Mattie J.T. Stepanek: A Little Miracle

( http://www.oprah.com/spirit/What-Oprah-Knows-for- ())

A newborn baby was predestined to die from a hereditary disease. Close relatives believed he would follow in the footsteps of his three older siblings that all died as infants from this same disease. It was a miracle when he survived to the age of two with a disease later known as mitochondrial myopathy. Although many believed he would die at an early age, Mattie Stepanek proved them all wrong after becoming a poet, a speaker, and inspiration, and an activist for peace throughout his 13 year life span. Mattie Stepanek was born to Greg and Jennifer Smith Stepanek on July 17, 1990 in Maryland: "I am Mattie J.T. Stepanek./ My body has light skin,/ red blood, blue eyes, and blond hair./ [.] / When I grow up, I plan to become/ A father, a writer, a public speaker,/ And most of all, a peacemaker" (Stepanek, Mattie J.T). Stepanek started making poems when he was three. Since then, he has written seven New York Times Bestselling books, of which five are books of poetry. Regardless of his numerous trips to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Stepanek did not let his disease stop him from succeeding. He met his idols Jimmy Carter and Oprah Winfrey, and his first books were able to be published. Mattie Stepanek not only utilized his insightful thoughts to inspire others to treasure life; he also used his caring and selfless personality to help others around the world and in his community.

(http://www.mattieonline.com/?page_id=241 ())

Mattie Stepanek was full of thoughtful phrases that inspired others to live every moment of their lives. When talking about the mourning and grief after the September 11th attack, Stepanek emphasized that "'We should celebrate that we got through it together.' He adds, 'If you live in the darkness of the moment, you're not really living'" (Mattie Stepanek (Biography Today)). If the darkness overpowers our life, the light cannot shine through. A ray of sunlight leads us in the right direction and that is all that is needed to find a purpose in life. If one cannot find that ray of sunlight, he will not find a reason to live. Stepanek displayed deeper and more complex feelings that looked past the immediate situation; many adults did not possess these deep thoughts that Stepanek possessed. His thoughts have encouraged people to move forward with their lives and be thankful they are in this world. Stepanek believed everyone should not only continue living their lives until death, but to become better people by following their 'Heartsong': "Your heartsong is your inner beauty. It is the song in your heart that wants you to help make yourself a better person, and to help other people do the same. Everyone has one" (Mattie Stepanek (Biography Today)). One can achieve happiness through his/her Heartsong. By having a desire to become better, one's spirit can be uplifted. Stepanek believed everyone has the capacity to become a better person by saying, "everyone has one [Heartsong]." By saying everyone has a Heartsong, he inspired people to find their inner beauty and become better people. Through his thoughtful ideas, Stepanek has inspired many to be happy every moment of their lives through his thoughtful ideas.

(http://www.mattieonline.com/?page_id=1771 ())

Stepanek cared about problems throughout the world and became an advocate for peace. During his conversation with Jimmy Carter, Stepanek discussed problems around the world: "They talked for 15 minutes about how peace could be achieved in places like Bosnia and Africa" (Mattie Stepanek (Biography Today)). Although Stepanek was just twelve years old, he talked about world problems and not about the gifts he wanted for Christmas or what kind of toy car he owned. Stepanek cared about world peace and wanted to take action to make that possible. In his presentations, Stepanek talked about all sorts of issues: "He spoke about spirituality, disability, education, healthcare, and hospice, anchoring his presentations in his Heartsongs and a message of hope and peace"(Stepanek, Jennifer Smith). Stepanek not only cared about world problems, but also about more specific and personal problems such as healthcare and disability. Stepanek showed that every problem was important to him whether it was a country's problem or a community's problem. Mattie Stepanek cared about all people, which makes him a true hero.

(http://www.betterworldbooks.com/journey-through-he ())

Stepanek's selfless heart thought more about bigger situations than himself. Stepanek portrayed his selflessness when he was in a critical state: "He was once again in the intensive care unit when the war in Iraq began and Mattie burst into uncontrollable sobs of grief and anger. Jeni said he had never cried nearly so much about his own health or his own problems" (Eulogy for Mattie Stepanek). Although Mattie knew how serious his own condition was, he understood and cared more about the war in Iraq. When Stepanek cried in unbearable agony, we see how afflicted he was and the extent of his selfless heart. Stepanek was also willing to sacrifice his own belongings for others in need: "And Mattie said, 'If my books make a lot of money, we're going to get food that's brand new and make sure that poor people get the best food, even if we have to eat the old, outdated food in our house'"(Eulogy for Mattie Stepanek). Stepanek thought about the money made from his books, but not for himself. Instead, he wanted to make money to give not just decent, but the best food for people less fortunate than him. He could've used all the profits for himself, but he decided to give back and help others. Stepanek would always put others before himself, which demonstrates his selflessness.

Mattie Stepanek is a true hero to everyone rich and poor. He inspired them to become better people through his thoughtful and wise poems. He also cared for people around the world and prioritized others before himself. Mattie believed everyone should celebrate that they are alive and take the chance to follow their Heartsong and become better people. His new concept of Heartsongs had inspired many people around the world and had given them a new perspective of life. Stepanek's ability to worry about world problems, create insightful poems, and give back to the community while battling a deadly disease truly makes him a hero to look up to. Mattie Stepanek inspires everyone throughout the globe including me because of his passion for his life. He inspires me to be happy for every moment I'm living even when times get tough: "Life is a treasure. / People should enjoy it, / Even if digging/ To it, or/ Through it, / Is a challenge" (Stepanek, Mattie J.T.). He inspired us to have thankful hearts even when we don't have anything else. Mattie was grateful for his thirteen years of life, and in his honor, we should all be thankful for our own lives.