Doing Good

by Heather on May 7, 2009

in Help Me Interwebs, the famous Madeline

I have tried to do some good through all of this. Tried to find some purpose, something to occupy my days and help Maddie’s name live on. I want her to be associated with wonderful things, and not the terrible sadness of her passing.

It’s bittersweet. I sincerely wish no parent had to go through the hell that Mike and I have been thrust in to. But nothing brings our Maddie back.

Mike and I and our family have always championed the March of Dimes, so it seemed natural to turn our efforts toward them now. We are deeply impressed by the way all of you have turned toward them as well. Donating to them in Maddie’s name, starting walks in her honor, and bidding on items in the Beauty For Babies auction are just a few of the ways you’ve helped tie Maddie’s name to something positive.

Even though most of the March For Babies walks are over, team fund raising hasn’t ended. To help raise awareness for this, the California Chapter of the March of Dimes has launched Parents For Preemies.

Parents for Preemies is a grassroots fundraiser where local establishments sell paper “baby blocks” to raise much needed funds for the March of Dimes. You can help by supporting your local retail businesses and organizations when they ask for a contribution for the March of Dimes – they’ll take as little as a dollar. Or, if you are really super motivated, you can pitch the campaign to your local establishments!

I feel a bit guilty pointing everyone toward yet another way to part with their hard-earned money. But I just have to show you why this campaign means even more to us than it already would. These bookmarks will be handed out to anyone and everyone.

Maddie Bookmark
click for a larger image

No matter what, we are so thankful for all that has been done for us and Madeline. Saying “Thank You” just isn’t enough, but for now, it will have to do.

If you are in California, and would like to pitch or learn more about the Parents For Preemies campaign,  please contact my staff partner, Cynthia Shane Smith at 415-217-6382 or csmith@marchofdimes.com.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Be Sociable, Share!

    Previous post:

    Next post:

    { 73 comments… read them below or add one }

    1 Kelly May 7, 2009 at 1:21 am

    the bookmarks are incredibly beautiful. Absolutely, heart wrenchingly beautiful. As are you…

    Sending you so much love and hugs on this day, and every day. We’re nearing the end of our day here, but my baby and I have been wearing purple all day for Maddie

    Reply

    2 Noelle May 7, 2009 at 1:37 am

    The bookmarks are yet another touching tribute to your sweet Maddie. I’m continually amazed by your grace, Heather. Please know that “thank you” isn’t necessary…support is simply what humans should do for one another during times of great need and despair. But I want to thank YOU for sharing every step of this journey that most of us would not have the strength to make. Hugs and prayers.

    Reply

    3 Jen May 7, 2009 at 3:01 am

    the bookmarks are awesome and touching. Wish I was in your area. I would pay money for one.
    On another note, I went to a wedding the other day and wore my strappy heals. I had beautiful purple toenails! They really didn’t match my outfit or the classy wedding, but I loved it!I have decided that I am going to keep my toenails purple all summer. In winter no one sees my toes, but I might keep it up.
    My hubby laughed so hard at the wedding when he saw my toes!

    Jen’s last blog post..I Paid For This?

    Reply

    4 Charlane May 7, 2009 at 3:23 am

    The bookmarks are fantastic! Your story has really helped me open up about my pregnancy and want to help others too. You feel so alone when things ahppen, like you are the only person out there. I know that we cannot take away your pain, but we do share it with you. Thank You for your dedication to the March of DImes and making other people (Me) want to help as much as we can too. You really are wonderful!

    Charlane’s last blog post..Seriously?

    Reply

    5 catherine lucas May 7, 2009 at 3:34 am

    Lovely bookmark indeed. I am convinced that it is a good thing to guide your grief in the direction you do now, by alerting all of us that daily preemies are born, and the ups and downs that parents and babies go through… Maddieblog has become my daily routine…
    I realise that there is actually nothing that we can say or do to make your hurt go away…
    But I did send some money all the way from England to the March of Dimes in honour of your Maddie… It is making a good thing out of the worst thing

    Reply

    6 Lynn from For Love or Funny May 7, 2009 at 3:34 am

    You are so welcome. I’m embarrassed to admit that I didn’t really know what the March of Dimes was all about until I started reading your blog. It’s clear to see that it is a worthy cause.

