This Friday, on 11/11/11, Maddie should be celebrating her fourth birthday. Instead, it will be the third birthday we’ve spent without her. For the last two years, Mike and I have been comforted by donations made to the charity we started in her name Friends of Maddie. This year, we’ve decided to do something a little different.
A few months ago Mike had his dream of recording some songs in a studio come true. He had a blast, and I even got to sing back up on a couple of them. I know many of you have heard the silly songs Mike and I post here in the videos, but on these studio recorded songs the two of us actually sing in our own voices! Shocking, I know.
A few of our friends suggested we put the songs on iTunes, but that wasn’t ever our intention – the experience was all Mike wanted. But then we thought, “What if we put up a song and used it as a fundraiser for Friends of Maddie?” We started looking into the process of getting a song on iTunes, and it was much easier than we anticipated. So we’ve uploaded one – a sweet love song called “You Are The One” that Mike wrote for me right before we got married, with words that took on a whole new meaning after Maddie passed away.
Our hope is to sell enough downloads of “You Are The One” to help fund Friends of Maddie’s expansion in 2012 to supplying grants and scholarships to NICU families in addition the Family Support Packs that we presently send – free of charge – to level III NICUs across the nation. We’ve made it into 15 states so far, we want to double that next year! So, the more songs we sell, the more NICU families we can help.
The song is available for purchase through the following outlets:
100% of the proceeds from the sales of the song will go to Friends of Maddie. All recording and distribution costs were covered by Mike and me. Best of all, it’s only 99 cents to purchase!
Whenever someone goes on an anti-internet rant, I am quick to point out how much the internet supported my family after Maddie died. Thank you a million times for the support and love you’ve given my family. It means the world to us. Now in honor of Maddie’s birthday, let’s support other families who need it.
{ 79 comments… read them below or add one }
I follow your story regularly and I was so happy to purchase your song tonight! Great cause…great idea!!
Love love what you are doing. Off to buy it right now. And listen. And spread the word. Anything for you.
XXOO
edenland´s last [type] ..When a tornado meets a volcano.
I’m Sooo PROUD of you guys & I just know Maddie feels the same way!!! You not only have my support but that of my friends as well!!! Thanks for all your hard work!! Can’t wait to hear your song!!
3:45 am insomnia pays off sometimes . Off to download the song can’t wait to listen to it !
Love you ! Love Maddie !
Just downloaded the song, what a wonderful idea for a tribute to Maddie and as a fundraiser for “Friends of Maddie”. I once worked in a NICU and I think of your family and Maddie often. All the best to you.
Catharina´s last [type] ..Friday in Paris ::: On the Road
What a wonderful idea! Just purchased the song, it’s beautiful
What an absolutely beautiful song (props to Mike on the amazing voice!) for such a great cause. More than happy to buy and spread the word. All the best through this difficult period, your whole beautiful family is in my thoughts.
I just downloaded the song. Thank you for sharing! Y’all are so creative.
I think of your Maddie often. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers on Friday.
Purchased!
The 11th was my grandma’s birthday. She died just over 5 years ago, when my now-six year old was a baby. I’ll purchase in memory of her and of your precious Maddie.
Meg @ Soup Is Not A Finger Food´s last [type] ..Brown
Whenever you mention Maddie’s age, my heart quickens and hurts. She and my youngest daughter are 3 months apart. They would have been pals, I know.
I continue to care about, enjoy, and pray for your family. This is a beautiful and fun way to honor sweet Maddie that I will be supporting.
Love to you all during this hard week.
Kelly´s last [type] ..in these shoes
Done, downloaded, love it. Amazing way to celebrate and remember Maddie this year. Our thoughts will be with you Friday, and I’ll be wearing purple for Maddie.
I’ll be praying for strength and peace for you guys during this extra difficult week. Hugs and love.
Done! What a brilliant idea. I hope you make a fortune!
I don’t have words for how incredible this is.
Done and done! I hope you blow your goal out of the water.
Oh my heart is breaking for you. We should not have to celebrate a single birthday without our babies. I hope the week goes okay for you. Off to listen to the song, what an amazing way to honor Maddie.
Jessica´s last [type] ..A Break Up Letter
Downloading now. Your story is one of such strength and love for your beautiful babies. It inspires me to hug mine a little more each day.
I <3 this. I'll wear my bracelet and listen to her song on HER day. Prayers for your hearts. You are loved.
That is incredible. Thinking of you so much,
Steph
adventures in babywearing´s last [type] ..Dear shadow alive and well
Great idea!
downloaded. It is an incredible song remembering an incredible girl.
