When we woke up yesterday morning the first thing Annabel said was, “It’s Maddie’s birthday today!!!!” She immediately started asking about cream puffs. Since the schools were all closed for Veteran’s Day, the kids and I met up with my friend Tara and her kids at a park. Three of her kids gave me awesome drawings for Maddie.
I’m sure, if given the opportunity, Baby Cait would have drawn something equally as stunning.
After the park, Annie, James, and I spent some time with Gramma and Bampa. When we got home, Annie decided to decorate, but since we didn’t have any streamers she used…toilet paper. She got very frustrated with how it looked (not…great) and refused to let me photograph it, but I assured her that it was the thought that counted. She decided to draw pictures and hang them everywhere instead.
I especially liked this one that she drew of our family:
left to right: Annie, Maddie, James, Heather, Rigby, Mike
When Mike came home, Annabel almost tackled him to get to the cream puffs. I don’t think she could have waited another minute.
We sang Happy Birthday to Maddie, and of course, Annie blew out the candle.
James did not appreciate being unable to eat a cream puff.
I received a bunch of texts, emails, tweets, and comments wishing Maddie a happy birthday, and they meant so much to me. I am so afraid people will forget what this day means to us. It was one of the best days of my life, and I am terrified that if people forget the day, they’ll forget the girl. I don’t want her to ever be forgotten.
Becca Masters says:
I don’t think the world will ever forget Maddie. I think Annie and James will grow up talking and dreaming of their big sister, they will tell their children, who will tell their children, and so on.
Some imprints in this world are much to deep to be forgotten.
Love to you Spohrs.
marcia says:
I love that sentiment – “some imprints in this world are much too deep to be forgotten”. Becca summed it up beautifully. I can’t remember exactly when or how I stumbled across your blog, but reading about your adventures with Maddie quickly became a highlight of my day. You all became part of my life and when she passed, it was like losing a member of my own family. I have felt honored that you have allowed us to continue to be part of your journey and that you continue to share your sweet little Annabel, James and memories of Maddie with us. I have a “Maddie bracelet” that I ordered from your friend…I wear it often, but ALWAYS on her birthday! I promise you, she left an impression on my heart that is palpable and has made me a better person. How one tiny little body could hold so much love is a miracle that I will never understand but will always be in awe of!!
Lilian says:
Oh my goodness! How could you think that any of us could forget Maddie? Through your blog she has become a part of our lives, and I for one, am eternally grateful to you for sharing her story, and your whole family with us. So rest assured, Maddie will remain in our hearts forever! Much love to you all! xxxx
Colleen says:
I will never forget Maddie either!
I found your blog just days before she passed away and I was just catching up when we (the world of humanity) lost her…. I cried for you then but now she is even more special because I have watched her videos and see her sweet face everyday in your blog and living thru James’ and sometimes Annie’s expressions. I think about what she’d be today and I feel the ache for the loss for her siblings and her role as big sister. I imagine her all the time being so creative and mentoring with Annie, helping with James and making him laugh, dancing and making music, all the daily things.
No one could forget this bright, happy little girl and her big eyes & wonderful smile!
Jenn says:
No Worries Friend…We Will ALWAYS Remember Your Beautiful Little Girl & Wish She Was Still Here With You & Your Family!!! xo
Maris says:
Ditto
Ryan says:
Happy Birthday Maddie! She will NEVER be forgotten! I love how her bday is becoming a family Holiday for the kids.
Ryan says:
I don’t even know you guys but I know her Birthday!
Sue says:
No one will ever, ever forget Maddie, Heather. Even those of us that never had the joy of meeting her. You & Mike are extraordinary parents and you will always keep Maddie’s memory alive for all of us. Big hugs, and lots of love to all of you.
amourningmom says:
Maddie will always be remembered! Sending so much hope and lots of hugs. xo
designhermomma says:
Nope. I’ll never forget her, ever. One of my memories of her was when we bunked together at Blissdom (wasn’t that fun?) and you skpyed with her from Nashville.
Thought about you tons yesterday…
Stacy says:
We won’t forget your beautiful little Maddie. I think of her every time I see the purple flowers blooming back home. Hugs to all of you!
Becca says:
I have a day by day calendar on my work desk. Yesterday I went to change the date and immediately though “Oh, November 11th, it’s Maddie’s birthday today”. This thought was quickly followed by “Oh right, November 11th, it’s my brother-in-law’s birthday today”, and I sent him a text. So, thanks Maddie for reminding me of my brother-in-law.
In honor of the day, I also went back in your blog and watched a few Maddie videos. And I smiled. Happy Birthday Maddie!
Debbie A-H says:
Will never forget the beautiful girl with the lovely eyes and sweet smile.
The Other Elle says:
Not a chance, Heather. Maddie has left a legacy of love that has changed our lives and she will never be forgotten.
Megan says:
Happy birthday, sweet Madeline…you are much loved all over the world.
I love Annie’s family drawing. How does it feel, Heather, to be the largest one? Of course, if poor Mike had legs, he might be taller than you. I love how Annie drew Maddie as smaller than herself but larger than James. It will be interesting to see how or if that changes as Annie celebrates more Maddie birthdays.
Donna P says:
Heather, I’ve never met you or your family, yet I feel I’ve known all of you for years. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of Maddie. Have no fear, she will never be forgotten.
Margie says:
Don’t worry, Heather. Seems Annie would never, ever forget about Maddie and her birthday.
Love you all.
