I’ve joked about Maddie being my sidekick but she really was. We took her everywhere with us. We weren’t those people that just brought their kid inappropriate places or anything like that. We only brought her when she was invited – and she was always invited.
Last June we went to a party in honor of a friend of ours. Nora wrote a TV-movie that was on Lifetime (WHOOO LIFETIME!), and the party was to watch the debut airing.
It was a really hot June day, and I wanted to keep Maddie as cool as possible. Normally at an event like this, when it came time for her to nap I would have had her sleep on my chest (or Mike’s), or in her car seat. But since it was so hot, I remember thinking it would be better if she slept in the guest room under a cool fan.
I remember the light in the room was so calming and the fan’s breeze so gentle. I almost wanted to lay there next to her.
Madeline woke up just before the first commercial break. I brought her out to the TV room and she sat on the couch between Mike and me and we all watched the show. Everyone was quiet, taking in the movie, but when the commercials started we all burst into cheers and applause for Nora.
Maddie jumped about 20 feet into the air, and immediately started crying. We’d all scared her.
Mike quickly scooped her up and we took her back into the room with the fan. She calmed after a few minutes, the air swirling around us.
We watched the rest of the movie with no problems, but as the end drew closer I started to worry, realizing everyone would cheer and clap again. I pulled Maddie onto my lap, just in case she was scared again.
I needn’t have worried. The movie ended and everyone started to cheer and clap – including Maddie.
{ 109 comments… read them below or add one }
aaaawww
That must have been adorable!
Your memories of Maddie are so beautifully told. Thank you for sharing them with all of us.
I know it sounds crazy because I never met her, but I miss Maddie so much! She was such a joy! I loved to check in and see what she was doing, what she’s learned… I’m sending you and Mike big hugs. I hope one day you can compile all of your Maddie stories into a beautiful book
I love this story! You are so blessed to have had her! I’m blessed to have you tell me stories about her!
Thank you for this gimps into your life!
Wow, does she look cozy on that bed, or what?!! Now that’s a good nap!
Ha! I bet she literally stole that show!
what a delightful story! i feel like i know maddie. she’s made such an impact on my life in the hour since i’ve “met” her through your blog. i love maddie so very much!
There you go… Cheer and clap! Her face says it all. Those two tiny teeth… the smile. Oh that smile!
Oh my God. I love this. What a huge huge smile! Thank you for sharing that sweet story.
What a great story…I’m glad you’re writing them down to share with all of us who are thinking about your family.
Thank you for continuing to share your amazing little girl with us. Stunning
What a sweetie!
Good Morning Heather,
Just checking in on you like I do every day. And like every day, I’m hanging on to your every word in your posts. I so, so love reading you and reading all the adventures of your wonderful Maddie. Thank you so much for sharing.
I’ve loved reading today’s precious memory of your Maddie. I love that you and Mike took Maddie along wher ever you guys went. There is no better way to show a child how loved and important she is, than to have her there with you where ever you go. My husband and I also take our little girl with us everywhere we go.
I just love today’s two photos of your Maddie. She looks so peaceful and relaxed in the first one. The second one really shows her spunky personality, yet again, pure joy and happiness radiate through a photo. A photo really does speak a thousand words, to name but a few here: laughter, joy, happiness, cheeky, being one of the gang, cute two front teeth, gorgeous curls, amazing smile. WOW, your Maddie is such a doll, simply beautiful, simply perfect. And what great and loving parents you and Mike are.
Hoping you have a peaceful day, dear Heather.
With love and best wishes
your stranger friend, Erica in Luxembourg
What a beautiful story. You write with such imagery and the photography is none to shabby either (says the girl who hopes to one day take a picture of more than the tip of her finger)
Thank you for sharing your private thoughts, not a day goes by that our family doesn’t think of you, Matt and Rigby.
Aw, I LOVE the last photo, love it!! And I love Maddie. Of course she was scared. A girl has to be prepared!
She’s so beautiful and so are the memories. Thinking of you and Mike everyday.
XOXO
you are such a great story teller, and your memory is amazing! and those photos are so lovely. i don’t think i’ve ever seen a happier, brighter child. thank you for sharing your beautiful maddie with us yet again – what a happy way to start off the morning.
Your pictures of Maddie are all incredible. It’s easy to see what a wonderful little girl she was. My deepest sympathy for you and your husband.
Thank you for sharing your precious moments with your beloved daughter. My daughter is almost teh same age as Maddie and I feel I can relate to you very much.
If ever you came to Greece I would be happy to meet you.
Eleni
She is just adorable. It’s amazing, isn’t it, how children learn so fast! I mean, you’re talking within minutes or hours, she had figured it out! Then again, Maddie was clearly a genius.
I absolutely LOVE that clapping picture! LOVE IT!
I love that you have these fantastic memories of Maddie. I love you for sharing them with everyone too.
You’ve heard it a million times … she had the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous eyes of anyone I have EVER seen. They say eyes are windows to the soul, and Maddie’s was as beautiful as they come.
