Matt & Ginny's diary ~ with their baby Eliot, sure hit chords of hope, love and reassurance within me - this day - due to hearing many times: 'There is a reason and a season in our Creator's Master Plan, for all 'His' creation and children.'

Some days those were painful words to hear, as 'letting go and moving on, wasn't something that was happening in Henry and my life'

Spoken by Jesus ~ God's only begotten Son ~ in His Sermon On The Mount 'The Beatitudes', Jesus began speaking / teaching His Disciples and followers with 'The Beatitudes' ~ being the comforting message to the crowd who gathered. The whole book of Matthew, is awesome, and Chapter 5 being one that focuses on Matt and Ginny's celebration of life ~ with their precious Eliot, in my mind's eye.

A parents grief / mourning over a child's passing over ~ into the arms of Jesus, is so comforting ... and being blessed with knowing we loved them each day while they are with us, cherished memories we cling to, during our hours of grief . Nothing is in a wink of an eye / the healing process after a loss takes time ~ though I've seen many bounce back / land on their feet after losses - including jobs, divorce, deaths of family & friends / physical injury, etc., in miraclous time.

As my daughter passed over ~ in her 25th year, the Mooney's testimony was such an inspiration, as their faith / love / hope was placed in God's hands, with a network of community [family / friends / extended Church family], who knew and nutured this couple with positve support and pray.

With Christina's death and leaving behind 2 gifted daughters, many negative forces were active in our past decade - with Court procedures [concerned adults] and warring / protecting the children, which my husband [stepfather] wanted no part of, to add to the plate of grief they were experiencing - in carrying on without their loving mother ~ and what we were all [already] dealing with, in our love for Tina, as no biological parent brings life into this world, who our Heavenly Father / Parent / Creator ... did not call / breath life into, that had no purpose.

Ever take a nature walk, discovering, enjoying, and totally knowing that all are life / life bearing, and there is the feeling of being part of one with God and mother earth. After all, the garden was existing before Adam showed up. So all that has happened since, has a reason, though heartaches / pains of life that we are forced to swallow, can be so bitter of a pill[s] / punch[es] we receive[d] - get [got] through, in the 'School of Hard Knocks.'

Wanting only to establish visitations with our grandchildren, many issues took a toll on us, when I only wanted to speak of how much joy Christina brought to this world, and the lifes of those she came in contact with ~ through her RPN career.

I kept myself busy, volunteering at the Ark Aid Mission, where clothing and food ministries are established, helping those going through difficult times could find acceptance / dignity / prayer, with many of the volunteers / staff, when we weren't flying around the 'big boat' sorting through the countless donations from the caring / concerned people of the community / surrounding areas.

Then when speaking with agnostic / athetist, with all their blasphemy words and opinions on 'What's wrong with this world - there can't be a caring merciful God, letting babies / wars / crime go on !', while they live their days in a daze of robotic existance. There would be those that walk amongst us [world wide]speaking venom towards what they do not understand, but I hear God has a soft spot for them to, as long as they are not spreading hate crimes / hardened hearts when the trumpet blast sounds. The Book of Revelations~Bible, written by Disciple~ John.

We know our treasures are stored in heavenly places, and may be Eliot ended up in my daughter's ward of taking care of incoming cherubs, as there is no sickness...and they probably headed for the playground ~ up there ~ somewhere.

Thank you Matt / Matt & Ginny, for sharing 'Your Story' so others can groan, grow, and perserve in obtaining their dreams and goals, knowing we will see our loved ones again ~ in eternity ~ heaven. Your {Eliot's} diary, will be such a treasure to share with your future children, when of age and time is right. You are such a gifted / caring couple.

Happy ending to my story, with a continuing saga. At my 'Freedom 55' celebration, we gathered at my sisters for a camp fire after dinner, and discussing where out of town guest were bunking for the night. From the party, I took one pink balloon, from this special event with family and friends, as my brother and sister flew in from distance, and a kept secret ~ to my delight.

As I spoke with Christina's daughters, telling them that in that night 'I' was releasing their mom ~ to soar...as in them she was part of our celebration at the 'Essex Cook House'. They joined me, as the pink balloon that was tied to my heart string eventual disappeared into the night. She still visits us in dreams, songs we hear, and joyful memories of Tina's generous / loving spirit, who blessed many.

