On the last Saturday of April, we gathered to honor Maddie and all the other babies who were born too soon.
It was a gorgeous day, perfect for walking 3.78 miles.
It was a good day to get pushed, too.
At the end of the walk, we all caught up while we caught our breath.
It is always amazing to be surrounded by friends and family who love us. It was especially awesome to have Jackie! come march with us. She’s going through so much but she still made the incredible effort to be with us on such a hard day. It meant more to me than I can express.
Annie greeted her friends at the finish line and congratulated them on a job well-done.
She then lead them in a crazy toddler dance party.
Annie and her friends have grown so much. It’s bittersweet.
After we returned home, Annie refused to remove her Maddie shirt. “I did it, Mama!” She said, pointing to the sticker on her shirt that said the same thing. “Again march for Baby Maddie?”
Next year, sweetie.
Jay- The Dude of the House says:
Kudos on an amazing project and a wonderful tribute to Maddie.
Jenn says:
I thought of you guys the whole day & so wished we could have been there walking beside all of you!! I’m glad Jackie! came as well. She looks great in the picture!! Congrats on another successful walk!! I’m proud of all of you & I know Maddie is too!!! xoxo
Lisa says:
Looks like it was a beautiful day for Maddie and for the walk. I was thinking of all of you.
Britt @ BalancedBritt says:
We did the walk here in town and I thought of you.
A says:
Once again, I am SO glad I could be there with your family this year.
Heather says:
ME TOO! It always means so much to have you there!
Sleeping Mom says:
I love it! What a great group photo, and I love Annie hugging her friends and slapping those high-fives. Terrific!
Glenda says:
What a beautiful day for Maddie.
Always Maddie!!
Love that Jackie was there with you and for Maddie. She looks good!
Kristin says:
It was so awesome to meet you and I was so happy to finally participate in the walk this year! You guys are amazing and the show of support from your Family Team is really heartwarming. I’ll be back next year with my boys
Jessica says:
We walked yesterday in memory of our daughter. What an emotional day. It’s so bittersweet isn’t it? I love having a day to get together with all of our friends and family to honor our daughter but I can’t help but wish she was here walking with us because she survived.
Pattie says:
Hugs and love to you, Jessica.
Heather says:
ugh yes, it’s SO HARD, especially seeing all the other babies that have survived. My heart goes out to you xoxo
Pattie says:
I was thinking of all of you all day Saturday. The walk is such a beautiful way to honor beautiful Maddie. And I have to say, reading that Annie didn’t want to take off her shirt made me cry. Her big sister would be proud.
Lanie says:
We walked too – and it is so very bittersweet. I think next year we should try the toddler dance party. Thinking of you, Mike, Maddie, Annie and Jackie! So great that she was able to be there this weekend. Take care.
Mommy says:
My boys and I were there Marching for Maddie!! We missed the group picture thanks to a diaper blowout from my younger son on the way down, and my toddler walked most of the way so we never caught up to you guys. But we were there wearing our Friends of Maddie shirts with pride, thinking of you and your sweet baby girl, and we were honored to be a part of such a beautiful day and great cause. Next year we will get there earlier!!
Love to you and your family!!
ps. My 3 year old had to go potty during the walk and we were, of course, no where near a bathroom. So we went down a side street and found a tree. (Whaddya gonna do, when they have to go, the have to go!) This was a very novel concept for my boy, who still sits to go pee, and didn’t know what to do. My friend and I tried our best to help him, but it was not pretty. He kind of freaked out about getting his clothes wet, so I ended up with a naked toddler, leaning on a tree screaming, “I’m going pee pee! OUTSIDE!!!! ON A TREE!!!” Good times. Just thought I would give you the heads up that you might want to bring a travel potty for Annie to next year’s walk!
Heather says:
Sad we missed you! Traffic around there can be so awful!
Catherine says:
Was holding my breath waiting to see a pic of Jackie. So glad she could join you. She’s looks great! Looked like a great day in honor of Maddie. Hugs.
Tracie says:
Beautiful pictures. A wonderful way to honor Maddie.
RzDrms says:
I don’t know if you ever see or read my comments and emails – or even if they matter – but I’m beyond grateful that JACKIE! made it there. JACKIE!, you are loved.
I think of Maddie daily. I try to keep a tiny part of her little self alive by keeping a shine in my eyes, when I can muster it, and I do try. I try for her, and for others. I try for me, too. It’s important to try.
Heather says:
I do, and they totally matter!! Thank you!
AmazingGreis says:
So glad the walk was a success, as usual! So sad I couldn’t be there this year! I missed you all profusely! XOXO