I could look at that child forever, she connects in her pictures on a soul level. Oh, I wish I could bring her back for you. Hugs and love,
Triciax
testing
That’s a lovely memory of Maddie. Thank you for sharing it. xo
That’s our (oops, I mean YOUR) Maddie….BEAUTIFUL when she was a little baby and as equally BEAUTIFUL when she was a little older. Some of my friends asked if I know Maddie when I show them the pictures and video’s. My answer is always the same…”Yes, I do know Maddie…thanks to her mom, I know Maddie well”. Thank you Heather.
Sending you hugs and love from Canada.
Your Stranger for always,
Jenn
That is so cute to see her clapping! She looks like she is just going with the flow!
Thank you so much for sharing all of these Maddie stories. I’m a new reader but she has touched my heart. My prayers are always with you and Mike and, of course, beautiful Maddie.
Your memories of Maddie take my breath away. I really hope while reading these, others are doing as I do, and reflect on some of the good memories (that often seem to rush by, and that we pay so little attention to) of my own child.
Your Maddie has been a gift to so many people, in so many different ways.
I love reading your stories about Miss Maddie, they always bring a great BIG smile to my face.
Thank you, as always, for sharing. Please don’t ever stop.
XOXO
You had a smart little chica on your hands!
I just love reading your beautiful memories! Your writing is so eloquent and inspiring! You had such a short time with Maddie, but your book of memories would be a mile thick!! Hugs to you and Mike and of course, Rigby too! From Iowa…
I absolutely love the photo of her on the bed, it is so precious.
I guess all she needed was the learn the first time what to do at commercial breaks and she was all ready for the the next time!!
Thanks for that beautiful story. Thinking about you, Mike and Maddie today (and always).
This story is precious.
Steph
What a wonderful memory of Maddie. Thinking of you all…
That picture of her nearly sleeping is achingly beautiful, I could look at it for hours, it brings instant peace.
She really was an angel.
What a wonderfully delightful little girl!
Maddy will never be forgotten … even by those she never met.
You and Mike are never far from my thoughts, and always in my prayers. Thank you for sharing stories of your sweet girl. She’s an absolute doll.
~Michelle from Cincinnati, Ohio
micheller@cinci.rr.com
Again what a beautiful girl!!
Thank you for the memories.
I know they will always stay in your heart.
I cry when I think of how much you miss her.
Yet I know she is safe and in Gods hands. But we would of course rather have her here.
You are so brave and strong.
God bless you and know how much so many people care.
Its easy to see what great parents you are.
God chose you all to give her all the love and care she needed.
I have a daughter about your age and I care so much about your poor but beautiful broken heart.
Let her memory guide you into the future days.
I will always have her in a special place in my heart.
I know what today means. She was so loved Heather. She will ALWAYS be loved.
Such a cute story and I LOVE that pic of her laughing and clapping!!
Heather,
You have the most wonderful way with words. As you talk about the room I can absolutely feel the coolness and calm. You have an absolutely amazing way of writing.
I am just another *stranger* who has fallen in love with your child and I miss her sooo much! She radiated so much happiness and pure joy! She was just amazing.
Thank you for my Maddie fix!!!
Love, Jenn in CA
I recently found your blog and I so wish I would have found it sooner. The first thing I do every morning is pop in to read whatever wonderful Maddie story you have to share. Your words are so amazing, you are truly talented. I feel your emotions with every word and my heart breaks for you and your family. You are blessed to have had such a beautiful, amazing, inspirational daughter. She has touched my life many times through your stories and for that, I am eternally grateful.
How adorable and cute!! Such great memories! Thank you for sharing!
I am overwhelmed by her cuteness! Beautiful memory…Thank you for sharing!
I love her bald head in that first picture!
Congrats to your friend as well.
Hope you all know we are enjoying every minute of getting to know Madeline. I hope writing about her is good therapy for you. I know your arms ache.
Tonight I was obsessing about whether or not the house we bought was the right one for us. And then I thought of Maddie and of how little consequence my obsession really is. Thank you for the reminder.
that first picture of her?? STUNNING.
She is just so precious. I love seeing her pictures and reading your stories. They are wonderful.
how sweet!
The lighting in that room really does look calming in the photo. So tranquil and relaxing. … What a happy life you and Mike gave her. And what happiness she brought to you and continues to bring to the many lives she touches. Thank you for sharing your memories with us.
She is a beautiful little girl.
She was one of a kind, wasn’t she? I love reading what you write about Maddie. I just wish I could have met her.
She is beautiful in that first picture.The last picture shows her big smile that I miss so much..
Hugs,
I love how you can juuuuuust see her fang. Our girl knew how to celebrate, for sure.
I’ll think of that last picture as I walk out of my last final today and get ready to walk away from this quarter.
She never let all the hard stuff she went through get her down. What a smart girl! She reminds me that I shouldn’t let that happen either. A lesson in grace.
Thank you, Madeline.
What a beautiful story, Thank you so much for sharing.
So sweet! Babies can turn an ordinary room into a special, serene oasis.
I love seeing the world from your and Maddie’s beautiful eyes ..