Healing comes in so many thought waves we share / actions we take / jestures of kindness, and all of this comes in the 3 words / homework {Forgive / Celebrate Life}, which I now feed my subconscious mind 24/7, in large doses

As a cancer survior, I know God's ways are just and true, and His mercy & grace are sufficient. Jesus will never fail us ... through the valleys of life, or sitting on the mountain top talking with a monk / guru, as He walks / talks / fellowships with all who are listening to the still & peaceful voice, and want to have a heart to heart talk with Him / His Dad. What a wonderful 'Big Brother' we have in Jesus.

Brandi
Public Speaker / Author

Dear Eliot,

How wonderful and joyful your short life was. You were loved to the full!

How wonderful of your Mum and Dad to let you live and love you so much!

Thanks Matt

Dear Eliot,
You are so beautiful,and your parents are amazing.
What a brave, brave thing they have done to share you with us.
You too, Matt. Thank you.

That video was so aspiring. It gave me chills.

Thanks, Matt. I needed that. One of my nephews was born with trisemi18 and was a beautiful angelic presence every day of his short life.

Such inspiration,love,leadership and how to appreciate every day for the gift it truly is
Thanks Matt

This shows us how pressures life is and that every moment we live is a gift from god.

Thank you, for sharing this.

David Tillyer
http://www.davidtillyer.com

Celebrating each day of our life is a way we say thank you to our maker. Matt, I could celebrate the first month of my marriage. But this video has inspired me to celebrate every day of my life and every achievement in my life. Thanks Matt, God Bless you

You asked which of the presentations I liked the best. The one of Eliot was inspiring. The football coach motivating his player(s). The 6 year old and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Les Brown. Thanks Matt I AM a millionaire. Sue

Matt, Ginny, We too had a simular child born in our church. Paul Timothy Elliott is still able to live even though the Drs. had to rebuid his heart and much more. Paul was not expected to live and is now 3 years and is a very active boy full of energy. I will be praying for you and thanking God for your testimony.

I was inspired by the love these parents had for their child and the joy they took in every moment. To them he was perfect, and I think they appreciated his life all the more because they knew it was so fragile. Truly an inspiring story.

WOW, Live in gratitude everyday... How pecious and fragile life can be.. I Thank God and Jesus throughout everyday to remind me of just that..... Peace

Matt thank you so much for your continual Motivating Mondays and videos. This video makes me feel truly humbled and blessed to be alvie. We take so much for granted. I really appreciate you taking time out to bring us these valuable.

Matt,

bless.
They are really good leaders. We must begin with our self.

Marvin
Independent Herbalife Distributor

Having had a son born with lots and lots of heart complications and a couple major surgeries, but who lived an amazing life of 6 great years, this brings back lots of memories and some pain. Grateful for every day of those 6 years and all those photos taken, memories that are instilled in my heart no one can take away, Celebrate the Now always!

Hi Matt,

Thank you so much for sharing such an inspiring video. Incredible positive attitude of Mooneys' shows how one can take on his stride the worst of situation. Frankly speaking, I am deeply moved and wish if I too can build up such a positive attitude like Mooneys'.

Rudra

Very Powerful, This story is the definition of how everyone was born to represent GOD.

One of the most powerful videos I've ever seen ... thanks Matt. It's so easy to take life for granted - all the wonderful blessings and gifts. God bless that couple ...

Gonna go hug my kids REAL tight.

Best to you,
Scott

This is the second time i see this video clip. Another great reminder of how precious our life is.

So make the best out of every second of your life...... Stop feeling depressed when you fail, get up and get going .....

What an amazing grace in a twinkle of a life, appreciated and adored by those blessed to bear the message: "BE STILL MY SOUL" How I wish the World will listen!!!

Thank you Matt.

Thats was so heartfelt i have two daughters serena 2, and seana 5 months and cherish them way more now then i ever have after seeing this clip. Thank you matt for showing this.
God bless

Hi Matt,

This is quite an inspiration. I am greatly moved with Mooneys' positive reaction to their ordeal. I guess this is what kept Elliott going for 99 days. Great Work Matt & Ginny. Surely this has not gone unnoticed. Remember to thank and appreciate God in every situation. Great Leadership demonstration!!!

