All our friends keep knocking at the door
They’ve asked me out a hundred times or more
But all I say is, “Leave me in the gloom”
And here I stay within my lonely room
‘Cause…
I don’t want to walk without you, Baby
Walk without my arm about you, Baby
I thought the day you left me behind
I’d take a stroll and get you right off my mind
But now I find that
I don’t want to walk without the sunshine
Why’d you have to turn off all that sunshine?
Oh, Baby, please come back or you’ll break my heart for me
‘Cause I don’t want to walk without you
No, siree
- words by Frank Loesser, music by Jule Styne
{ 142 comments… read them below or add one }
Thinking of you both… She looked lovely in yellow.
Steph
*sigh* There’s nothing I can say. Except keep being strong, yall are an inspiration. Hugs from across the miles.
.-= Kim´s last blog ..In memory…. =-.
heartbreaking. I wish you and your husband much strength and also times to fall apart. You need both.
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Blood and Chocolate =-.
Mike. I love you. I love you and Hedder.
.-= perksofbeingme´s last blog ..For Mike =-.
My heart aches for you and Mike everyday. Tomorrow I will be praying extra hard for him. I am still just so damn sorry. I can imagine you are sick of hearing that by now. I wish I had something wiser to say.
.-= jenni williams´s last blog ..Well, I Never Syndrome =-.
I absolutely LOVE this picture of Mike and Maddie. Never get tired of looking at it. What a perfect song. I thought Mike wrote it because he is so great at expressing what he is feeling and so talented. I hope and pray for you both that the next day goes by quickly…another painful milestone to say the least. I admire the two of you for getting out as much as you have. You both have so much strength. Thinking of you today and always. xoxo love, Diane xoxo
My heart is breaking for you, I wish there was more I could do or say. Just know that you are both in my prayers and my thoughts everyday. All my love to you both.
Beautiful photo. Hoping you BOTH get thru tomorrow with strength, love, and tender memories.
I love you all. More than I can even say.
Much love to you today, and always.
.-= AMomTwoBoys´s last blog ..Lessons Learned from Weekends Past =-.
Such a beautiful picture.
She was such a beautiful baby. I’m sure Mike has that moment in his memory as well…
Sending you both all of my love. You’re always on my mind and Maddie is forever in all of our hearts.
Mike Happy Father’s Day.
I am truely amazed at you and Heather and your beautiful Maddie.
I will be praying for you, especially on this first Father’s Day and always.
I hope you are able to smile and know what an AMAZING dad you were to your Angel.
Knowing the three of you through this blog has made me a better mom, wife, and friend.
Thank you Spohrs, thank you
This is a strang Father’s day this year. May both of our husband’s know, they are loved and well, loved. Because, shit, it’s all so hard.
love.
.-= gorillabuns´s last blog ..best intentions =-.
I’m thinking about y’all today. Many hugs.
So much love to you. You are a fabulous father.
There isn’t a day that passed that I don’t think of the three of you. XOXOXOXO
.-= Undomestic Diva´s last blog ..Fake tanning is bad for your health =-.
That song must sum it up pretty well for you. I hate that it does. Love to you both and I wish to God I had more than platitudes to offer you. They just don’t cut it. xxxx
.-= Seraphim´s last blog ..A new life and a request for support. =-.
Such a beautiful loving picture of Mike and Maddie. I will be thinking of you guys all day today. ((Hugs)) Dana
.-= Dana´s last blog ..Thu, May 28, 2009 =-.
*hugs*
I don’t have words, or I promise I would use them.
*hugs*
.-= Emily´s last blog ..The bigger picture =-.
He will always be someone’s father. Always. Here’s to you, Mike.
Hugs, hugs and more hugs…
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Awake =-.
Although I’ve followed your heartbreaking story, I never commented until today – not sure why. I can’t begin to imagine the depth of your loss and sadness. I’ll just echo thousands of others in saying that your words and your beautiful daughter’s smile have made my heart swell and my eyes weep many times over the last few months. Thank you for sharing Maddie with us.
I don’t have the words. So I am sending you love and ((hugs))… You and Mike are in my thoughts and prayers every day. And especially tomorrow. Heather and Mike you are both so loved..
.-= Jodee´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
I think of your family everyday. Mike, I know beyond a doubt that tomorrow will not be easy or happy for you, but please do try to think about what a great dad you are to Miss Maddie Moo! She WILL be there with you tomorrow, I hope you can feel and see her sunshine!
