We are reading Heartsongs and Messenger in honor of Mitochondrial Awareness Week. Mattie Stepanek, his three siblings, and his mom all suffered from Mitochondrial Disease. I wanted to share a couple of poems I read of his.

About Promises

Promises
Should be
Taken seriously
Because
They involve
Something
That will
Somehow
Touch
The future
Of some life

April 2000



Royal Decree

Once you make a friend,
Never stop being a friend to them.
Celebrate all the holidays, somehow.
Don't drink alcohol unwisely.
Do not be evil, mean, or bad.
Don't say any bad words,
Especially words like "Shut Up!"
Believe in the Clean Dish Fairy.
Put on the porch life if
A family member is out after dark.
Use your best manners, no exceptions.
Always have an interest.
Be gentle with people and the earth.
Don't do any bad things.
Be patient with yourself and others.
Be good everywhere you are and go.
Decree that you love life, every day.

April 1998