Laughter used to fill our home. Our walls were falling down from all the noise.
Children are rarely quiet, but our Madeline? She was NEVER quiet.
Smiles used to brighten our lives. We couldn’t imagine things being any better.
Even with the possibility of our second child on the horizon, the extinguished light makes it hard to see.
Our happiness will always be tempered. We won’t ever be whole.
And we can’t be healed by the magic of her laugh.
If you can’t see the video above, click here.
tiff says:
It will always be tempered and it won’t be the same.
Always thinking of you and your family as you make this journey.
.-= tiff´s last blog ..Remember. =-.
Kelly says:
I wouldn’t expect you to ever be healed.. I only hope that Binky can help to numb it a little, and bring back the laughter and noise.
Maddie is exceptional. So beautiful. Such a bright, bright light. Thank you again – SOOO much – for sharing your beautiful angel.
All the best and hugs
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Today I turn 1 =-.
Julie says:
Her laugh is so amazing and contagious.
Pamela says:
Maddie’s laugh is contagious. Beautiful.
.-= Pamela´s last blog ..It’s Your Birthday… =-.
SusieO says:
I always feel so blessed for have knowing OF your angel Madeline. To be touched by her is a rich only deserved by you and your family.
Katrina says:
Oh my gosh….she’s beautiful. What a wonderful sound her laughter is.
Binky won’t ever replace that laughter. But Binky’s laughter will fill your hearts with joy, too, and fill your house with noise.
Oh, my heart aches for your loss, and yet it leaps with excitement for your new little one, too.
.-= Katrina´s last blog ..Aria’s Birthday =-.
Jewels says:
Such an amazingly photogenic and, uh, videogenic child. Beautiful.
.-= Jewels´s last blog ..Girl Talk: Relaxation =-.
jessica says:
I’ve read your blog for only a few months now, to be honest i saw the picture of maddie on another blog i follow and thought she was one of those baby models (because OMG SHE IS BEAUTIFUL) for some sort of advertisement until I eventually clicked it and I’m glad I did.
I’ve pondered commenting a few times but I really don’t know what to say. I want to in many ways express how beautiful and amazing your daughter is and was, how easy it is to see that you made her life happy and that you are amazing parents but in many ways just how much Maddie has remained in my heart.. all the way over in Australia.
I just wanted to put that out there because I think you deserve to know the impact your beautiful daughter has made and even though the fact she isnt here anymore is out of your hands the bubbly and happy life she did live is definately thanks to you and Mike. Binky is a lucky little thing and I’m sure it will always have a place in its heart for its big sister.
Sally says:
It is so stupidly unfair, Heather. At the very least I am glad you have all these beautiful memories of her, but they are just not enough.
I know the feeling knowing my family will never be whole. Never be complete. Always have someone missing. I wish I could change things for you and Mike.
Much love.
.-= Sally´s last blog ..Blooming =-.
Krissa says:
Precious. … (((hugs)))
catherine lucas says:
You have to laugh with her whether you want it or not…
Her space will never be filled, but I am sure that Binky will bring back some bitter sweet happiness…
I honestly think that getting pregnant was the best thing for you and Mike in the given circumstances, so another laugh will sing through the house… Maddie would have wanted it that way I presume. And gosh, what can we really tell you… not much. It hurts to loose a baby.
.-= catherine lucas´s last blog ..The Royal Yacht Britannia and me… =-.
JD says:
What a lovely little girl! I love it when you post videos, Maddie’s just so full of sunshine, I can’t help but smile!
Kathryn says:
Laughter will fill your house again. Will it be the same laughter? No. But will it be equally as precious? Yes. All of your future children will be blessed to have you & Mike as parents, just as Maddie was. I am sure it will be hard not to compare Binky to Madeline, but remember Binky is his or her own person. She/he cannot replace Madeline…you will love this baby for who they are and will cherish getting to know all their cute quirks, giggle style, personality, etc just like you loved getting to know Madeline’s.
The light and memory of Madeline will never go out, nor will it be overshadowed by Binky….I think you will forever have two lights in your life, kind of like wearing bi-focals and that’s ok.