    Lynn from For Love or Funny’s last blog post..Boredom…Every Parent’s Nightmare

    Reply

    7 Sarah May 7, 2009 at 3:49 am

    Heather, you are doing more good than you will ever know. I promise you that. Your entire family has touched more people than you will ever know. I wrote a little about that this morning on my blog. You inspire me!

    Sarah’s last blog post..Crying A Little…

    Reply

    8 Kristen May 7, 2009 at 3:51 am

    They’re beautiful. And I can’t imagine a more important cause to give to.

    Reply

    9 Jessi May 7, 2009 at 4:03 am

    The bookmars really are fantastic!
    To me its so unbelievable how this blog world works. I follow many blogs and also many with sick kids or ppl with other problems. I follow Stellan, Harper, Faith and so many more. I still am amazed at how much support there is out there and how we can reach it through our blogs. It’s a nice thing bc this way we wont ever forget!!
    We know we arent alone, we know there are ppl praying for others and are there to support eachother.
    Your story really has brought me closer to the Lord. I dont really have words to say what I really want to (I’m from Germany so I really am missing some words) but I want you to say Thank You. Thank you for sharing your wonderful daughter with us. Thank you for your openess. Thank You for letting us lift you up in prayers. Thank You for doing all the incredible work you do to let everyone remember your little angel!

    Jessi’s last blog post..2444 pages….

    Reply

    10 Mindy May 7, 2009 at 4:31 am

    thinking of you today. sending (((hugs)))

    Reply

    11 Christine May 7, 2009 at 4:43 am

    The bookmarks are awesome. What an amazing little girl she was. She so clearly got it from her equally amazing parents. People should love and support each other through their hard times. Much love.

    Christine’s last blog post..The daytime of the night…

    Reply

    12 Casey May 7, 2009 at 4:53 am

    Don’t feel guilty about wanting to turn your loss into something that might help other preemies and their families. It’s nice for all of us to know how to help, when there is so little we can do to really help you and Mike through this. Maddie and her beauty just keep on giving to the rest of us, through the work that you and Mike are doing.

    Casey’s last blog post..For Maddie

    Reply

    13 Megan May 7, 2009 at 5:02 am

    What a beautiful way to honor Maddie. You are doing wonderful things in her name. Certainly a less for us all.

    Reply

    14 Tami May 7, 2009 at 5:02 am

    The bookmarks are adorable! I wish I lived in your area so I could get one and help out where ever is needed in honor of Maddie. She has touched allot of lives.
    I think of you daily. You are doing a great Job with keeping her Name alive.
    My hugs and thoughts are with you.

    Reply

    15 Jen May 7, 2009 at 5:26 am

    My heart goes out to you both. I found your blog after reading Matt’s blog. I check back here everyday to see you are doing. I pray that God will give you and you family strength. I came across this link and thought about you. Thought I would share. She makes Bears from clothing from loved ones we have lost. In time, maybe it will be something you would like to look into. http://www.joesmemorybears.com/

    Reply

    16 jen May 7, 2009 at 5:30 am

    You have turned your grief into something good in so many ways. I for one am honored to help you in any way. Sending you lots of hugs today and every day.

