Meet Mattie Stepanek, the best-selling 11 year old poet, recorded prior to his death in 2004 from complications of muscular dystrophy. Hear his moving story and learn about his powerful philosophy of "Heartsongs." One of the remarkable things about Mattie was how, against significant challenges, he maintained a truly inspiring positive attitude. In this profile, Mattie breathes through a tracheotomy tube that is connected to an oxygen supply, and even though he had spent much of his young life in hospitals, he outlived many dire prognoses the doctors had given him.

Our program concludes with excerpts of powerful eulogies given for Mattie by former President Jimmy Carter and Oprah Winfrey, both of whom were smitten by the gentle message of peace from this remarkable soul, who was wiser than his years and whose life was cut too short.