Wishing you all the best and hoping that the placenta stays where it needs to stay and doesn’t give you any problems. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO (hugs!!!)
Amy says:
Said so well…
Seraphim says:
You are right, her laugh won’t heal you. And you probably can’t imagine anybody elses laugh healing you either, but I hope, in some way they will.
Thinking of you often. Odd how a child I will never meet called Madeline has inspired such love within me. If that’s how a stranger feels, I only imagine your heartache.
Sending, as always
love xxxx
.-= Seraphim´s last blog ..Rory’s Garden =-.
Kate in NZ says:
I wrote just yesterday about the purity (and infectiousness) of baby joy. It’s so lovely that you captured Maddie’s on video. Hugs to you…
.-= Kate in NZ´s last blog ..Winter warmth =-.
amanda says:
Oh my God, Heather, she is so wonderful.
xo from CT,
Amanda
.-= amanda´s last blog ..ants in the pants =-.
Lynn from For Love or Funny says:
You and Mike must miss Maddie so very much. Keeping you in my thoughts.
.-= Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..Book ’em, Danno! =-.
Shannon Kieta says:
Everyone is right Heather…
Maddie’s laugh is priceless, there will NEVER be another, but Binky will have his own laugh, and it will melt your heart. Oh, by the way, did you read the response I wrote on Mike’s blog? God came to me, or maybe it was my sister, and told me you were having a boy! I told that to Mike! I am USUALLY NEVER WRONG ON THIS! Now, mind you, my husbands family has only one girl in four generations and my second child I told them it was a girl and NO ONE believed me! My FIL kept calling the baby a he until Abbie was 6 months old! After she came out!!!! Ha ha ha! Needless to say, no one will ever take Maddie’s place and Binky is a boy, so he is going to create an even more different feeling because of him being a boy. But I won’t get your hopes up, because if it isn’t a boy, Mike will be coming to my house whooping my a$$. I am over the moon for you guys and I feel like you are family. Thank you for the kind response. You will never know how much that meant. Luv Ya! Auntie Shannon
Cinthia says:
I know you’ll never get over losing Maddie, and things will never be the same and happiness will possibly never feel like it used to, but you do have to allow yourselves to be happy, I think.
I’ve always felt that as much as Maddie loved BEING happy, she also seemed to enjoy making you (and the rest of your family) happy. I remember those videos… she’s such an adorable ham… and she KNEW it too!
I know it’ll be hard to be happy, but I think eventual, future happiness will in some way honor Maddie and Maddie’s spirit and life as well.
Jen says:
What a precious girl! I’m so sorry, Heather!
.-= Jen´s last blog ..Stranger than fiction =-.
Jen says:
I know that you will never really be healed, but hopefully Binky will bring much more light into your world. I’m looking forward to reading about the adventures you have with your second child, as I enjoy reading so much about Maddie. Such a beautiful little girl, I love that smile.
.-= Jen´s last blog ..How do I still not have one of these? =-.
Kristen McD says:
Priceless. What a joyful girl.
Sabrina says:
That was one perfect little laugh. Thank you for sharing those moments with us. She reminds me everyday to love my children a little better, what an amazing gift!
.-= Sabrina´s last blog ..Average day =-.
J says:
You just can’t help but laugh along with her, even while your heart breaks watching.
Take care of yourselves.
.-= J´s last blog ..Choice =-.
Dawn says:
Alex was sitting across the room when I hit play. He heard the laugh and went MADDIE and ran to the computer.
.-= Dawn´s last blog ..seventeen hundred dollar week =-.
pgoodness says:
Silenced in real life, but always alive in your hearts and memory (and thankfully, in technology). No, you probably won’t ever be fully healed, so take that expectation away. Live it as you can…with Maddie in your heart and soul forever. I hope Binky will bring some light back to you. xo
.-= pgoodness´s last blog ..The appointment =-.
Dana says:
I love her sweet laugh. I cannot imagine how quiet your house must be.
Hopefully soon, you will hear more laughter from binky as you tell him/her stories of his/her awesome big sister Maddie.
.-= Dana´s last blog ..Oh, waitress!!!!!!! =-.
