie has been suffering from muscular dystrophy since birth.

Mattie died today at only 13 years of age. I am devestated.

He was an amazing young man with an unbelieveable outlook on life.

I am sure Stevie knows of this brilliant little star, now even brighter from above or as Mattie said "from Heaven...which is all around us."

I hope she will consider dedicating one song to Mattie before the tour is over. To me, they are so alike despite her longevity and his brief time in this world.

I will never forget what this young soul has impressed upon me.

God bless you Mattie.

~Bob

[Johnny Stew]

This really breaks my heart.

The first time I saw Mattie, was when he was on the Larry King Show.
I was really impressed with how bright & articulate he was at such a young age, and, even moreso, with how strong and optimistic he was despite his challenges. He immediately won my heart.

Another light extinguished way too soon... but he touched an untold amount of lives in his far too short time on this Earth, and he will not be forgotten....

http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20040622/i/r745867487.jpg

Mattie's books of poetry. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-url/index=books&field-author=Stepanek%2C%20Mattie%20J.%20T./104-2474138-1592710)

[MacMan]

ahhh... He was so cute and philisophical for such a young kid... I saw him for the first time on Oprah then on Larry King... and he WAS a bright little guy and I loved his "Heart Songs".

Rest in Peace Mattie... :angel:

[darklinensuit]

I'm not sure I really know who he is, but it sounds like he did a lot in a short time. Rest in peace. :angel:

- Jake

[GardenStateGirlie]

It breaks my heart to hear about this. He had beaten the odds so many times and was able to touch so many lives. He hung on for as long as he did for a reason as far as i'm concerned. I hope his memory lives on through his words and his wisdom. So young and yet so brilliant. May he rest in peace...

[strandinthewind]

They were showing him on Larry King. What an inspiration!!!! RIP.

[DrummerDeanna]

Wasn't he one of Jerry's kids? I think I remember his from Jerry's telethons that my mom and watch every year...and I remember a kid reading his poetry...is this the same one?

Either way....it's very heartbreaking...such an amazing young person...

[Merf]

I remember Mattie was a huge Harry Potter fan. When the HP kids were on Oprah a couple years ago to promote the 2nd film, Mattie was invited to the special advanced screening and sat in the audience during the interview, wearing HP glasses and a Gryffindor scarf. I remember how happy he was to be there, and how excited he was. Daniel Radcliffe (who plays Harry) gave him the wand that he used in the movie. It was a nice gesture.

He really touched a lot of people with his optimism and his talents. He will be missed. :angel:

[hayley]

I remember that Harry Potter show, too- the first thing I thought when I heard that he'd died was that I was happy he was probably able to see Azkaban!

[goldie]

I saw him on Larry King last night - they repeated an earlier show as a tribute. He is such an articulate kid!! I really enjoyed the show.