Zorro

Hi,
I admire them.
Very inspiring.
N.

Hi Mstt, love your videos, but I have to be careful not to watch them in the office, as I start crying.....

Thanks,

Many

Thanks Matt,
I really needed this tonight.
Many blessing

Thank you for sharing. I believe God brings people into our lives for a reason.

WOW Matt what a very touching and inspirational story.

Eliot is about as precious as they come. This just shows the power of LOVE, FAITH and the HUMAN SPIRIT.

I have a neice who was born with many disabilities. The doctor were doing all they knew to do and were always giving the family the worse case news.

What they did not know however was, we had inside information.

My family and I and my neices parents came together in agreement in prayer.

Well, that was 32 years ago.

Yep, my neice lived and is still alive and doing quite well. GOD IS GOOD!

This is truly an inspiring story. My sister was born at just 28 weeks and under a pound. We prayed every day and celebrated her small and big milestones. She is now a fit and healthy 21yr old.
The Mooney's are real leaders by showing true skills of bigger thinkers, believing in little Eliot, encouraging him and supporting him every day. Their attitude is amazing. Bless you Mooney's

There is something truly magical about this story and it brought me to tears. It's amazing to see the courage and love flowing from these incredible parents and their very blessed son. Thanks Matt, this made my day.

- Jeff

A truly touching revelation of how fragile
life can be. But such a beautiful story of a mother and a father's love of their child. Our Heavenly Fathers loves us and cares the same way.
We are so blessed when our children, grandchildren and great grand children are born without problems
Thank you Matt for sharing.

Hi Matt I saw this video about a year ago.

I cried and still cry when I watch it.

To success

Simon

I've forwarded this to my subscribers list. Thank you for starting my day right. I even missed the first few games of Aussie Open...

Thank You Matt, Having just become a grand parent on the 5th of Jan 2010 for the first time. I can really appreciate how precious each day is. My prayers go out to Matt and Ginny, and may I say that their dedication to celebrate every day of Eliot's short life is inspiring. God Bless

There are no words.

Thank you Matt!

I am truly touched. And completely out of words.

Suddenly my "big" problems don't feel that big at all.

Thank you Matt!

Matt, That was truly inspirational. Every morning when I get up I thank God that I am alive to do His work today. This day is the greatest day of my life. I have been looking forward to this day for a long time. Jesus is my savior today and I am celebrating. Mel B.

Matt,

Can't tell you how inspiring your Motivational Monday was. The story about Eliot and his parents makes one realize how unimportant one's perceived troubles really are.

Matt,

Amazing video, it has taken me a hard time to write this because I couldn't see the screen of my laptop, the tears where gathered around my eyes and created a blur in my sight. I can only say one thing, bless Eliot's little heart and his parents for taking such great care of him on his 99th days here on earth. For his parents, they were lucky to have him for such a time and at the end they will reunite!

Thank you for sharing this video.

Marvin

Matt,

As the uncle to a niece that was born at 26 weeks, I can highly relate to the Mooney's leadership.

My niece, born at 1 lb., 12 oz., was an inspiration to everyone around her. Her parents also were an example of many of the leadership principles you mention...

She had a 1 or 2% chance to live a normal life...

She lived not just to be able to leave the hospital, but is now 5 years old, at the top of her kindergarten class, and in every aspect 100% normal.

Having seen a miracle like this happen with my own eyes, and having reminders like the Mooney's amazing leadership - makes me very grateful for what I have. (and give me a reason to celebrate)

I appreciate you sending this one Matt...it's a really good reminder to be grateful for the time we have on Earth, the power of what we can do with that time, and the power of the application of strong leadership skills.

Matt,

Can't tell you how inspiring your Motivational Monday was. The story about Elliott and his parents makes one realize how unimportant ones perceived troubles really are.

Hi

The thing that struck me the most is how husband and wife remained absolutely positive -- no whining, no pointing the finger (it's your fault he's like this), etc. Just absolute patience and love for each other and for the child. They shared the load every step of the way!

How beautiful!

Marcie