JoAnn says:
Hi Heather,
I have been thinking so much about your family (as I always do) since your joyful (and bitter sweet) announcement.
I cannot imagine how hard it must be to face happiness like this while your foundation is one of unbounded grief. I am praying for you, and Mike, and Binky and Madeline with all my heart that you will find a way to embrace the wonderful happiness that is on its way to you.
Though I know that these new challenges will be your toughest yet, I am nothing if not sure that you and Mike will find your way into that light, all the while holding Madeline even closer to your heart. I’m sure of that.
A comment to an earlier post mentioned that perhaps this is Madeline’s gift to you. And I do somehow believe that… And it gives me some warmth to think that she is presenting you this gift…
Still praying for peace for you all
JoAnn
Karen says:
Her laugh is adorable, and what I love as much is YOUR laugh after you get her to giggle. Binky will get that laugh out of you before too long.
you’re in my prayers as always.
.-= Karen´s last blog ..A Gem. =-.
Mary says:
That is one awesome laugh. I can see why you love it so. You’ll love Binky’s laugh, too. It will be a different laugh, but you’ll love it maybe more than you can imagine. Thank you again for letting us strangers into your lives. Hopefully we are helping in some small way to start mending what’s broken.
Shawn Wood says:
Please pray for my friends Greg and Whitney. They had to deliver a stillborn baby yesterday at 19 weeks! So sad!
Thanks
denise says:
My heart hurts for you.
I know that doesn’t help you in the slightest – but I just wanted to say it.
I wish for your peace and comfort everyday.
(HUGS)
meg...CT says:
The sound of her laugh…makes me smile. I hope one day, you can smile through the tears. She was a beauty!
Peace.
meg...CT says:
IS A BEAUTY!!!
Erin B. from VA says:
Oh, Heather – she is just wonderful! I don’t often use the word precious, but that laugh… well, precious is just the perfect word to describe it! What an adorable little girl!
As always, I can’t thank you enough for sharing her with us. It’s an honor to get to know her.
ms picket to you says:
smiling. smiling. smiling.
thanks for that.
laughter has a ripple effect and it will catch up to you.
.-= ms picket to you´s last blog ..Bad Mother Thankful For Decent Kids =-.
Erin says:
thank you for making my friday a little brighter…truely one of a kind she is beautiful!
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Flying right on by….. =-.
AmazingGreis says:
Such a sweet laugh!
Her smile, her eyes, her laugh, just a picture of HER, they all bring a great big smile to my face.
Thank you for continuing to share her with us. It means more than you will ever know.
XOXO
.-= AmazingGreis´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – The BlogHer ’09 Edition =-.
cj says:
Thank you so much for sharing…..what an amazing, beautiful little girl.
JennK says:
I love it when you post videos. It fills MY home with laughter! Love. Her.
.-= JennK´s last blog ..It’s like labor pains. Or not. =-.
Jennifer says:
What a great laugh and smile!!
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..An Example =-.
Mer says:
Please know that your gorgeous daughter, her amazing personality and her infectious laugh are still in the hearts and minds of many all the time.
Casey says:
Her little giggle is just infectious! Thank you for sharing it with all of us.
Continuing to keep you and your angel in my prayers.
.-= Casey´s last blog .. =-.
Middle-Aged-Woman says:
Take comfort in the idea that, even had you known how short her sweet life would be, you could not possibly have loved her any more than you already did, and do.
.-= Middle-Aged-Woman´s last blog ..Margaret Loves Me Best =-.
Jesika says:
Thank God for videos because that is a treasure. Heather she is beautiful and if little Binky has any of her characteristics he/she will be amazingly beautiful!!
cindy w says:
Oh, Heather. Thank you for sharing that video, I love hearing that laugh. xoxo
.-= cindy w´s last blog ..karma =-.
Angi says:
Contagious IS the right word. The silence is deafening, I’m sure, but one day soon your walls will ring with laughter again. I wish for you each day more peace and more comfort.
.-= Angi´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
Jenn says:
Thank you for sharing her with us! She put a big smile on my face today! She just has the best laugh! Sooo contagious!
I know things will never be the same in your house again and I am so sorry for the pain in your heart. Things will be different and, i’m sure, surreal.