Nicole says:
No way! Maddie’s birthday was the first thing I thought of when I woke up yesterday! XO
Pattie says:
Maddie will never, ever be forgotten.
tami says:
I could never forget Maddie. The sweet little girl with the big blue eyes and the biggest smile ever!! Hugs
Katie says:
My older daughter (who’s now 4) lost one of her friends as a toddler. We talk about her friend, about death, about our how our bodies work and then stop working, about everything, and now my daughter is starting to recall these things on her own. Her friend’s birthday is in a few weeks and we’re planning to bake cupcakes, blow bubbles and visit the park where some of her ashes are scattered. All my daughter’s idea, inspired by remembrances of her friend (and assurances from me that yes, she will know we are singing Happy Birthday to her and will be able to see the bubbles we blow and the cupcakes we make.)
Maddie will not – for sure, will not – be forgotten. Big hugs!
Glenda says:
I found your blog through Matt April 09. I’ve been reading since. Thank you for sharing you’re beautiful family. Maddie will never be forgotten!
Effie says:
Hello! I have been reading your blog forever! Like 6 years forever ( I don’t know how I even stumbled upon it). The platform that you have created here allows all of your readers who are dispersed all over the country and world (although I’m right here in the Southbay) to remember. And not just remember Sweet Maddie, but also Jackie! and your Dear Aunt. Thank you for sharing them with all of us! It’s so great that Annie enjoys celebrating her big sister. You’re creating great memories!
XOXO
Kathryn says:
I didn’t forget either…never do as that day is always a celebration here in Germany. I think I’ve mentioned it to you before…children make or carry handmade lanterns and often those big lanterns with a candle float up in the sky. It’s such a beautiful, special sight to see and it always makes me think of your Special Girl. Some lights never go out, no matter how dim or bright they might shine.
Christy says:
Not sure how I missed that Maddie’s birthday is on the 11th. I think about her every time I see your posts pop up on my feed. She will never be forgotten. How precious that Annie celebrates so BIG! I love that! Love to you and yours.
kristen piccola says:
No one can ever forget adorable Maddie and her powerful impact around the world!
Thank you for sharing her with us!
Kristen
Christina says:
Dear Heather & family,
I found your blog shortly after Maddie passed away and have been an avid reader ever since. I love your writing (and Mike’s!) and love the window into your daily lives that you provide. I could never forget Maddie.
Bianca says:
Another one here to reinforce Maddie’s impact across the world. Posting here from France as a Brit living overseas. Much love to you all xx
Leslie says:
Happy birthday beautiful Maddie.
James, looks so interested in the cream puff while Annabelle is eating. Just wait until next year James!
Best wishes and prayers to you and your lovely family.
Andrea says:
I remembered Maddie in Fargo, ND yesterday, her memory and story remain in all of us who were touched by her life. God Bless
Janina says:
We will never forget maddie. Happy Biryhday sweet girl. The world loves you and misses you so much!
Jess says:
No one wil ever forget Maddie. Or the Spohrs.
Btw James looked really ticked he was not invited to partake in cream puff goodness.
Norma says:
She will never, ever be forgotten!
Michelle says:
I was one of the fortunate few who got to “meet” her in person ever so fleetingly. She was memorable, for sure! I remember that I could not take my eyes off her because she was so dang cute and smiley to everyone! She was radiant! I have often wondered out of all the babies you pass by in life, why was she so memorable? But she was. How did I stumble on you that horrible day in April? I cannot remember. But I remember her. Much later, I was honored to find out we were also birthday buddies. I turned 46…and she should be 6. A full lifetime separates us that she should have, dammit, but every year for the rest of my life there will be purple and Sweet Maddie will not be forgotten. Pinky swear.
Teresa says:
Happy Birthday Maddie!! No one will ever be able to forget her. Ever. Those beautiful eyes and smile will not be lost.
Lisa says:
It’s impossible to forget Maddie! That little girl made such an impression on me and hundreds of thousands of other people. Sending love & light!
RzDrms says:
You mentioned that you’re “terrified that if people forget the day, they’ll forget the girl.” I wanted to be sure you knew that, while I might actually forget Maddie’s birthday or JACKIE’S! birthday (I have a difficult time recalling a lot of people’s birthdays), I *promise* you that I won’t ever forget those girls. Ever. Just like I’d venture to say that you remember all the influential people in your life, even if you don’t remember the anniversary of their births. So…please know that I won’t forget Maddie, her smile, those bright eyes, the love of her parents and grandparents, the color purple, the color yellow, and…so much more that you’ve shared with us. I try to celebrate those special people who died by doing things and appreciating things that I think they would’ve. We won’t forget HER. Please try to never worry about that again.
Katrina says:
I think of your sweet Maddie all the time, not just on the 11th The other day (this past Monday) while I went through the drive thru at In & Out, the girl who did the money transaction had a name tag that read “Alyce” and I thought, “Hmmm…that’s an interesting way to spell Alice.” and I immediately thought of Maddie. And I remembered that it was her birthday that day. And I thought, “Happy Birthday, sweet Maddie” — Heather, there is NO way any of us can ever forget her
Paula says:
Heather – I will never forget Maddie. Ever. In all my years being on the internet I have never been so emotional about anything that happened online until I read about Maddie’s passing. It was so visceral and all I could think was about you and Mike and how this devastated you both.
I think everyone felt that way and so many love your Maddie, Annie, and Jamesie that even if they stopped coming to this blog they would never forget any one in your family.
Much to all of you.