    jen’s last blog post..Why I Love Bad Weather

    Reply

    17 Davezwife May 7, 2009 at 5:50 am

    Hi there,
    I’ve lurked long enough, way past the point of leaving a comment, I apologize. I’ve been reading your story for a while, probably got here thru Matt Logelin. (I’m from the MN as well) To say your loss is heartbreaking is not nearly the right word. I am sorry your daughter passed.
    But I have to share a moment with you, BECAUSE of you…. you spoke in a previous entry about Mad’s KNEES. (the post where she was climbing on the chair). I have a daughter that’s almost 14 months, and as you know, at this age she is VERY busy. Poof! They wake up and they don’t hold still until bedtime.
    Well, the other day I was doing 100 things at once, and in haste, I plunked her into her carseat to go. She was just looking at me. Then I looked down, and saw she had THEE cutest knees in the whole wide world. (us moms can be biased). I started tearing up, thinking about your comment about Mad’s knees, and Ava just looked at me. She stopped. (she held still!) She looked me in the eyes, and she touched her little hand to my cheek. As if to say “I’m ok. Are you?” I kissed on those knees for what must have been hours. Never noticed them before, and probably only schmooched them by accident. I guess I’m trying to say “THANK YOU” for that moment. Had it not been for you sharing your heart, that tidbit would not have made it into mine. (PS – I gave her a couple extra kissies for Mads. The kind that had a lil’ nibble to them) Thank you for sharing your story. My thoughts are with you and your husband, and whole family.

    Davezwife’s last blog post..Santa Baby,

    Reply

    18 Lindsay May 7, 2009 at 5:53 am

    The bookmarks are wonderful! We are walking on Saturday for our little girl, but she will be wearing a purple hair bow for Maddie, and we made a sign with Maddie’s picture for on the stroller. Even never having met Maddie, I know she would be proud of all the wonderful work you are doing!

    Lindsay’s last blog post..Yay for Husbands!

    Reply

    19 Heather May 7, 2009 at 6:02 am

    Thinking of you and Mike and your families today. I’m in awe of how you’re trying to turn such an awful, earth shattering tragedy into something positive.

    Reply

    20 Nicole May 7, 2009 at 6:08 am

    Heather, I am yet another reader you don’t know (linked through Matt L’s blog) that has been so deeply affected by Maddie’s story. I just wanted to tell you that the “Wonder Walk” for the March of Dimes done at my son’s daycare (Kindercare) each year has taken on a whole new meaning for me this year because of Maddie. The pre-schoolers raise money, decorate the center, and have a “walk” around their rooms, all to “help the babies”. I shared a little bit about Maddie with my son and told him we needed to raise money so his school could help babies like her. He now has a purpose for his Wonder Walk and I feel happy that we can help in this small way. Just wanted you to know a 3 year old in Nebraska will be walking through his daycare for Maddie. <3

    Nicole

    Reply

    21 Stefanie May 7, 2009 at 6:14 am

    My son’s Maddie Monster came yesterday and it included that wonderful bookmark. So it was like both of us got an incredible gift. I continue to think of you and wish nothing but the best for you.

    Stefanie’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday – I just love these toes

    Reply

    22 won May 7, 2009 at 6:18 am

    Today has been a hard day. I am surfing the computer crying. Missing my Olivia, and the significance of the date today.

    I saw a link to your new post on someone else’s site and of course came here to read the latest with you.

    YOU inspire me Heather.

    That’s all…

    YOU are an inspiration.

    won’s last blog post..May 6, 1996

    Reply

    23 Domestic Extraordinaire May 7, 2009 at 6:30 am

    My girls and I are honored to walk in Maddie’s memory on Saturday in NW Ohio.

    (((hugs)))

    Domestic Extraordinaire’s last blog post..Tuesday-the Giveaway Post

    Reply

    24 Jennifer May 7, 2009 at 6:39 am

    The bookmarks are perfect and you have been doing so much good in Maddie’s name! We are all inspired by the amazing work you’re doing!

    Jennifer’s last blog post..More Freakiness

    Reply

    25 Lisa May 7, 2009 at 6:41 am

    The bookmarks are beautiful :)

    I think what you are doing for the March of Dimes is incredible and inspiring. Turning your grief into something so great.

    Reply

    26 Lesha May 7, 2009 at 6:53 am

    I wanted you to know that because of you and Mike, and most definitely because of Maddie I have contacted my local March of Dimes to volunteer and I am encouraging anyone who reads my blog to do the same, with a link to their volunteer page.

    I think about your family a lot, and while I can’t offer much from so far away, and even what I can offer will never heal your pain or bring back your lovely Maddie, I want to do what I can in her and your honor.

