Mother's Day 1997, at Matti's school, where the students prepare lunch and invite their Moms to have lunch with them. They also do this on Grandparents Day, at Christmas, and other special days. This was less than a month before Jacquie passed away.

Isn't it funny how we notice, only what our eyes can see?
Sure, this world has seen much better days.
On that.....most folks agree.

But I know someone who thinks about a rainbow, when it's raining.
Never frets, about what he's losing, celebrates what he is gaining.....

He's taught me how to really see, a blessing in disguise.
And finally.....I get to see, the world through Matti's eyes.

Matti's eyes have seen so many things, in just a few short years.
They've been frightened, and they must have shed at least a million tears.

You see, when he was born, that rainy mid-December night,
With his color somewhat dusky blue and a breath so scarce and light.....

They said it'd be an awful life, "if" he didn't die.
They were so sure, he wouldn't live to see another week go by.

But we decided, right then and there, we would give all that we could give,
And accept whatever happened, for the chance.....that he would live.

Well, he didn't get much better, and the months turned into years.
Despite all the prayers.....all of the worry and endless tears.

I know he felt the love, and he tried so hard to stay.
If not forever, then a year or two, if not a week, perhaps a day.....

He didn't really seem to mind, that things weren't going quite so well.
Perhaps he knew someday, he'd be okay and we'd have alot to tell.

Matti's eyes have seen so many things, and he knows where he has been.
He's sampled life, and tasted death, and still he tries again.

Yesterday, when there was no hope, my heart bled with sorrow,
But he's taught me how to, not give up, and he made me see tomorrow.

He's the greatest son, a mom could have, despite his imperfections.
He's changed my life (to my surprise) in all of the right directions.

Yes, this world has seen, it's better days and at times it seems unfair
But if you look a little closer, the good is always there.....

Like the time he saw the yellow weed, through the sidewalk, in a crack,
And, although it was dead and wilted, he just had to bring it back.

You'd think it was a dozen roses, when he ran in calling loud:
"Mommy, look, I brought you a flower," (and you can bet, I was just as proud).

I stared long, at the vase on the table, wishing I could plant a seed,
And grow that beautiful yellow flower, that, I had thought was just a weed.

So, of the boy he is, and of the man he'll be, when the scars are all erased.....
The lessons I've learned, through Matti's eyes will never be replaced!!!!!

Written By: Jacquie Nolen Hicks - September 1990