[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 89 (Thursday, June 24, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S7421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MATTIE STEPANEK

  Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I ask the United States Senate to join me 
in tribute to Mattie Stepanek, a young man who accomplished so much, 
and sadly, was taken from us this past Tuesday, June 22 at the age of 
13 years. Like his three older siblings, Mattie died from complications 
of a rare form of muscular dystrophy.
  As anyone can testify who has seen Mattie on television, he was one 
brilliant person, and he had a big heart to match. At the age of three, 
he began writing poetry to cope with the death of his brother, writing 
messages of hope and inspiration, and selling millions of books. Mattie 
quickly became one of the most widely read poets in recent memory, and 
three of his volumes were on the New York Times' best-seller list.
  I would like to share one of Mattie's most inspirational poems. It is 
titled, ``On Being a Champion.''

     ``A champion is a winner,
     A hero . . .
     Someone who never gives up
     Even when the going gets rough.
     A champion is a member of
     A winning team . . .
     Someone who overcomes challenges
     Even when it requires creative solutions
     A champion is an optimist,
     A hopeful spirit . . .
     Someone who plays the game,
     Even when the game is called life . . .
     Especially when the game is called life.
     There can be a champion in each of us,
     If we live as a winner,
     If we live as a member of the team,
     If we live with a hopeful spirit,
     For life.''

  Mattie was a champion in every sense of the word and his poetry won 
the hearts of many admirers, from Oprah Winfrey to former President 
Carter. But famous or not, it seemed to matter little to Mattie, who 
said, ``It's our inner beauty, our message, the songs in our hearts.''
  Mattie embodied the unlimited potential within all of us, and I hope 
that Mattie's mother, Judi Stepanek, will find some strength in knowing 
that Mattie inspired and touched so many people. We offer Judi a 
special place in our hearts, knowing there is nothing harder than 
losing a child. And we pray that she be given the strength, courage and 
wisdom needed to get through this difficult time.
  Mattie believed his mission in life was to ``spread peace in the 
world.'' And, today, I say to Mattie and to all who loved him: Mission 
accomplished.

                          ____________________