The song sounds great! I am at work so I’ll have to purchase it on iTunes when I get home… but wonderful voice Mike!
Also, I think the two of you are incredible. How you’ve taken to horror of your daughter’s passing and tried to make something positive come out of it? Beautiful. I wish with every part of me that all of it could be undone and she could still be here with you where she belongs, but the way you honor her life is making a difference. I pray it give you both some comfort.
Purchased – B and my parents are going to get it as well. It is our way to let you know we are all thinking of you this week (and always).
Daisy´s last [type] ..You Are the One
The 11/11 is actually called remembrance day in Australia. How fitting. I’ll add a little purple, and of course I’ll download your song. You strong, amazing people xxx
Bought the song, and I love it. What a beautiful way to raise money for a good cause.
Beautiful!
Can’t wait to get home this evening from work and download it. Nothing would make my heart sing more…Love to you guys all week long as I can only imagine how heavy your hearts will be this week especially!
Will pass on the song to all I know and see if we can get more on board with FOM!!
Done!!
Beautiful song!!
I was happy to buy the song and listen to it! My daycare kids are listening to it as we speak.
Susan in MN
Done! What a lovely tribute. Happy birthday Miss Maddie!
Beautiful song!
Gabby´s last [type] ..In Wonderland
This is so great Heather (and Mike).
I’ll make sure you are surrounded by love this weekend even if it is just me giving you an awkward hug. xo
Heather B.´s last [type] ..Sadly, not raffling off Herman Cain but something better!
I just purchased the song and listened to it… AMAZING!!! brought tears to my eyes.
Please put more songs up for purchase. it is a great way to raise money and also a great way to celebrate your daughter!
Totally agree! Heck, put out a whole album…I’d buy it
Bianca S´s last [type] ..GlossyBox
Just bought it. xo
Amanda´s last [type] ..Stacking Wood
What a wonderful idea to put your talents towards a cause you care about so much. I’ll be downloading as soon as I get home tonight!
Stories of Maddie and Annie make me laugh everyday. Make sure you have a beautiful celebration of Maddie’s birthday this Friday. Full of purple and love
That day is my husband’s 30th bday as well. I am going to happily buy that song. You are both doing such good work. Wonderful cause & wonderful way to honor your girl
Going there now to purchase! Love this idea of donating $ to Maddie.
Thinking of you and your family during this difficult week.
Just purchased it! Mike has an amazing voice!! I love the song!
What a wonderful way to raise money for Friends of Maddie. I’m so glad Mike got the chance to record some of his music, what an experience that must have been. I just heard the clip of the song on itunes and it is beautiful. I’m on my way over there right after I type this to purchase it. I hope you guys raise a lot of money with this venture and are able to do all the wonderful things you’ve been hoping to do with Friends of Maddie. Love you guys and holding you tight in my heart this week.
Lisa´s last [type] ..Partying Like an Almost 4 Year Old
Love it!
I bought it!
I bought it and I love it! Beautiful song!
I realize I must be the only person in the world without an ipod…can I purchase the song to download on my computer?
My heart skipped a beat when I saw that Maddie would have been 4 this Friday.
I don’t know what to say, except to profer my love and support of you and yours once again.
Auntie_M´s last [type] ..Luring the Family North
What an awesome idea! We are alumni of the NICU as well. Our son was born at 33 weeks weighing 3lbs 3 ozs. Today he is 23 months old and weighs 32 lbs. Thank-you for coming up with such an easy way to support your efforts. You’ll be in my thoughts on Friday.
Hi,
I am a member of the Clever Girl Network and ran across your story in their newsletter. My 18-month-old twins are also NICU graduates so your story is very near to my heart. I’m going to share your song with our readers. Thank you for what you do for NICU babies! To learn more about our story visit http://www.theuncontainabletruth.com.
Best,
Christen
Christen Price´s last [type] ..Down on the Farm
just downloaded it! I hope you make your goal!!!
What a beautiful idea – I will go check it out. I wish none of us had to celebrate our children’s birthdays without them. Thinking of you all this week. Take care.
Lanie´s last [type] ..Dear Sawyer
Just downloaded it – what a beautiful song!
Liz´s last [type] ..Wiped Clean
Love this song and the idea. Couldn’t download it fast enough!!! I have been following your blog for over a year and just recently started commenting. I love you guys so much. It seems so odd to be able to love people you’ve never met. Your girls are perfect and amazing!!! Been thinking of you lots lately as Maddie’s 4th birthday approaches. The 11th, is my Henry’s first birthday. My special boy is so lucky to share a birthday with your special girl! Think of you all often, especially during these bittersweet milestones
Like everyone else, I purchased, and love the song. Sharing with everyone I can, and thinking a lot about your sweet Maddie this week.
sarah´s last [type] ..A beautiful song.