Binky is sooo blessed to have parents like you. he/she will be sooo immensley loved!
What I wouldn’t due to change the course of this road for you.
Much love, Jenn in CA
Jenn says:
Ohhh Maddie….how perfect you are and your laughter is such an incredible gift. Few words today…just quiet, gentle hugs from a far away friend.
Emese says:
Your house will be filled with laughter once again and you will be equally happy to hear it. That being said; it will never be the same laughter, you, Mike and all of us out here is cyber world will always miss Maddie’s laugh.
I wish peace in your hearts for you and Mike.
.-= Emese´s last blog ..Kinda Creepy =-.
Jodee says:
Beautiful!! Kyboo kept pointing and saying baby!!! Then wanted me to play it again.. Maddie is so loved!
.-= Jodee´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
Lindsay from Florida says:
I ache for you that your family will never, ever be whole without that beautiful face and laugh.
In reading your story right now, I cling to the reality (and it’s a wonderful reality about people) that there CAN still be beauty and laughter and love even without wholeness or perfection.
This isn’t coming out very well, but I guess what I’m trying to say is that while I so, so, so wish that things could be “whole” again for you, I also pray and look forward to a time when Binky can bring a new type of beauty and love to you and Mike.
Haley says:
I continue to pray for your inner peace and the happiness that will come with the arrival of Binky.
I’m still heartbroken that Maddie is gone (I can’t imagine how you must feel), and yet so inspired by your strength, passion and courage.
***Hugs****
.-= Haley´s last blog ..BlogHer 09 Scrapbook Layouts =-.
Theresa says:
My 2 year old heard your beautiful daughter’s laugh and came running to the computer to watched the video with me. She giggled right along with your beautiful daughter. When the video ended I kissed her knees and she ran off. Thank you for that Heather!
.-= Theresa´s last blog ..A big Thank You to Thermos!! =-.
Erica says:
Dear sweet Heather,
Please know that you continue to be in my thoughts every, single day, from the moment I wake up, until the moment I go to sleep at night. I think about you, Mike and your precious Maddie throughout my whole day. I see the purple lavender in my garden and always think of your precious Maddie. I see purple everywhere I go and your precious Maddie always springs to mind. Your World Famous Maddie has made such a great impact on so many people all over the world, including me, your stranger friend in Luxembourg. She has made me a better person, dear sweet Heather. I have learnt so many valuable lessons from her and from you too. Heather, you are such an amazing lady, such an amazing Mama. Thank-you so much for sharing this precious video of your Maddie today, seeing your beautiful and fun-loving daughter always brings a great big smile to me face. Here in Luxembourg I’m laughing along with her and crying too, crying that your precious girl is no longer with you. Soon your home will be filled with the joy and laughter that your little one, the Workd Famous Binky, will bring. I hope that joy and laughter will ease the pain of the loss of your precious Maddie. Your precious Maddie will never, ever be forgotten, Heather. The sound of your Maddie’s laughter will always be heard all over the world.
Wishing you a restful week-end.
With love
Erica in Luxembourg
Jen says:
I laughed out loud when Maddie laughs at her Daddy at the end. You have such precious memories…
Becky says:
She’s so beautiful.
.-= Becky´s last blog ..Shockingly, It Was NOT On A Check For A Zillion Dollars =-.
Amanda says:
I wish I had something profound to say but I can’t.
Ooh, I just thought of something at least slightly comical. Apparently I am stalking Aunt Becky today as this is the 4th blog I’ve commented on that had hers right above mine.
I’m either stalking or we are on the same cycle. Get it, cycle??
Maddie IS beautiful and those giggles will remain with you forever – I’m so so so glad you have them on video – what a gift. (Oops, I pulled it out in the end.)
Just a small and probably not very effective attempt at a smile.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..TGIT – Otherwise known as: This Week Stinks =-.
mythoughtsonthat says:
She is SUCH a doll!!
Faith….Hope….Love….Peace.
.-= mythoughtsonthat´s last blog ..It’s REALLY HOT Here…. =-.
Katie in WI says:
So adorable.
Thanks for sharing.