    The bookmark is beautiful.
    *hugs*

    Lesha’s last blog post..It doesn’t stop with the Walk

    Reply

    27 amanda May 7, 2009 at 6:53 am

    I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that Maddie’s name will live on forever – her name, and super-duper-ridiculously-cute face will be associated with the March of Dimes and other projects, campaigns, walks, fundraisers, etc, etc, that will help millions of babies who so desperately need it. She is a light in the world, Heather, and that light is going to live on forever -I mean that – I am not just saying that- I believe it so much – and it is because YOU and Mike have chosen to put the power of your grief towards something GOOD, and have educated us, your readers, strangers and friends, on how we can do GOOD with our grief as well.

    With love from CT,
    Amanda

    PS Love the bookmarks!

    amanda’s last blog post..Beauty for Babies

    Reply

    28 Amy May 7, 2009 at 6:57 am

    I’m wondering if we could launch something like that here in Massachusetts…I know that our funds from walks were not even close to last year, maybe something like this would help out here. I’m a member of the March for Babies family team committee here and I think I’m going to check into this…it sounds like a great idea.

    The bookmark is beautiful by the way.

    Amy’s last blog post..Fun Night in Beantown

    Reply

    29 Danielle @ ExtraordinaryMommy May 7, 2009 at 7:08 am

    The bookmarks are gorgeous – and yet another tribute to your amazing, beauitful little girl.

    You are doing more good than you could possibly imagine – and the very fact that you and Mike are capable of worrying about other families who need the March of Dimes is truly a testament to your amazing strength, character and selflessness.

    Maddie will never, ever be forgotten. I think you are both extraordinary.

    Reply

    30 Jodee May 7, 2009 at 7:11 am

    I am glad that you have something to put your energy and effort into I know it does not make the pain go away. But that fact that you are bringing notice to MOD and will in turn help other families and their babies is such a beautiful way to remember Maddie. She is loved and missed even by those who never “knew” her…big big (( HUG)) and as always lots of love. Jodee =-)

    Jodee’s last blog post..50 YEARS

    Reply

    31 Michelle May 7, 2009 at 7:14 am

    Dear Heather,

    I received our two Maddie’s Monsters yesterday and I was so touched by the bookmark….who knew a bookmark could have such a significance. Your daughter and your story has touched me in a way I cannot even begin to explain. This is only my second post to you, although, each time I’m hear I want to express my deepest heartfelt sympathy to you, Mike and your family. I, as so many others, have learned the most valuable lesson from you and your devastating loss. I have slowed things down, appreciated my time with my kiddos and paid closer attention to life…not taking things for granted. I only wish you still had your amazingly beautiful and inquisitive daughter in your arms.

    I have three kiddos and one bonus son. My sons are 13 & 10 and my daughter is 19 months…my bonus son is going to be 11 next week. My boys were so touched by Miss Maddie. They are very sensitive boys….they lost their dad very suddenly 3 years ago and have such a sweet genuine concern for others going through something devastating. They loved the monster….and appreciated the bookmark and told me to make sure I put it somewhere very special. The boys and I have had bad, bad days….we work to get through the loss of their dad….we know we will never get over it…no one can replace him and he will forever be in our hearts will always be thoughts.

    My oldest son is starting working toward his confirmation and we talked about things he could do for volunteering…we wants to purchase more Maddie Monsters and donate and deliver them to Children’s hospital….”that will bring smiles to two faces….the March of Dimes and the child that receives Maddie’s monster.” My younger son just had his birthday and had requested all gifts be donated to an organization that has helped him….an organization called Annie’s Hope…it’s a bereavement center for children who have lost a parent, sibling or grandparent….next year he wants to help the March of Dimes.

    This post isn’t really about me, I just want you to know that the awareness you have given to the March of Dimes is amazing….you and Mike are honoring your sweet Maddie in more ways than you may be able to imagine.

    I pray for you and Mike everyday. Just as Maddie has made a mark on lives across the country….so have the two of you. May God Bless You and give you strength and peace. Thank you for sharing your daughter, your life and your thoughts with us.

