Carter, Mourners Bury Beloved Young Poet

[Rose Siding]

WHEATON, Md. -- Former President Carter joined more than a thousand mourners at a funeral for a beloved child poet, remembering little Mattie Stepanek as "the most extraordinary person I have ever known."

Stepanek, whose inspirational verse made him a best-selling writer and a prominent voice for muscular dystrophy, died last week of a rare form of muscular dystrophy that had plagued him throughout his 13 years. He was buried Monday next to his three siblings, who died of the same disease, all at young ages.

Carter, who corresponded with Stepanek for three years, gave the eulogy.

"I have known kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers," Carter said. "But the most extraordinary person I have ever known in my life was Mattie Stepanek."

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-young-poet,0,4321255.story?coll=sns-ap-nationworld-headlines

Mattie touched my heart every time I saw him. Rest in peace, old soul.

[peacebuzzard]

1. ..gasp...I recall this little angel on a talk show one evening...

what a remarkable little flower. Le Petit Prince personified. Rest in peace, little one. President Carter's attributes are so astounding.

[Rose Siding]

2. ripples...

Some mourners never knew Stepanek but came anyway.

Roseanne Mangarella, a preschool teacher in Philadelphia, was given a copy of one of Stepanek's books and later used it in class.

"My heart was telling me I had to help come celebrate this," she said as she stood in line to enter the church.

I'm going to light a candle or something. This was an important person. Can't get him off my mind...

[Lindsey]

3. I was heart broken when I learned of his passing...

He has several books out that are incredible. What a wonderful spirit he was. Jimmy Carter was his idol and President Carter, being the truly wonderful human being that he is, completely befriended this young man. What a tribute to have him give the eulogy. Last week at work we were all in tears upong hearing of young Mattie's passing. I'm glad I believe in an afterlife so in my heart I feel he's at peace and his illness no longer afflicts him.

[colorado_ufo]

4. Please offer a prayer -

All DU members who adher to a religious faith. Please pray not only for this amazing child, but for his siblings who passed before him, and for his extraordinary mother, who has had to sustain a burden that few of us could comprehend: to have carried and given birth to four babies, nursed them through a terrible illness, then watched each one die - all while dealing with the other problems of life, especially financial, and her own health issues.

God granted this mother a child to love who always had one foot in Heaven. May she find hope and peace that someday they will all be reunited.

[TNOE]

5. Mattie was an Angel from Heaven

such wisdom and beauty from such a small boy. I am so saddened by his death and in awe of his mother. He was truly a messenger sent to give us his wisdom of Peace, and gone much too soon. Carry on Matt and thank you.

[VolcanoJen]

6. Mattie was a Messenger of Peace

Rest in peace, old soul, indeed.

And thank you for inspiring me, and millions of others.

[heidiho]

7. He had asked to meet Jimmy Carter because he said Carter was

a peacemaker. Their friendship over the last few years has been just a wonderful event to watch. Mattie also wanted to become a peacemaker like Carter.

Wonder how many young people would like to grow up and be George W. Bush, a warmonger???

Just goes to show you that Jimmy Carter, the much-maligned ex-pres,
has made such an impact on the world through his efforts for peace and justice.

Goodbye young Mattie, You were a wonderful person and an inspiration to everyone who saw you battle your illness with such dignity and bravery. The world will miss you, little peacemaker.

Please pray for this world from your place in heaven.

[checks-n-balances]

8. "On the casket was a bumper sticker: 'Be a peacemaker.'"

Quote from the article (thanks for posting it).

I hope someone will make a video to download or purchase with footage of Mattie's wisdom. I know he had several interviews on Larry King that I saw bits of. I'm going to try to find at least one of his books.

He was a role model for anyone of any age, and his obvious passion was working for peace. The article also states:

Carter said he was impressed with Stepanek's knowledge of international affairs, recalling how the boy was moved to tears by the war in Iraq because he thought world leaders had not tried hard enough for peace.

I don't know whatever happened to his father, but it's also heartbreaking that his mother, who has a slower form of what killed him, has now lost her fourth and last child to this disease. I can't imagine. Prayers for all, especially her, and even for our society who has lost a courageous young prophet.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God" - Matthew 5:9

[Piperay]

15. I think the father

took off and left the family as often is the case when there is illness. :-( I could be wrong but it seems like that is what I heard.

[Tansy_Gold]

17. The bumper sticker was also on his wheelchair, IIRC

C-SPAN Book TV reran a summer 2001 interview with Mattie and his mom and the woman who published his books this past week-end.

Certainly Mattie would be an inspirational subject for a documentary. He was such an upbeat and bright little guy, so smart and full of life. We could all of us learn a great deal from him.

[jus_the_facts]

9. RIP Mattie......

....your soul shined as bright as the sun itself...for the very short time you were allowed to be with us...may the enlightenment you gave so many live forever in our hearts and minds. :cry: :loveya:

[JI7]

10. he was a really good person

very impressive. he had no hate in him. only love and compassion.

[Parche]

11. Mattie

I remember I was at home, unemployed 2 and a half years ago
watching the Oprah show, and he was on, he was the most inspiring
touching and emotional person I have ever seen, Many tears ran
down my eyes watching.
I just emailed Oprah on my thoughts
He truly was an inspirational person
He had heart and wisdom beyond his years
He is now with GOD in peace and not affected by his disease on Earth
I wish everyone could have heard him and learned from him
This world needs more of people like Mattie.

He is now in Heaven
Where the next chapter is better then the one before

[juajen]

12. What a special, precious child

I will miss knowing he's with us. RIP, little, sick one, now without pain.

[Gloria]

13. I cried when I learned he had died, and I'm crying again reading about

his final journey.

If it's this difficult to let go of this wonderful soul, can you imagine what his mother is feeling? I hope she can carry on with his wonderful legacy...

Peace, Mattie

[Piperay]

14. R-I-P Sweet Mattie

Heaven has another angel O8) but our World is a darker place without the light of Mattie. :cry:

[Tellurian]

16. What a wonderful, special, child...

My heart feels good to know, Pres Carter took time out of his life to honor this little boy full of goodness and light. He made the world a better place while he lived, he is truly an angel.