.-= Patty´s last blog ..Sunny days! =-.
My heart breaks for you. Even with out Maddie with you Mike is and always will be an extraordinary father. You can tell that Maddie knew it too.
Many prayers on this extra rough day.
thinking of maddie’s daddy (and momma) this fathers’ day.
.-= Alicia´s last blog ..before =-.
Sigh, my heart is heavy, I wish I could say something useful. So much love toward you, Heather. So much.
((((((HUGS))))))))))
Love and hugs to you both on Father’s day and every day. XOXO.
Happy Father’s Day Mike. Today will be hard as I am sure all your days have been since Maddie left. I am so sorry for your loss. This is something no father should ever have to experience and I pray for your comfort. I pray that you heart will be full of beautiful memories which can never be taken from you. Please know that I care and would love to be able to take your grief away.
.-= Debby´s last blog ..SKYE’S GRADUATION =-.
XOXOXO <— hugs and kisses for Mike, you and Maddie
Maddie was a lucky little girl to have known only happiness and love with you and Mike. Thinking of you today.
Hearts are with you. Cannot fathom, but can pray.
Tina
.-= Tina@SendChocolate´s last blog ..We Interrupt This Blog Post… =-.
what a wonderful picture!
Thank you for sharing Maddie with us.
.-= jacquelyn geertsema´s last blog ..The BIG ONE!!!! =-.
She looks just like sunshine in that picture. Take care of Mike today, as I know you will. Hugs.
Mike is the epitome of the kind of person Father’s Day was created to honor. Thinking of him and your family.
Father’s Day is always a mixture of emotions for me, as I think of my late father and how much he would love my own wonderful children. It is probably hard to find much besides the sadness right now. I hope that one day Father’s Day will carry joy along with the sadness that surely will always be there. Sometimes we need the sadness to remind us of who we are, and who has made us the people that we are.
Mike and Heather, you and Maddie will forever be in our hearts and prayers. Sending you so much LOVE on Father’s Day and always…. I know today will be tough. May the love of friends and family and strangers give you strength to get through it. Maddie was so, so lucky to have a Mommy and Daddy like the both of you. She sure knew what she was doing when she picked you two to bless with her time here.
Thinking of Mike, you and Maddie always and especially today. You’re in my prayers. (((Hugs))) to you both.
He’s such a tall and proud dad.
Happy Fathers Day, Mike. Sending you love. XO
.-= eden´s last blog ..Best. Graffiti. Ever. =-.
Happy Father’s Day, Mike.
Take the time to do what you want/need to do today.
Sending you and Heather warm bear hugs, love and blessings from a stranger who cares.
Best Wishes…
Jenn
Big HUGE amounts of love to you both.
I love this picture so much. Sending much love to one of the best fathers in the world…
xo from CT,
Amanda
.-= amanda´s last blog ..RAIN! I mean, VACATION! =-.
that is such a touching photograph. I am so happy that you have all those photographs of Maddie and you two. This one should be a poster…
.-= catherine lucas´s last blog ..A "Thank You" goes a long way… =-.
No Dad should have to spend Father’s Day without his baby. This isn’t right. Mike, you are a terrific father. I’m so sorry.
Much love and hugs on what I’m certain is a hard day. Mike should always keep in mind that he’ll always be Maddie’s father. As others said… no father should have to be without his child on this day. My heart breaks for you both (and the grandfathers of dear Maddie) on this day.
love and hugs from NJ.
Happy Fathers Day Mike. It’s easy to tell that you and Maddie were kindred spirits. I think of you, Heather and Maddie every day and you have truly reached into my life and helped to make me a better person. Thanks
Happy Fathers Day Mike. I can’t imagine the loss you feel… no one should. Maddie’s life was way too short but in that time she knew the warm embrace of her daddy… that is a beautiful thing. I hope you remember that this is your day too… once a father, always a father. God bless and please keep sharing Maddie with us.
Love to you both, today and every day.
.-= anymommy´s last blog ..You Might Be 38 Weeks Pregnant When… =-.
i send you love every day…and i’m sending you extra bunches right now.
happy father’s day to you, mike…you are a truly great daddy and we celebrate you today. heather – i think this photo is one of your most lovely.
xxoo, kristen
ongoing prayers and virtual hugs from across the miles
Thinking of you both today. Happy Fathers day Mike! Sending you both lots and lots of hugs with love.