    Hugs,
    Michelle
    St. Louis

    Reply

    32 Una May 7, 2009 at 7:16 am

    Heather,

    I am yet another person who is a stranger but who has been deeply affected by your posts about Maddie. I tangentially know your brother Kyle throught my best friend from high school, and when I heard of Maddie’s passing I began reading your blog. I’ve been hooked ever since — by your talent, grace, and humor, but mostly by your incredible daughter. Perhaps because I’ve been looking at so many photos of her, Maddie was in my dream last night. I just thought you’d want to know that she was smiling and laughing and playing. She was so happy.

    Una

    Una’s last blog post..Wednesday ADD

    Reply

    33 Jamie May 7, 2009 at 7:19 am

    The bookmarks, of course, are perfect. No surprise with that beautiful face smiling off of them. You and Mike are taking the brave steps to turn what’s happened to you into something positive. We all SHOULD care about the birth of healthy babies, even if we aren’t or don’t intend to be parents ourselves. Even Whitney Houston knew babies are important.

    Keep doing what you’re doing. It seems trite or cliche or something to say that using your grief for something positive isn’t just a gift you give Maddie, but also yourself, but I think it’s true. Unlike so many people who vow to make a difference in the face of tragedy and loss, you and Mike ARE making that difference. And that rocks.

    Jamie’s last blog post..The One Where I Turn Into Jack Spratt

    Reply

    34 Notesfromthegrove May 7, 2009 at 7:19 am

    I come here to check on you every day. The bookmark is just beautiful. What a wonderful way for people to have a tangeable reminder of Maddie.

    Notesfromthegrove’s last blog post..The Ultimate Binding Contract

    Reply

    35 Kristin May 7, 2009 at 7:29 am

    What gorgeous bookmarks. I may not be commenting every day, but I’m thinking of you and Mike. Lots of love and hugs for you, all the time.

    Kristin’s last blog post..Where oh where is my clean little house?

    Reply

    36 Amanda May 7, 2009 at 7:39 am

    We have a dear MOD “baby” in our extended family. JC is on his way to the teen years, but the family still walks, campaigns and champions MOD. Writing a check to support his grandmother as she walked a few weeks back was an honor. I thought of your Maddie as I did it. The impact she had and you and Mike continue to have defies description. I wish that made it hurt less, though I know it can’t.

    Amanda’s last blog post..Lullabye

    Reply

    37 Katie May 7, 2009 at 8:01 am

    You are doing great things, Heather. Thinking of you, as always.

    Reply

    38 Becky May 7, 2009 at 8:07 am

    I am honored to know you, Heather. I’ve never met anyone who can turn such a heart wrenching negative into a positive.

    I am in awe of you. Seriously.

    Becky’s last blog post..Who’s Bringing Chubby Back? ME.

    Reply

    39 Amanda May 7, 2009 at 8:38 am

    You are truly living the DG motto to “do good” through Maddie. As a fellow Delta Gamma Alum (University of Texas) who has read your blog quietly for some time, I’m sending love and prayers your way and keeping you and your family in my thoughts.

    ITB

    Reply

    40 Kathy Knapp May 7, 2009 at 8:40 am

    I learned about your story from my niece Heather’s blog. I cannot imagine what you have gone through. I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My niece is participating in a walk this weekend in Sandusky, Ohio in honor of your daughter. God Bless you and your family.

    Reply

    41 Jill May 7, 2009 at 8:46 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Maddie was such a beautiful, spirited little girl. I can’t imagine how you’re managing to get through each day.
    My grandma lost a little boy named Thad from whooping cough when he was thirty-two months. He was born before my mother and her sister and they grew up hearing about him, how he could count up to fifty, how he had a lamb for a pet and how he cried so much when his older cousin went off to kindergarten that he was finally allowed to go, too, even though he was way too young for school and all the adults thought he’d get bored and that would be the end of it. Except he didn’t. He was the youngest child in the little country school where he went every day until he got sick.
    Thad was a real presence in the family even after he died. My mother told me the stories about the brother she never met. There were a lot of stories for such a short life. Just as Thad was never forgotten Madden will always be a part of your family. Many people who read your posts and saw her pictures loved Maddie and mourn with you and hope you find peace and brighter days ahead.

