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Matthew S. Garciabig storybig storyA little boyA little boyWITH A
Matthew S. GarciaWITH Abig storybig storyA little boyA little boy
Before I met you, my journey had already begun. But you became one of the people who helped me believe that every small step mattered. Thank you for celebrating my victories, encouraging me when things were hard, and helping me become the little boy I am today. This book is my story... and you are part of it.Dear Sarah,Dear Sarah,
TOY: Marbles Hand Microscope THINGS TO LEARN ABOUT: Maps & Geography COLOR: Blue FOOD: Bacon Mac n’ Cheese PLACE: The beach & Traveling SUBJECT: Science Meet MatthewMeet Matthew Every great story begins with a smile. MY FAVORITES
MY PERSONALITY Curious Thoughtful Funny Persistent Kind Observant IF I’M OVERWHELMED… Give me a little time. SUPERPOWER: Curiosity I COULD SPEND HOURS… Watching science videos or swimming in the pool. I’M HAPPIEST WHEN… When I know what’s coming next. IF I’M INTERESTED… Get ready for LOTS of questions. IF I TRUST YOU… You will see my personality shine.
Every child has a beginning. Mine just came much earlier than anyone expected.My StoryMy Story
A Tiny BeginningA Tiny BeginningI came into this world much sooner than anyone expected—at just 25 weeks’ gestation. I weighed only a little over a pound and spent my first months in the NICU surrounded by doctors, nurses, and machines. While most babies were learning to smile at home, I was learning how to breathe, grow stronger, and keep fighting. My journey wasn’t easy, but looking back, I can clearly see God’s hand carrying me through every challenge and every victory. What began with uncertainty has become a story of hope, grace, and unexpected miracles.
A Life Taking Shape...A Life Taking Shape... BORN AT 25 WEEKS Tiny but mighty from the very start SURGERIES & PROCEDURES I had to be very brave, even when I was so small. IN THE NICU FOR 4.5 MONTHS Learning to breathe, grow, and get stronger every day.
THERAPY BEGINS OT, PT, and lots of love to help me grow. STRONGER EVERY DAY One little step at a time... I kept going. A STORY STILL BEING WRITTEN My greatest milestones may still be ahead of me. One Milestone at a TimeOne Milestone at a Time
Every Small Victory was a Big Celebration Every Small Victory was a Big Celebration Each milestone was a reminder that I was growing, learning, and becoming stronger. Breathing on My Own Meeting My Sister Going Home Learning to Eat on My Own Standing Up Taking My First Steps
You Helped Me GrowYou Helped Me Grow Every child needs someone who sees possibilities where others see challenges. Thank you for being that person for me.
You Understood Me When...You Understood Me When...I NEEDED EXTRA TIME You never rushed my thoughts. You gave me the time I needed to process and respond. I NOTICED THE LITTLE THINGS You saw that my attention to detail was one of my strengths. THE WORLD FELT TOO LOUD You understood that busy places could feel overwhelming and helped me feel safe. I NEEDED ROUTINE You knew that knowing what came next helped me feel calm and confident. ENCOURAGEMENT MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE You celebrated every effort, not just every success. I LEARNED BEST BY DOING You found creative ways to help me learn through movement, play, and discovery. I WAS TRYING MY BEST Even on the hard days, you looked beyond my frustration and saw my heart.
YOU HELPED ME DISCOVER Confidence Courage Curiosity Perseverance Joy Independence A love for learning
Things I LoveThings I Love Swimming Play-Doh Music Space History Rocks What Makes Me Smile What Makes Me Smile High fives Being silly Playing outside Building things Spending time with my sister Hugs from Mom, Dad, and you
My StrengthsMy Strengths Things We Celebrated Things We Celebrated Every brave step Every new experience Every challenge overcome Every growing confidence Every milestone reached Every little victory Determined Curious Caring Great Sense of Humor Detail-Oriented Strong memory
Because of YouBecause of You I smile more. I try harder. I am more confident. I learned that mistakes are part of learning. I discovered that learning can be fun. I have the courage to face future challenges.
Every Journey Has a Destination Every Journey Has a Destination Every child carries a piece of the people who helped shape them. Years from now, I may not remember every activity we did together, but I will always remember how you made me feel… Safe. Capable. Loved. Every step, every challenge, and every victory reminds me that God has been faithful throughout my journey. I’m thankful He placed people like you along the way to help me grow. I’ll carry that with me forever…
Because you believed in me. With love, Matthew