Larry King remembers a young poet.

[Zantar]

I caught an episode of Larry King today. Which is strange because i never watch Larry King. Anyway his show was dedicated to a young man named Mattie Stepanek. He was a 14 year old kid with Muscular Dystrophy. Despite that he accomplished alot in his life, including publishing several books of poetry. At the time of his death he was attending highschool, and community college. Trully an impressive life. Transcript of episode below:

http://www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0406/22/lkl.00.html

[AnnaSun]

Hi,

Wow thanks for that. I'm a poet too.

From
Anna Sun
Thanks

[Third EYe]

I don't ever remember hearing of this kid, but this morning they played some sound bites on the radio of the kid, when he was much younger. He seemed very wise.

[atlantagirl]

Mattie died! I first saw Mattie on Oprah several years ago and bought one of his books of poems "Journey Through Heartsongs." What a remarkable old soul he was. He lived longer and better and happier than anyone could have expected, and accomplished more in his short life than most people do with many more decades. I have prayed for him over the years and always I prayed that he lived long enough to do whatever it was that he was sent here to do. And yet, as sad as I am that his little body finally gave up the fight, I am glad that he won't suffer anymore. I will pray for his mother tonight. She is also wheelchair-bound. Mattie was her fourth (and last) child to die of this disease.

[grinner]

Have no clue who this is... but whenever someone dies that young... it is a loss of potential.

[Zantar]

CLosing and openings of Larry Kings show about Mattie:
LARRY KING, HOST: Tonight, remember a remarkable young man, 13- year-old Mattie Stepanek. Poet, peace maker, inspiration has lost his brave fight against an uncurable disease. His words and spirit live on next on a very special LARRY KING LIVE.
KING: Thanks for joining us. Every once in awhile, life introduces you to somebody who helps put everything else into perspective. Someone who makes you realize that your problems are not such a big deal. Someone who makes you want to count your blessings and try to do your best every minute of every day. Mattie Stepanek was one of those rare somebodies and he died early this morning. He would have been 14-years-old next month. Mattie was an incredible kid, gifted and gutsy, and a very good friend to this program. I first sat down with him in September of 2002. The show was a gift.

KING: Mattie Stepanek accomplished a lot in his very short life despite the pain he endured, he always turned toward the light. The smile, his attitude and his spirit made you feel so much better about life just being in the same room with him. Mattie, thank you so much for being such an inspiration. You left us much too soon, pal, and we're going to miss you. Our thoughts, prayers are with his courageous mom Jen. Gene Hackman was supposed to be our interview tonight. That will play on the 7th of July. Thank you for joining us. "NEWSNIGHT" with Aaron Brown in next. Good night.