    Reply

    42 Amy May 7, 2009 at 8:55 am

    I think it is great that you and Mike and trying to turn this so very tragic event in to something positive. Thinking of you today.

    Reply

    43 Sarah @ BecomingSarah.com May 7, 2009 at 9:00 am

    A good cause like this is: a) never something to feel guilty about pitching, and b) not something most people mind parting with a few hard-earned dollars for.

    I hope Cynthia gets more e-mails than you could ever hope for.

    Reply

    44 denise May 7, 2009 at 9:04 am

    You are amazing

    keep going

    she’s with you and

    she’s watching.

    Reply

    45 Andrea's Sweet Life May 7, 2009 at 9:11 am

    What a gorgeous tribute to lovely Madeline. I’ve already decided that our annual charitable contributions budget is going toward MoD. So I’m happy to see more ways I can put that money to good use.

    Love you, girl

    Andrea’s Sweet Life’s last blog post..Answers

    Reply

    46 April May 7, 2009 at 9:25 am

    The bookmark looks lovely!

    Reply

    47 Alison May 7, 2009 at 9:32 am

    I TOTALLY picked up a Parents for Preemies flyer at the March up here. I saw Maddie’s picture on. I’m looking at it right now, actually.

    This is such an amazing thing.

    Alison’s last blog post..School is Occasionally Useful

    Reply

    48 april in NJ May 7, 2009 at 9:39 am

    Is there a way we can purchase a bookmark? I’d love to have one…
    You’re amazing Heather… keep doing everything you’re doing for Maddie. She’s with you and she knows how much she’s loved (by all of us).

    Reply

    49 Sarah Rogers May 7, 2009 at 10:07 am

    You both are amazing.

    Is it weird that I watch Maddie’s tribute video everyday??? I’m in love with this little girl. She’s painfully beautiful. My husband and I cry and cry every time we watch it, and then when she looks at the phone in that one clip we just crack up. She’s so sweet… gosh – those eyes. How did you ever manage to discipline her? One look at that sweet little face and I’d just give her whatever she wanted! Chocolate for breakfast – no problem.

    I’m so, so, so, so sorry for your loss. The world is a better place for having Maddie in it. Maddie has helped me remember to do the most important things in life, all the time, no matter what: LOVE and SMILE. Those two things really make it all worth while.

    I know you are so proud of the BIG impact she has made in the world in such a short time.

    Sarah, Josh and Baby Sullivan in Charleston, South Carolina are constantly thinking and praying for your family!! Thank you for letting us “know” Maddie.

    We love you Maddie!

    Sarah Rogers’s last blog post..Why Sully’s hearing loss is so confusing…

    Reply

    50 Amy May 7, 2009 at 10:16 am

    It is so great all that you are doing when it would be so much easier to crawl into bed and never come out. No words could ever make you feel better, feel complete but your actions will help somebody, somewhere. Thanks you.

    Amy’s last blog post..

    Reply

    51 Trinity May 7, 2009 at 10:28 am

    Love’s arms were wreath’d about the neck of Hope,
    And Hope kiss’d Love, and Love drew in her breath
    In that close kiss, and drank her whisper’d tales.
    They said that Love would die when Hope was gone,
    And Love mourn’d long, and sorrow’d after Hope ;
    At last she sought out Memory, and they trod
    The same old paths where Love had walk’d with Hope,
    And Memory fed the soul of Love with tears.

    -Tennyson

    Thinking of your family

    Reply

    52 Christine May 7, 2009 at 11:08 am

    Heather, with Mother’s Day approaching, I am thinking of you and hoping that your spirits are up. Maddie was blessed to have such a beautiful and fabulous mother. God Bless you today and always!

    Reply

    53 Christine May 7, 2009 at 11:11 am

    Heather, with Mother’s Day approaching, I am thinking of you and hoping that your spirits are up. Maddie was blessed to have such a beautiful and fabulous mother. God bless you today and always!