Sandra says:
Madeline’s laugh is contagious. I was laughing because she was laughing. To no longer have that sweet laugh in the house must be deafening. :0(
You are so good about documenting with pictures and video. We almost never document w/video anymore. I know there are some smaller video devices out there. We have an old school (non-digital) video recorder. I may need to ask for one for Xmas this year. You make me want to video more. If something horrible were to happen to one of my children I think I’d be even more devasted by not having more of them on video.
.-= Sandra´s last blog ..Saw something shiny =-.
Kelly says:
Oh Heather and Mike Maddie is glorious, beautiful, always remembered. I love the light, the intelligence, the great humor you can see in her little face, her gorgeous eyes. She is magic. Thank you for sharing your videos and pictures and memories.
I am always a bit awestruck and ever grateful that you have the strength to continue your blogs and the generosity of spirit to share Madeline Alice with your readers.
I send you all (and here I mean everyone who loves Maddie – her grandparents who I think of often, and aunts, uncles, cousins, great pals…) love and a hello to Maddie’s little Sister or Brother.
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Riches and Gratitude-Remembering Maddie =-.
Marisa says:
What a sweet laugh! I can’t even imagine the pain of not hearing that every day.
.-= Marisa´s last blog ..Have a Glass Fridays =-.
Shirley says:
My family and friends tease me all the time about the number of pictures and videos I take of my children. I don’t think there is such a thing as too many pictures or videos. I suspect you are on my side with this one – in your videos you can still hear her laughter and see her smile in pictures. Not that those are even close to having her in your arms but they are precious treasures.
.-= Shirley´s last blog ..Going, Going . . . =-.
Lisa from WV says:
Such a magical laugh indeed. Sending more thoughts and prayers your way.
Sarcastica says:
Unfortunately I’m not too sure what to say here, as I’ve never experienced what you’re going through. I don’t know if it will always be that way, but I imagine that it would.
I just wanted to let you know that Madeline was beyond beautiful.
Sending hugs your way Heather!
.-= Sarcastica´s last blog ..When He’s Sleeping =-.
Erin says:
You’re right. It will never be the same. How could it be? Every moment you had with her made you who you are today.
Remember Maddie however you can, and celebrate the joy that she brought you. She continues to make your life happy, even if it’s just through videos. Play music, dance, and remember her. She would want you to do that.
.-= Erin´s last blog ..What’s Next for Perry and Bailey? =-.
simplelifemommy says:
LOVE the onesie! LOVE the laugh even more! xoxo
Andrea's Sweet Life says:
OH, her laugh. It makes me laugh and cry at the same exact moment.
.-= Andrea’s Sweet Life´s last blog ..The Other Side of Addiction =-.
Alexandra says:
Thank you for always sharing Maddie with us…she makes me smile each and every time.
Alicia says:
Such a beautiful, sweet baby. Thinking of you every day.
.-= Alicia´s last blog ..wordless wednesday: it’s thursday =-.
Pam says:
That was so sweet I had to watch it twice! Thanks for sharing!
P.S. What WERE you doing to make her laugh??!!
Bec says:
I wish this were television when you would be healed and moving on because you’re expecting. Actually, I wish a lot of things for you, all of which include Maddie being excited and happy at becoming a big sister.
.-= Bec´s last blog ..Happy Premmie Day =-.
Stefanie says:
Heart is aching with you.
.-= Stefanie´s last blog ..Sobriety Has Its Downside =-.
lesley says:
Her giggles made my day…..as I’m sure they made yours….I have a feeling…when Binky is here…and you hear laughter and giggles behind a closed door…it’s binky and his/her big sissy…sharing a private joke….
You all are soooo lucky….lucky to have had such an amazing person to call yours…..even for a little while…
I had to play this clip a few times…to let her laugh wash over me…..thank you for sharing
.-= lesley´s last blog ..Stitches in Time…..or rather….Stitches in Lip =-.
Karen says:
My grandfather to whom I grew up very closely both physically and emotionally, died suddenly when I was nigh on 15.
He had this deep, purely joyful chuckle-laugh and it made me sad at age 33 to be forgetting it.