Add me to the purchasers and lovers of this song! I’ve tweeted and facebooked (is that even a word?) the story and link. Your family is always in my thoughts and prayers. I’ll be saying extra prayers for you this week!
Beautiful song! Just purchased it, and will cherish it! Much love this week, and always….
Bought it.. .LOVE it… and it has so much more meaning behind knowing what you have been thru and knowing what you are doing for others.
It is a beautiful song and sung beautifully….
I’m so glad you decided to do this and share this song with us all!
I hope it will bring lots of help to Friends of Maddie
Bough it, love it. Every time I play it I will think of your sweet girl.
KJS´s last [type] ..on Kim K
Best pre-emptive birthday present-slash-fundraising idea EVER. I’ve picked up a copy and will be rocking some serious purple on Friday.
The song’s great, too. Like something that’d play during the credits of a chick flick. Really professional. It kind of reminds me of “At the Beginning” from Anastasia, in a really good way. Best of luck in reaching your goal!
Done! Beautiful song, lovely voice, awesome reason. Happy Birthday Miss Madeline Alice <3
Love the song, it is beautiful! Great fundraiser idea as well. Hugs to you all.
Heidi´s last [type] ..O Christmas Tree
What a good idea! I will definitely buy it
Sending love from Nor Cal always, but especially this week
Friday marks 4 weeks since our beloved 3 year old boy passed away during naptime. No illness. No signs. Just gone. We are still in shock. I stumbled on your sight thru a mom’s blog. I am buying the song tonight and wish you and all of the NICU’s much needed resources.
oh my gosh! I am SO sorry. Please email me if there is anything I can do.
Just bought it and hope you both will do more songs soon. I love your voices!
Shelly´s last [type] ..Darn!
What a wonderful song. Shared on my FB page so that all my other NICU Mom friends can support you, too.
Our son was born at 25 weeks and lived in the NICU for 25 days. I wish I had had care packages from people that understood what I was going through. I felt so alone. Please keep up all the work you’re doing with friends of maddie. Love your song
I’m happy to support friends of maddie
Kate´s last [type] ..Just because
oh, what a lovely photo of maddie to go with such a lovely song.
Just clicked to purchase! Can’t wait to listen!
…downloading…
I think this is my new favorite song. I’ve bought it and everyone keeps asking me who sings it, so I send them your way.
Shared it on my Facebook as well.
Bought it! Thanks guys.
Thought I would add to my fellow Commonwealth poster’s comment: in Britain, too, the 11th November is Remembrance Day.
Bianca S´s last [type] ..GlossyBox
Amazing, Heather. You Spohrs are amazing (especially Maddie xoxoxoxo)
Love to all of you.
What a beautiful song!! Love it. Thanks for sharing it with everyone and especially for including it on Amazon for download too
Now trying to see who else I can gift it to through Amazon. Sending you, Mike and Annie lots of virtual hugs.
Heather, I just have to tell you how much I love the song “You Are The One”. I love everything about it, the lyrics, the melody, your sound, it’s really VERY GOOD! And I love that all the proceeds go to Friends of Maddie. What a wonderful way to celebrate her and give to others who need support during such a difficult time.
what a beautiful song!
noe´s last [type] ..Falsa Alarma
Thank you for posting all of the international links – you made it super easy to find the song and support “Friends of Maddie”. “You Are The One” earned five stars in my iTunes for the song (words, composition) and the stories behind it.
Angela´s last [type] ..Feline goodness
I just bought my copy. Beautiful.
What an awesome idea. I think of Maddie often, she is held as so precious even by people who never got to meet her in person.
Lunasea´s last [type] ..A. Takes a Stand
I just downloaded your song! I can completely empathize with the NICU journey. Our girls were born 11 weeks early was well. I am so sorry your little Maddie (Our girls are Charlotte and Maddie) – your story has reminded me to keep the “terrible 2′s” in perspective because my girls are a gift and a blessing. Your story of giving back in the wake of an unimaginable loss is so touching. I’m glad I could support your efforts because life in the NICU, the uncertainty of it all is such a difficult journey.
Nicole @MTDLBlog´s last [type] ..Facebook Faux Pas
I found myself here from Moosh site, she is one of my favorites. I’ve been reading your stories for the last 30 minutes and I have overcome with your loss. And how well you’ve grown through it.
Going to buy the song now. Bless you and that gorgeous little girl.
Jamie´s last [type] ..if i could turn back time | the woven moments
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