    Reply

    54 ali May 7, 2009 at 11:13 am

    you done good, Heather.
    you really did.
    HUGS

    Reply

    55 Glenda May 7, 2009 at 11:28 am

    The bookmarks are beautiful! HUGS!XO

    Reply

    56 Amy May 7, 2009 at 12:42 pm

    The bookmarks are beautiful! It’s wonderful to see everyone coming together like this to help out a great cause.

    Amy’s last blog post..Maddie is feeling better…

    Reply

    57 Leslie May 7, 2009 at 1:22 pm

    Dear Heather and Mike,

    I am finally, finally writing to tell you how very sorry I am about Maddie. I have known for some time now about Maddie – weeks and weeks and I have visited your blog everyday but I just wasn’t able to say anything until now. I was just so absolutely crushed when I found out- I sobbed at my desk at work. Thank God I work alone. And I have to tell you that the tears still haven’t stopped. They come when I’m out during my morning run, when I’m driving in my car, when I’m reading one of your beautiful posts, but especially when I look at my own boys and can only image the utter pain and sadness you are feeling.

    My husband, who doesn’t blog at all, can’t understand why I am so torn up over a child I never “knew”. What he doesn’t understand is that I did “know” Maddie. I knew that her smile brightened my day, her eyes made my breath catch, and her funny stories made me laugh. And I “know” you both too – you can’t help but start to “know” folks when you read their blog and share in their life’s ups and downs. So, maybe you don’t know me, but I do know you and I think about you everyday. I pray that the hole left in your hearts by Maddie’s passing will grow a little smaller over time and will be filled with memories of all the happy times you shared with her. Heather, Mike – you are wonderful parents – strong, brave, kind and beautiful and I have learned so much from you. Thank you for allowing all of us to share in this with you – to take on all of our sadness as well as yours. Maddie was everyone’s little angel.

    Reply

    58 Ginger May 7, 2009 at 1:23 pm

    Dear girl, never feel bad about fighting this fight – and I have benefitted from MoD research and info for each of my two girls, so I thank you on their behalf. Everybody has some sorrow, and some burden to carry, and you got the biggest sorrow of all, so you have the hardest job to do to be able to fight despair – you do it in any way you can Heather – either by focusing your energy on MoD fundraising, or by taking a break, whatever you need. I am about to post about these burdens we all have to carry, and how we all seek to triumph over them, and part of the reason I have been thinking about these things is that I can’t stop thinking of you, and that it is so amazingly moving how moms and dads around the world have been so affected by your family’s loss. As awful as it is for you, it is doing some good in the world. I know that would be hard to be grateful for, but it is so very rare to have such a powerful impact. Maddie was indeed a bright star!

    Ginger’s last blog post..Grace in Small Things #6 seis -sei

    Reply

    59 Burgh Baby May 7, 2009 at 1:32 pm

    The walks aren’t all done just yet. Pittsburgh will be marching for Maddie this Saturday. We’re up to nearly $4,000 raised for the March of Dimes in Maddie’s honor right now. :-)

    The bookmarks kick ass. **hugs**

    Reply

    60 Maria Delgado May 7, 2009 at 1:38 pm

    My little girl (2 years old) and I are always blessed by Maddie’s memory. Whenever I dress her in purple I tell her it’s for Maddie. We also love donating at the store and writing Maddies name on the slip of paper that is added to the donation wall. We will carry on a love for her even though we never knew her. God Bless you!

    Reply

    61 Emily May 7, 2009 at 2:33 pm

    You are doing much, much more than good. You are doing amazing, heart-wrenching work. It must take all the strength you can muster to write these blog posts and fight the good fight instead of crumpling under the weight of this tragedy. I liked the other comment about wearing purple toenail polish all summer. I’m going to do the same. We’re thinking of you today and every day.

    Emily’s last blog post..15 Month Stats

    Reply

    62 kathy May 7, 2009 at 3:28 pm

    Hi Heather,
    Iam so terribly sorry. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful daughter with us.

