By: Tami Muto
Today I celebrate my 35th Mother’s Day with Ryan (even longer with his brothers). Somehow this one feels a little different. Filled with more hope and possibilities.
We were at the first parent meeting discussing Matthias Academy opening in the future. We left that meeting feeling encouraged, excited and hopeful. With the love and support of friends and family, Ryan reached his Pioneer status quickly. He was the #3 Pioneer, but we knew there was still much work to be done. And yet, Ryan was there just a short time later when the door to Matthias Academy opened in September 2020.
Our lives – especially Ryans – have shined brighter since that first day. We are incredibly grateful to be part of the Matthias family. Seeing the impact Matthias has had on so many is truly remarkable. The staff shows up everyday to serve these extra ordinary adults with so much love, compassion and passion!
I just opened my Mother’s Day gift – anyone who knows me, knows I am especially fond of flowers. Any kind, in any way. The towel with flowers painted by my son made me smile…..the picture of Ryan painting - melted my heart! Standing and painting!! Not slumped over in his wheelchair, isolated – but in a room with his peers and caring helpers actively participating. That -what he is able to do at Matthias Academy is the real gift. Seeing what Matthias Academy has done for Ryan and so many other is more that amazing – it is life changing!
Dream by dream, Matthias Academy became a reality. Student by student the reality soon showed, we need to be bigger so we can serve more and grow every day. Now, brick by brick we will build the path for more opportunities and then continue brick by brick or whatever it takes to complete this campus to include all we need. Together with family, friends, community and other contributors we can make a difference for these much deserving adults with special needs. They in turn will get to live their best lives and impact all of us.
Honor your mom, someone whose made a difference in your life, one of the amazing staff at Matthias or even one of the extra ordinary students with the purchase of a brick to be a part of keeping this dream going, growing and believing anything is possible.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, mamas, mums and mothers of the Matthias family and to all who help love and nurture our “kids”. Together we can be the change and the good we want to see in the world!
grace and gratitude~ Tammy Muto; mama to Ryan Fletcher
If this or any of the other stories on this blog move you, please act on the good feelings and click here to by a brick. Buy a Brick!
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