One day I was taking a patient intake history and this new patient laughed- and it sounded just like my Grandpa’s laugh.
I got tears in my eyes and told him about the laugh, my grandfather, and losing the memory.
He promised to laugh for me some more, and he did, and I listened with my whole heart full of joy and tears.
.-= Karen´s last blog ..the most important wedding item =-.
Glenda says:
Heather, I don’t think you’ll ever be “healed” but with Binky on it’s way, I’m hoping you and Mike will hear that laughter and joy that Maddie brought to the both of you! Thanks for sharing Maddie with all of us. When I watch her video’s she ALWAYS puts a smile on my face and makes me laughter. A laughter that is contagious! Thanks! Sending you hugs! XX
eliza says:
I met this amazing woman yesterday. She’s in her 50’s with a grown son. After many hours talking with her she shared with me that she’d had a daughter who died at age two. Her son was 5 when the baby girl died She was having heart surgery to address a minor heart problem and died in surgery. I thought instantly of you and asked her how did she go on. She said “it never goes away. No one who hasn’t lost a child can understand. The pain and loss never end but it gets better and one day you aren’t doubled over with pain and you can breathe.” She said “you either decide I’m done with this life and check out or decide to live life and find a way to do it and laugh and be ok”. But she said it took her a long time and she had to be forgiving and kind to herself to get through it.
I thought I’d share. You’ve heard all this a million times by now. But it seems like hope and light are there and are coming. You’re such a positive and strong person. You’re going to get to that other side through all this suckiness/joy craziness.
Heidi says:
She really did have a *fantastic* laugh!
.-= Heidi´s last blog ..Dear Olive, =-.
Adelas says:
Thank you so much for sharing Maddie with us. The pictures and videos of her lift my spirits, even while I’m also heavy hearted for what you’ve lost.
I come by here daily, and even when I don’t have any new thing to post or anything that feels worth saying, I am listening and watching and just being here.
Nancy says:
Just a quick comment. Does anyone else have trouble reading the journaling because of the purple background? Maybe it’s just my old years….but wow some times it’s impossible to read about your journey.
Nancy
Heather says:
Hi Nancy,
Hmm, that’s weird – the background should be white. I’m not sure why it’s coming up purple for you!
Erica says:
The background comes up purple for me too at first and then changes to white after a few seconds. Yes, Nancy, the purple background is a bit difficult to read.
Wishing you all a restful week-end.
Erica in Luxembourg
Amy says:
Gorgeous girl and have no idea how much you must miss her. Such a beautiful and infectious laugh and know from your journal you could have not loved her more…
Am happy for you both with this pregnancy. Hoping it goes very smoothly and you two have an easy time with your second born. Such a precious gift to you now I would think.
Continue to think and pray for you both.
Amy
Ashley Hast says:
I can’t wait ’til the day when your home is filled with laughter yet again. I know it won’t be “the same” for you, but please know I pray for you each and every morning I’m breathing.
.-= Ashley Hast´s last blog ..Random Stories & Thoughts =-.
chel says:
sending much love, this is a beautiful blog and this post may helpful.
http://www.sheyerosemeyerphotography.com/blog/
Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) says:
Love those giggles.
.-= Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba)´s last blog ..Happy “Curves”iversary to me… 25 and counting… =-.
Christina says:
Maddie is pure sunshine.
xoxo
.-= Christina´s last blog ..Christina B.C. *(before children) =-.
nic @mybottlesup says:
ow, my heart…
.-= nic @mybottlesup´s last blog ..anticipating change (again) =-.
Dane says:
What a doll! That laugh is so sweet! I hope her laugh will bring more peace to you soon.
Marti from Michigan says:
Someone sent me an email one time, I no longer have it, about our lives being a quilt for God at the end of our lives when we die. We present this quilt of our lives to Him as a gift to see what we did for Him while on this earth.
One girl in the crowd was ashamed to stand up and hold her quilt up, because she had had so many difficulties in life and her life on earth had never been good. An angel encouraged her to stand up and unfurl her quilt before God. When she did, it turned out to be the most beautiful quilt among all of them.