    Reply

    63 Jennifer May 7, 2009 at 5:47 pm

    I think you have done so much to honor your daughter, and in turned helped so many others. I know you would rather just have her back, but thank you for helping so many

    Jennifer’s last blog post..Practical Joke Thursday

    Reply

    64 Susan May 7, 2009 at 8:04 pm

    Love, thoughts and prayers with you and your family.

    Susan’s last blog post..Lil’ Ropin’

    Reply

    65 Ana May 7, 2009 at 9:11 pm

    A beautiful bookmark. I think of you and Mike and Maddie every single day.

    Reply

    66 Christie May 7, 2009 at 9:23 pm

    I keep wanting to comment, and holding back – no idea why – I guess I’m afraid to say the wrong thing. Been reading your blog for a while and just wanted you to know that even though we don’t know each other – we think of Maddie almost every day. We have a 17 month old adopted son – and well, as a mother – you just can’t even begin to imagine this type of loss. The scale of it is just unfathomable for me – and I’m so very, very sorry.

    She is beautiful…just beautiful. You must be so very proud of her -xo

    Prayers your way every day from our home to yours…

    Christie’s last blog post..Someone please…

    Reply

    67 Rebecca May 7, 2009 at 11:12 pm

    Heather, you are AMAZING and the bookmarks are PERFECT. Thank you so much for sharing so much of your heart and love for Maddie. It has inspired so many people, and I know it will continue. My students and I just finished assembling and donating NICU care packages in honor of Maddie. Thank you SO MUCH for giving me (and so many others) the opportunity to do something, anything helpful, and for the opportunity to teach my students about life and love at the same time.

    Rebecca’s last blog post..NICU Packages: Honoring Maddie

    Reply

    68 Lisa May 7, 2009 at 11:50 pm

    Heather, can you send me html code for the bookmark or the march of dimes badge w/ Maddie’s photo on it so I can include it on my blog (which is theater-centric, but still…). The site gets enough traffic and I’d like my readers to help too!

    Reply

    69 Molly May 8, 2009 at 6:44 am

    You are doing a good job doing good. You are doing your baby girl right.

    Molly’s last blog post..Maddie

    Reply

    70 rachel-asouthernfairytale May 9, 2009 at 4:29 pm

    Perfect.

    You are doing MAddie so proud honey.

    rachel-asouthernfairytale’s last blog post..And It’s Not Even My Birthday

    Reply

    71 Christy May 12, 2009 at 11:27 am

    Heather–I found your blog this morning when I was aimlessly clicking through twitter and other blogs. But i stopped and read because I, too, am lost. I miss my little Chase dearly and don’t know how to go on. He died April 14th –I am coming up on a month and can’t believe how fast that time has gone. We had him for 3 short days after severe complications during labor. He was healthy and beautiful and looked just like his siblings and we all miss him. Sometimes I can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel either. Actually all the time. It seems to be getting harder rather than easier but I’ve never lost a child so I don’t know what I’m supposed to be feeling or how this roller coaster ride is laid out. I just want my kids to be happy and I want to be happy again but we will always miss Chase. He was a part of us and will still be a part of us. I dont know how else to act. I’m sorry to go on but when I read your blog I felt not alone. People tell me that all the time but when I read your blog, it felt like I wasn’t alone. I hurt for you and I hope that you and Mike can lean on each other as much as it takes, however you can, to get to happiness again. I love your tattoo. Maddie was a very precious angel and you 2 are incredible parents. My best to you both. God bless.

    Christy’s last blog post..I love my family

    Reply

    72 Pierrette May 14, 2009 at 9:48 pm

    Thank you for sharing your stories with us, I have always loved reading your blog. I have never met you or your family but Maddie and your stories about her have touched me. As I read this I found myself in tears. Both my husband and I are thinking of you, from your stories I know you are strong and will persevere. Remember that Maddie will always be watching you and your family; she is your special angel forever.

    Take care.

    Reply

    73 Al_Pal July 29, 2009 at 6:09 pm

    Lovely bookmark.
    You are so inspiring.

    Reply

    Leave a Comment

    CommentLuv badge