Last week my son Matthew made me very proud. He often does. Last week was special though.
He wasn’t the only one either. Family, friends, aquaintences and strangers even; all helped Mattie to make me proud.
Last week was the Worlds Greatest Shave. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s a fundraiser for leukaemia, for research to find a cure. To participate, fundraisers make a promise to either colour or shave their hair.
Mattie had his shaven. It was long. Not long as in down his back. Long as in outwards… Afro long.
Now, we as a family haven’t been affected by leukaemia but we sure know about cancer. Linda, my gorgeous and ever caring wife has lost family to cancer. All too young.
Mattie didn’t really know these family, he was young, a baby when they passed. He does realise the pain that cancer can cause though. He feels it through Linda and her loss. He feels it when she talks about it.
That’s why he wanted to do something to help. Again. He’s done this once before in primary school. It was his idea to do it again. He made me proud.
He raised over $1400 for research and that’s where everyone else made me proud. Proud to have family, friends, associates and aquaintences, people I don’t even know, that all contributed to Mattie reaching his $1000 target and exceed it.
With all the bad news, every day – on TV, in the paper, radio and gossip – how lucky to be surrounded by so many generous people willing to donate something to help him reach his target.
Every time a donation came in, Linda will confirm that my constant response was, “That’s too much, they shouldn’t be doing that.”
How lucky to be surrounded by so many people that care enough to help and to give. Whether it was help for Mattie to reach his target or help to find a cure for cancer, thank you.
Things may seem all bad in the world sometimes but I know that in my little corner, I am surrounded by beautiful people. Family, friends, associates and aquaintences, people I don’t even know, people that make me proud.
Well done Mattie.
The “before shot” and just about to begin with the No. 2 shave.
Much to the amusement of Mattie’s great mates!
Hmm, should we leave it like this?
Now that is one serious “mullet”
Almost done… Not sure if it’s pain or enjoyment he’s feeling at this stage of the haircut.
Well done Mattie! And if you ask me, it looks a lot better too.
One of my very best friends from high school has cancer and Leukaemia. Every year we do our bit to try and help in some way. I am so proud of Mattie even though I don’t know him. In a time where kids are more preoccupied with what they want/have to have its so nice to see a young man think of others. I am sure you and Linda are so incredibly proud.
Thanks for your comment Lisa – it was people just like you and Rob that helped Mattie reach his target that made me so proud.
I hope your friend from school is doing ok and the money raised last weeks goes someway to helping people with the horrible disease.
No worries at all.. Our absolute pleasure!
She’s doing ok. Her numbers are quite good at the moment and this was the first birthday for her in 5 yrs that she was off chemo, so no doubt we made a big deal of it for her 🙂
Great to hear Lisa!
A fabulous effort Matt. Andrew and Linda you should be so very proud.
Thanks Heidi – we sure are 🙂
Beautifully said Andrew … And well done Mattie ????
Thanks Naomi 🙂