Mattie J.T. Stepanek
Matthew Joseph Thaddeus Stepanek, known as Mattie Stepanek, was an American poet, who had six books of poetry and one book of essays all reach The New York Times bestsellers list. He became a peace advocate and motivational speaker, and lobbied on Capitol Hill on behalf of peace, people with disabilities, and children with life-threatening conditions.
Stepanek suffered from a rare form of muscular dystrophy, dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy, that resulted in his death a month before his 14th birthday. His sister and two brothers also died from the disease during early childhood, and his mother, Jeni Stepanek, has the adult form, diagnosed only after all four of her children were born.
“Even though the future seems far away, it is actually beginning right now.”
Mattie J.T. Stepanek
“Keep all special thoughts and memories for lifetimes to come. Share these keepsakes with others to inspire hope and build from the past, which can bridge to the future.”
Mattie J.T. Stepanek
“Sad things happen. They do. But we don't need to live sad forever.”
Mattie J.T. Stepanek
“There can be many different views of what Heaven is like, because Heaven is whatever makes each person eternally and fully happy.”
Mattie J.T. Stepanek
“Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.”
Mattie J.T. Stepanek
“While we are living in the present, we must celebrate life every day, knowing that we are becoming history with every work, every action, every deed.”
Mattie J.T. Stepanek
“Do not breathe simply to exist.”
Mattie J.T. Stepanek
“...if you live feeling likeYour glass is half empty, well,It may as well be empty all the way.”
Mattie J.T. Stepanek
“How can we choose to continuePlaying this deadlyAnd impersonal game of loss?”
Mattie J.T. Stepanek