Life on this earth is unfair, it is difficult, it is full of pain and difficulties. If life on this earth is not full of those problems for some people, then they are truly blessed, but for 99% of the population, life on this earth is extremely difficult. Life seems to go really slow sometimes too – especially when a person is in grief, but in actuality, life is but a vapor. It is quick. God has no time in Heaven, He does not surround Heaven with clocks. His time is different than our time. All those guys in the old testament that supposedly lived 600 to 1000 years in their lifetimes, I believe they counted the years differently – perhaps one full moon to the next full moon was considered a year.
When we leave this life and enter the Heavenlies, our quilts are beautiful indeed, filled with the pain and some recovery from the difficulties on earth.
I am sure that Mike and Heather Spohr’s quilt before God will be the absolute most beautiful of all.
Marti from Michigan says:
http://www.luvzbluez.com/angelstory8.html
I actually found that very story.
blair says:
I have never commented on your blog before – I’m an infamous anonymousblogstalker. But know, that I look up to you in so many ways – you are so strong. Maddie and my son are the exact same age, and I look at the posts you write, the videos you post, the pictures you share – and I bawl. I would be completely worthless & hopeless if I were to ever loose my son, and while you struggle – you maintain, you have at least a glimmer of hope somewhere. You preserve the beauty, the love of your daughter – in ways where I would just be lying in bed miserable for the rest of my pathetic life. Thank you for sharing that possibility of breathe and hope.
Al_Pal says:
Your perseverance in posting, and in founding Friends of Maddie is truly inspiring.
Maddie lives on in all our hearts. I hope that Binky’s babbling and laughter bring some peace. While your hearts may be forever bruised, I hope all the love we send is helping to fill in the cracks. ;s
*hugs*
Candice says:
I am so glad you have these wonderful videos to see Maddie in all her shining glory. What a great laugh, what a great kid. I wish you all the best for this pregnancy, and send my love and prayers to you and Mike.
Noelle says:
Everytime I read a blog post or see a photo or video that you’ve posted, I feel like I’ve received an incredible gift. Your daughter is a little angel.
.-= Noelle´s last blog ..Conversations with Tracy: Buttercream =-.
Maria Delgado says:
Thank you for being so REAL with us.
We love you.
*Maria E. Delgado*
.-= Maria Delgado´s last blog ..AUGUST GIVEAWAY BLOGROLL! =-.
MommyNamedApril says:
((hugs))
.-= MommyNamedApril´s last blog ..Sunday Citar =-.
moni says:
thank you, maddie’s ma and baba… for sharing your life with all of us from all over the world… here i am, sitting in chennai, india, reading about maddie and you…
you help me to understand life better… it’s beautiful but tough… not easy at all. and we have to go on with this journey full of hurdles that can almost break you but not quite…
Julia says:
Okay…I’m going to admit, I may have had 2 glasses of wine before coming in here…but I have to tell you that I am in love with Maddie…and it is hard to believe that large spirit is not amongst us anymore.
Rather than a long life, she lived a wide life.
Surely your faith leads you to believe you will be reunited one day. For faith is all we really have. You and Mike are in my prayers. You have so much love to give…I am so thankful for this new one…what a lucky soul to be given to you.
.-= Julia´s last blog ..Hey Bidder, bidder! =-.
Amanda says:
Watching that video….I can hardly believe she is not here with you (physically) My pain is great, I can’t imagine yours. You have opened my eyes with your words.
E-Hugs from an internet stranger.
Haley-O says:
You may not have Maddie’s laughter — at least not physically here — to make you whole, but your beautiful new baby will bring you a new kind of joy and healing. And healing doesn’t mean letting Maddie go or distancing yourself from her. I know people often feel the grief keeps them close to their loved one. But, no. I know that, once the emotions clear the way for true joy, you’ll be able to experience your Maddie in a new way. Not farther away. Closer. So that she can guide you. This is a weird thing to say in a comment. But, it’s just coming to me. So, it probably should be said. ((HUGS))
.-= Haley-O´s last blog ..Just Thought You Should Know…. =-.
Kermit says:
Heather,
To qualify my statement, I will tell you I have four children (9, 6, 3 and 1) who are all beautiful and wonderful.
But your Maddie? Has the BEST smile.