I will keep you, Mike and Maddie in my thoughts today. Thanks again for sharing all you do with us.
Much, much love and peace to you both today.
HUGS.
Big Massive hugs and love and all those cliches and stuff.
(love love love)
.-= rachel-asouthernfairytale´s last blog ..A Special Father’s Day Tribute =-.
thinking of you often and as far as I’m concerned your example as a father inspires me greatly that is one of my fave photos of you and Maddie. Hugs from Canada to you both
Happy Father’s Day, Mike. I’m holding you three in my heart today.
.-= Becky´s last blog ..Father ‘Hood =-.
Happy Father’s Day Mike. I’ll be thinking of all of you today.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Kids and Sun Protection =-.
Woke up thinking about you this morning.
.-= maggie, dammit´s last blog ..Fare thee well, friend =-.
Thinking of you today. Xoxo
I love this picture of Mike and Maddie! So much love coming to you guys today, and everyday. I hope Mike finds some peaceful, comforting moments.
xoxo
Much love to Mike today. And you. Fantastic photo.
.-= Danny´s last blog ..Torture/Surrender/Acceptance =-.
Mike-
Happy Father’s Day.
Many many many hugs to you both…
I can’t even imagine…
{{{hugs}}}
so much love to both of you today. mike, sending you extra hugs. xoxo
Thinking about all three of you today. Fierce hugs and love- L
I was thinking about how you would do today. My heartfelt prayers for you, to make it through today.
I wish everyone knew to cherish what they have, as you do.
My heart hurts for you every day… but especially on days like today.
.-= Astaryth´s last blog ..Quest the First — Book 5 =-.
Everyday is hard, i think of you everyday. But on days like Fathers Day…i have no words other than…he is a wonderful father and loved Maddie so much. ITs so hard i am sure….but that picture…is a wonderful memory.
.-= Erin´s last blog ..A year ago today… =-.
My heart breaks for you both. I read your bolg and each time I cry. I can not imagine what your life is like with out maddie..She may not be here with you but you still are her father Mike and no one will ever take that a way from you.
My thoughts and tears are with you every day..
Hugs
Sending you my love and so many prayers. What a beautiful little dear she is. She always will be.
Saving my biggest hugs for you at blogher.
Love that picture!
Happy Father’s Day, Mike. Thinking of you on what must be a very difficult day…may your many beautiful memories make you smile today.
My heart is breaking for you today.
Thinking of you guys today (and every day).
Love to you both. Happy Father’s Day, Mike.
.-= Alison´s last blog ..In Honor of Finals Week… =-.
This is an amazing photo of the two of them! Simple beautiful.
Mike gave Maddie all his love and cherished her every second she was here on this earth. He is a wonderful father.
.-= Katrina´s last blog ..Number Nine =-.
That picture is worth way more than a thousand words.
Thinking of you today, Mike.
Thoughts and hugs to Mike. May he see a little bit of sunshine today.
My heart aches for you…especially today.
i just found your blog and am absolutely devastated for you guys. your strength shines through in your writing and it’s obvious that you’re an inspiration to so many. hold each other tight, sending you much support and love from atlanta…
Happy Father’s Day Mike. May your happy memories carry you through this day. Maddie is always with you. Much love to all of you.
If anyone feels, like me, a need to do something concrete for Mike today, consider a small donation to the March of Dimes. It’s strange that I feel the need to give a gift to someone I’ve never actually met, but it’s the truth, and supporting MoD was certainly the first gift that came to mind.
I said it on his blog too, but Happy Father’s Day Mike, although I know it isn’t how it should be in any way at all.
she has her daddy’s smile….very beautiful girl!!
Thinking of you on what must be a difficult day. Happy Father’s Day to Mike, however wrong it feels to say or read, because he still is and always be Maddie’s daddy.
May today bring you an ounce of peace….to be your present this year.
.-= lesley´s last blog ..Daddy’s Day Wishes…. =-.
Happy Father’s Day Mike! Sending you hugs! What a beautiful picture!
Thinking of you guys on this bittersweet day. No matter what, Mike will always be Maddie’s daddy.
