Speaking
Below summarizes themes and presentations I have given.
Presentation Topics:
Post Cards & Potential:
Theme: The worth of a (special needs) child.
Have others identified your weaknesses for you? Sometimes the very things labeled as shortcomings, are truly what we have to offer the world. Through humorous views of my own childhood and the story of my son, Eliot, I seek to challenge your definition of weakness & show that culture’s careful distinctions are myth.
A Painting of Pain:
Theme: Our grief journey.
Although grief is always a unique experience, there are lessons held in common by those who have walked a painful path. Through examination of our grief experience of losing our son, I share gifts found along the way including the clarity found in grief, the freedom to mourn, the intimacy born in wrestling, and God’s promise of redemption.
The Gift of Presence:
Theme: The gift of entering the pain of another.
Ever wondered what to say to someone who is walking through horrible realities? The truth is that no words, gifts or well-wishes can compete with the willingness to be present in the pain of another. Through a look at Job, Jesus, and my own loss, I implore you to become willing to step into the pain that surrounds you.
Lessons from My 1st Born:
Theme: Parenting.
The busy, crazy nature of parenting rarely allows one to come up for air. However, intentional reflections on hard realities can go a long way for providing parents with a road ahead. In this presentation, I will share how my wife & I hope to parent in light of the lessons that we have learned from the life & losing our first born son, Eliot.
The Science of Movement:
Theme: How not to create a movement.
All around us, organizations and people seek to move others to action, but few succeed at doing so. In this presentation, I examine shared characteristics of those are able to compel and those who never will. This is more tied to the viral affect of Eliot’s story & our work with 99 Balloons, as well as my consulting work with Brand Villages.
Please send inquiries via e-mail to Blanca Garcia (blanca@99Balloons.org). Include as much detail as possible.
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Hello,
I’m not writting to ask you to speak. I’m on a school computer and my e-mail address is blocked. I’m writting to say first I’m sorry for your loss. Second your story has touched my soul. I think you starting this foundation is very spectacular. My sister is Special and the foundation has helped us cover some of our medical. We are greatfull for them. So, I want you to know that God has a way and He choses when people come to this world and when they must go to him in Heaven. Thank You.
Hey Matt
Just doing a project on your story and was wondering if you had anymore pictures.
Your son is my inspiration!
Hi Matt,
Been a huge fan of you and Ginny since I saw Eliot’s story on Oprah. Hope you don’t mind that I’ve shared your story many of times as a teacher and presenter. I still cry every time I watch your video to Eliot. I’m talking sobbing. I somewhat stalk you guys via your blogs, not in a creepy way, just in a ‘looking for sustenance’ sort of way. Anyways, love your posts about Blemish is Beauty. My sister has Down’s Syndrome, so special needs kids are close to my heart. I wrote a post about her recently on my blog, poopsandpoodles.com. Check it out if you get a chance. Thanks for the inspiration!
Blessings,
Molly Howat
Whoops. It’s poopsandpoodles.blogspot.com.
Sayonara!
just saw your 99balloons video, as a friend of mine mentioned this clip to me (my sister recently gave birth to her 3rd child with Trisomy-18). what a testimony! she’s been longing for some sort of community and/or someone to talk to, as there’s no one near her she knows of with her situation. our community is also celebrating each day of life the Lord has given. i’m so thankful to be able to share this site with my sister, as it’s pained me that i can’t be there with her right now . thankful for your testimony and letting His light shine through your life!