Mattie & Me

The Mattie & Me project is about a very special young man named Matthew Richard Mistkowski. A 19 year old young man, we call, Mattie.  Mattie was born with Down syndrome on July 27, 2005. 

The down syndrome thing? It really doesn't define Mattie to be very honest with you. I think a better definition and direction came from his grandma Rose after the first time she held him in her arms. 

She looked at me and said, "Richard...there is NOTHING wrong with that kid!" 

And that set the stage for how he was brought up. You see...Mattie is a young man who makes a big impact and joy on most everyone he meets. He lives life in the present moment better than anyone I've ever met (of course this presents ME with the need to have developed one very important aspect of my life....PATIENCE!) :-)

Mattie & Me is about who he is, what he does, and more importantly what his dreams are for the future. It's also about "Me". I'm his dad and his care giver. It's been my role since his mom passed away in 2016. It's not only been my role, but it's been the most important job that I've ever had.

Which leads me to what's next for Mattie. 

At 19, most of us don't really know what we want to do. We need guidance, support, and understanding. That's where I come in for Mattie. My role/job is to help support, guide, train and advocate for him as he enters the next stages of his life. 

Mattie has tremendous people skills so for the the foreseeable future we will work on:

• Business skills
• Sales skills
• Host & Hospitality
• Concierge
• DJ Skills
• Culinary Skills
• Equestrian

We will put together a program that focuses on helping Mattie find his passion and develop the skill sets necessary to help him navigate the future that he wants. 

I'm not only his dad, but I'm a business owner. I have the flexibility and desire to help him in any way that I can. It's what drives me everyday. 

Mattie and Me is about a journey. And we could use your help, support and ideas. So please take a few minutes to take a look at what we're up to and how you might be able to support Mattie's effort and development. 

Every day brings new adventure. Somewhere along the way, way back when, I signed up for all of this. It's not easy, but it's sure not boring! As I say repeatedly my keys to life are Patience, Persistence, and AlWAYS ALWAYS have a plan b! :-)

Welcome to Mattie & Me!

PS: If you really want to understand the relationship between Mattie and Me....we are a combination of the Odd Couple & for those of you old enough to remember, The Courtship of Eddie's Father!