Do much love to you both, today and every day. I wish I could give you an enormous squeeze!
xoxo
.-= Andrea’s Sweet Life´s last blog ..Once a Father, Always a Father =-.
What a stunning and gorgeous picture. Thinking of you all everyday but sending special prayers for strength and peace to Mike today. I’m so sorry your beautiful daughter isn’t with you today to hold and kiss, but I believe she is with you in spirit and in your hearts.
Much love,
Michele in Staten Island, NY
thinking of you constantly. mike is a wonderful father.
.-= nic @mybottlesup´s last blog ..happy father’s day… to my da… =-.
Hope you guys get through this day. Love you.
.-= cindy w´s last blog ..Father’s Day =-.
Happy Father’s Day! What a wonderful gift to have been the father to such an amazing little girl. That she is so connected to you still, even though not here on earth, is a great reason to celebrate. I hope you find peace and joy on such an important day.
{{hugs}}
There’s nothing I can say but I am thinking of you both on what has to be a very difficult day.
Oh my….today my heart is breaking for a Daddy who won’t hold his little girl and see her sweet smile or feel her warm cheek against his. You’ll always be her Daddy….no matter how horrible you feel today.
Remembering your angel…
Chris in NY
Thinking of you, Mike, and Maddie today.
Big big hugs to you all.
.-= Funsize´s last blog ..Firsts =-.
Faith….Hope….Love….Peace.
.-= mythoughtsonthat´s last blog ..Is There? =-.
What Frank said.
xoxo Mike.
.-= moosh in indy.´s last blog ..two dads. =-.
Praying peace for both of you today and always.
Please tell Mike we are all thinking about him on this day. He is loved by many, many people all over the world. We haven’t met him, but we know him and love him. (And you, too!)
Mike – thinking of you Heather and Maddie today.
Thinking of you today, Mike. (And you, Heather.)
You are a beautiful, wonderful, amazing father.
.-= Danielle´s last blog ..Peonies =-.
Sending you lots of love today and everyday.
Sending you both thoughts of peace and healing.
Love you,
me
.-= Jenny, Bloggess´s last blog ..You know…for Christmas. =-.
I don’t know you IRL and know nothing of you other than what I’ve read on your blogs, yet I found myself thinking about your family this morning when I woke up.
I hope to meet you in Chicago…
I have been following your story since April an know your pain all to well. Please, if you have the time, read the book “my sister’s keeper” by jodi picoult. I hope you can find comfort with it – I know I did.
Thank you for sharing Maddie with all of us -
I dreamed about your daughter last night. She was lovely. I am sending you and Mike a big hug.
Happy Father’s Day Mike.
Thinking of you all today and always.
coco
.-= sam {temptingmama}´s last blog ..Fathers =-.
Sending you both love and prayers today… wish I could do more
How difficult it must be for you Mike. Not just today but every day. I am so sorry for your incredible loss.
A beautiful girl who was so happy to be in her daddy’s arms. I am so sorry, Mike and Heather.
Happy Father’s Day, Mike. I wish your Maddie were here for you to hold today. (((hugs)))
Thinking of you on what I know is a tough day, sending love, hope and prayers your way.
Heather and Mike,
You are both in my heart. I’m so deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved and beautiful little girl. Just looking at her photos brings a smile to my face, and yes, also an ache in my heart. She is such a beauty. You truly honor her memory through your blog and make her life real and meaningful. Maddie will not be forgotten even when you no longer blog – that’s how real you’ve made her for the rest of us. She is a rare and special Light.
with love and caring…….Mary
Just sending love.
Sending love.
.-= bessie.viola´s last blog ..happy dad’s day! =-.
thought about you lots yesterday, it was a rough day here as well. take care – miss you!
.-= designHER Momma´s last blog ..DesignHER Momma doing Designer Stuff =-.
two perfect smiles. thinking of you today and every day.
That is just the best pic ever! I know Father’s Day must have been so tough for Mike…
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Inevitable… =-.
I was thinking about you and Mike yesterday, wishing something I could do would help you both. I hope the love that comes your way eases something for the both of you.
.-= Jamie´s last blog ..This is a Good Daddy. =-.
A beautiful picture, very heart-breaking. You all are in my prayers.
Courtney in New York.
.-= Courtney´s last blog ..Movie Review! =-.
I thought of you two on Father day, I pray that the Lord will give you some peace in time, although I believe that your pain will always feel the same, I want to hope for different but who am I to say that your pain will go away.
