Mattie Stepanek's Legacy
March 14, 2006 — -- Mattie J.T. Stepanek made a big impression on America and the world in his short life. The poet, philosopher and peacemaker died at 13 of dysautonomic mitochondrial myopathy, but left behind a legacy captured in his six books of poetry.
"People tell me I'm special," he once said. "I'm glad I'm special, but I don't want to be better than anyone else. No one is better than anyone else. We are all the best we can be in our own way."
His poetry was filled with youthful innocence that inspired almost all who heard it, in addition to consoling Mattie himself.
"Poetry is very helpful," he said. "And also a beautiful way that you can express your feelings -- angry, sad, happy, scared. But, in a way, that's beautiful. And you can share it with others."
Mattie inspired so many, but former President Carter inspired him. Carter once surprised Mattie on "Good Morning America" -- one of the show's most memorable moments. After that meeting, the two wrote a book called "Just Peace," which was recently published. The book is filled with e-mails between the two. Mattie always wrote to Carter not beginning with "Dear Mr. President," but "Dear Jimmy."
"We were like two brothers, brothers for peace," Carter said. "I believe I was inspired to produce my best words when I was communicating with this young man."
Until his death, the book was Mattie's primary concern. He was afraid that he would die before it could be completed.
"I think that Mattie had a much more vivid awareness of his impending death than I was willing to accept. … Mattie wanted to leave a legacy," Carter said.
"He was very concerned that he had done enough work with the book, because the book was intended to be conversations about peace with people across the world," said Mattie's mother, Jeni Stepanek.
For all his youth, Carter said that Mattie's philosophy on peace helped shape his own.
"Mattie's words really shaped me and the foundation of the speech I made when I did receive the Nobel Peace Prize," Carter said.
"Just Peace" is his attempt to share his ideas with the world and impart his truths to others.
"He offers specific examples about how you can take that simple message and make it part of your everyday life," Jenny Stepanek said. "He set out to list some concrete examples of ways you could be peaceful."
At Mattie's funeral nearly two years ago, his coffin was draped with the United Nations' flag and adorned with stickers celebrating peace. His place in history was marked by Carter, his hero and friend.
"We have known kings and queens," Carter said when he gave Mattie's eulogy. "We have known presidents and prime ministers. But the most extraordinary person whom I have ever known in my life was Mattie Stepanek."