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| Just Peace |
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Reflections
of a
Peacemaker |
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| Heartsongs |
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Journey
Through
Heartsongs |
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Hope
Through
Heartsongs |
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Celebrate
Through
Heartsongs |
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Loving
Through
Heartsongs
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Music
Through
Heartsongs |
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UPDATED: October , 2008
Thank you to all the people who continue to visit Mattie's Website, and to all who keep his message of hope and peace alive in the world for him. Mattie died on June 22, 2004, just three weeks before his fourteenth birthday. But he left us the gift of his Heartsongs, which are his legacy, and our comfort and inspiration.
Thousands of people have sent emails and letters since Mattie's death, filled with prayers and support, and stories of how Mattie touched the lives of people around the world. Mattie's message reached individuals of all ages, races, nationalities, faiths, abilities, and aspirations.
Mattie truly was the ambassador of humanity he tried to be during his lifetime. In Mattie's honor and memory, his mom will be updating this website every month or so, to keep people informed of events and news items related to Mattie, his message, and his mission.
Join "Mattie's Peace Network" - We are creating a network of teachers, students, parents, community leaders, and more... In the coming months, we will be able to send you information about what Mattie's Foundation is doing to spread a message of hope and peace, and also information about what other people are doing in their communities. This network will strengthen and publicize all the good work we are doing as individuals and smaller groups. More information coming soon!!! You can sign up online, or, if you prefer, click here to download the sign up flyer, then email your interest and information to us. Thank you!
Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park Dedication
Hundreds of people gathered for the dedication of the Mattie J. T. Stepanek park in Rockville, Maryland on Saturday, October 21.
Nearly 1,000 people attended the event over the course of the day.
Oprah Winfrey also made a suprise appearance, stating "I'm here because I loved my guy Mattie."
Oprah admiring bronze statue of Mattie and his service dog, Micah
(Photo by Ed Tenney)
Jeni Stepanek & service dog Micah, with Mattie's Statue.
(Photo by Ben Quinto)
During the dedication event, the Peace Garden with Mattie’s statue was unveiled and the new ‘Bank Shot’ courts were opened. In addition, visitors found benches and plaques with quotes from Mattie’s books and speeches, and inscribed bricks with messages from supporters.
Engraved bricks in Mattie's Peace Garden.
(Photo by Jeni Stepanek)
When completed, Mattie’s Park will also include lighted football fields, a softball field, picnic pavilion, concession stand, restrooms, and more.
Dedication events were hosted by the City of Rockville, MD, by the Mattie J.T. Stepanek King Farm Foundation, and by the King Farm Citizens Assembly
The Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park is a 26+ acre recreational facility. Currently, the park includes an accessible playground, basket ball and tennis courts, walking and jogging paths, green space, and a dog park. Mattie’s Park is located in Rockville, MD at the intersection of Gaither Road and Piccard Drive (just off of I-270 Exit 8: Shady Grove Road)
View more photos from the Dedication
Additional news stories on the Park Dedication:
Oprah.com: A Tribute to Mattie J.T. Stepanek
Oprah.com: Remembering Mattie (plus photos of park dedication)
ABC News
Fox News 5
Gazette
Gazette Video of Park Dedication
If you are interested in sponsoring a brick in Mattie's Peace Garden, or other sponsorship opportunities, please visit the sponsorship page. You can also Join Mattie's Peace Network
For more information E-mail: heartsongbooks@aol.com
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 FOR OUR WORLD
We need to stop.
Just stop.
Stop for a moment.
Before
anybody
Says or does anything
That may hurt anyone else.
We need to be
silent.
Just silent.
Silent for a moment.
Before we forever lose
The blessing of songs
That grow in our hearts.
We need to notice.
Just notice.
Notice for a moment.
Before the future slips away
Into ashes and dust of humility.
Stop, be silent, and notice.
In so many ways, we are the same.
Our differences are unique treasures.
We have, we are, a mosaic of gifts
To nurture, to offer, to accept.
We need to be.
Just be.
Be for a moment.
Kind and gentle, innocent and trusting,
Like children and lambs,
Never judging or vengeful
Like the judging and vengeful.
And now, let us pray,
Differently, yet together,
Before there is no earth, no life,
No chance for peace.
September 11, 2001
© Matthew Joseph Thaddeus Stepanek
Used with permission from Hope Through Heartsongs, Hyperion, 2002
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