God Bless,
I wish I could say something poignant right about now… I wish she was here with you both.
Thinking fo you…
Mike and Heather, May God be with you on this day and every other day, Maddie is smiling down on you and Happy Father’s Day!
PS – Heather, has anyone ever told you how much Mike looks like Johnny Knoxville??????? Totally random i know, and i’m sure that he is way cooler and much smarter that ole Knoxville too!!! LMBO!!
Sad and beautiful….I love your dh’s song to Maddie too. I let my bro listen and he was almost in tears too…really makes you think. I continue to pray for you both.
Hoping it gets easier from here on out.
.-= Lady Lemon´s last blog ..I’m Jello, Baby =-.
Thinking of you both today and everyday.
I am praying for your family. I know you are dealing with such pain. You want to go ahead but dont want to forget what is behind you. And please know that Maddie is always with you. I never knew too much about this blogging thing. Reading your story, I now know what an Angel looks like now. GOD bless you.
thinking of you both. on this day and always.
Hi Mike-
My thoughts are with you. Hope your Fathers Day wasn’t too shitty. You and Heather made a very special and wonderful child. She is a blessing to this world. Her bright smile will live on in our hearts forever. Many hugs!!
Thought about you guys as usual today. Wished for Maddie that she could have had more time with her wonderful parents. Wished for you guys that Maddie were still here. … I will be saying a prayer tonight, that you find comfort in the love that you three share now and forever…and that there will be some sunny days ahead, despite the pain of Maddie going on before you. (((Hugs))).
Thank goodness you have that adorable photo, although I know it will never be enough. Never Ever.
.-= Deidre´s last blog ..Home Funerals =-.
Sometimes there are no words,…….. hugs. He is still a wonderful father to a beautiful girl.
Emily just followed you on twitter http://www.emilyssmileboxes.com, trying to cheer some kids up in the hospital.
.-= Jenn´s last blog ..It’s the weekend update with Jenn! =-.
Just stopping by to wish Mike a belated Happy father’s Day even though it may not seem very happy. Maddie was obviously very happy that you were her Daddy and she is smiling down at the both of you.
Hoping this week is a little easier for you.
Though have never met, I am taken by Maddie’s smile and eyes. What can anybody say? Thank GOD for his word! I am a perfect stranger at peace, trusting and knowing that she is OH SO HAPPY!
Love and kisses to you and Mike. Happy belated Father’s Day.
I saw this and thought of you guys..
I Felt An Angel Near Today,
Though One I Couldn’t See.
I Felt An Angel, Oh-So-Close,
Sent To Comfort Me.
I Felt An Angel’s Gentle Kiss,
Soft Upon My Cheek.
And Oh, Without A Single Word,
Of Caring It Did Speak.
I Felt An Angel’s Loving Touch,
Soft Upon My Heart.
And With That Touch, I Felt The Pain,
And Hurt Within Depart.
I Felt An Angel’s Tepid Tears,
Fall Softly Next To Mine.
And Knew That As Those Tears Did Dry,
A New Day Would Be Mine.
I Felt An Angel’s Silken Wings,
Enfold Me With Pure Love.
And Felt A Strength Within Me Grow,
A Strength Sent From Above.
I Felt An Angel, Oh-So-Close,
Though One I Couldn’t See,
I Felt An Angel Near Today,
Sent To Comfort Me.
we all love you. we all want to be here for you. lean on us.
Definitely thought of you and Mike on Father’s Day…. What a wonderful father Mike is. An inspiration, truly.
.-= Haley-O´s last blog ..Manic Monday =-.
What a beautiful, beautiful picture. I have tears in my eyes for your sweet girl.
Now you both have passed some milestones since Maddie grew angel’s wings. You’ve gone through Mother’s Day and now Father’s Day. There are a few more milestones to go through.
I am so sorry and every time I read one of your blogs, I feel a stab of pain in my heart. We just never know how many seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months or years that God gives us when He puts us on this earth. I’m sorry Maddie did not have more time down here with you. Love, good thoughts and prayers still coming across the USA to you from Michigan.
Please dont stay in the gloom, do it for Maddie, come out into the sunlight, you will feel much better and Maddie can see you both then. She would want to see you in the sunlight because the gloom is too dark for her to see you.
Hugs from Australia