Wonderful memory! Both picture are just lovely…
I see that she is clapping to signify how awesome it is that she is set to marry Alex. And the smile? Because I will be her MIL. Oh yeah, totally.
I love her perfectly round little head. She is so very beautiful.
Just can’t get over that huge smile and all the wonderful joy her eyes express. Thank you for the beautiful story.
She is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing the wonderful picturs and memories. Still praying for you.
Those are beautiful pictures. I love the picture of her almost asleep. Stunning.
Beautiful…just beautiful! I love all your wonderful stories….she was just AMAZING!
The picture of Maddie lying on the bed is just precious. I love the content expression on her face – she just looks so peaceful. I think it is great that you are sharing your wonderful memories with her on your blog.
What an amazing picture of Maddie!
As everyday, I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and Mike (((hugs))).
You always capture Maddie’s essence so vibrantly. She truly was your muse.
Thanks for sharing that beautiful story of your little girl.
I love reading your stories. She is so beautiful. Count that blessing..I know this is difficult for you.
I love reading about Maddie’s adventures. Even though we’ve never met irl.. I miss her and think of you guys so often. My baby girl is about the same age. I think they would have been awesome buddies.
She really is an angel. Those pictures are so beautiful.
Carrie
I love that you are sharing these stories with us.
Heather, that first picture is just awesome. She looks so peaceful laying in there.
As always, a beautiful story.
Thank you so much for continuing to share these stories. Keep ‘em coming!
Thank you for sharing more of Maddie. I carry her in my heart every day thanks to your continued generous stories. All my love and strength to you.
Such a blessing to have wonderful memories such as these! Thank you for sharing them!
thank you for sharing so much of your beautiful, incredible maddie. you are so strong, heather. and you have such a way with words. i love reading about every adventure you had with your maddie – even though i don’t know you, i know you are an AMAZING mama. you had such fun! and that’s so important. sending you all my thoughts and so much love, every day.
The joy of life! It sounds like Maddie loved to join in with it!
Loving your heart. Thanks for sharing it.
Tammy and Parker
http://www.prayingforparker.com
http:www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com
ParkerMama on Twitter
There are so many times in my life where I’ve wished for a camera to capture the moment. It feels like every moment of Maddie’s life was documented…. what a beautiful spunky girl.
Maddie’s such a bright light. The passage of time could never dim it. She’s just so vivid.
I love the pictures of you and Mike in the photo stream as well. You look so young and beautiful!
Maddie is so, so beautiful.
I’m so sorry.
She knew what was going on, which is awesome.
Thanks again for sharing your memories with us. She was totally amazing and EVERYONE should know it.
xoxo
I posted earlier, but forget to add something.
That first picture of Maddie is just breathtaking. Seriously. She is an exquisite looking child. You should be sooo proud of that little girl. She has touched, and will continue to touch, thousands, millions of people.
That kind of beauty is rare and how lucky you are that she was your Maddie. And when I say beauty, I don’t just mean the physical part…she encompassed pure beauty from her soul.
I miss her so much and can’t stop thinking about her. Again, thank you for sharing her with us. She has touched my soul forever.
Love, Jenn in CA
thanks for sharing! look at that huge smile! you can feel the happiness and joy! thinking of you and sending you hugs! you should write a book! love your writing style! XO
I’ve never commented before but I just had to tell you, she is such a beauty, and what spirit! Your daughter will always be nothing short of amazing.
I love that you are sharing Maddie stories. What a special little angel.
She’s so beautiful, a pure white light that will never fade away.
She was beautiful and a smart cookie too. I agree with the other comments – thank you for sharing these great stories. What wonderful memories…
Heather, as long as you keep sharing Maddie stories, we will be right here waiting for the next one. A love like yours for her is breathtakingly beautiful.
I love how serene she looks in the first big and that big ol grin in the second one is just so hard to resist!
Beautifully written, Heather. Such a sweet depiction of her personality.
What a beautiful story!! I adore the first picture of Maddie–just as her eyes are closing–it really captures how sweet and relaxed she is.
That happy grin is irresistible =) I love that you are able to document your memories of and with Maddie this way, they are all so beautiful. Beautiful days to match your beautiful girl.
That first picture is so sweet honey, I can feel the breeze and her peace.
I am so happy that you are able to bring these memories to the forefront and write about them.
luv ya
I have her little wooooow stuck in my head for eternity.
I absolutely love your stories.
Heather,
Your candor, true emotion, and way with words have made me love your little girl so very much. I look forward each day to reading more memories, of a girl and family I never knew.
I hope that writing is as healing for you as reading is for me.
My thoughts are with you and Mike and your families every day as you continue on your journeys.
What an adorable little girl! So cute! Such sweet stories you’ve shared lately. My heart goes out to you both
Heather,
What a beautiful, precious story! Keep sharing anything you want to write about, I’ll keep reading it!
She is such a doll!
She is truly the most beatiful little girl ever. The pictures of her just melt my heart. What a doll!!
Too precious…
such a lovely memory and such a lovely little girl.
I miss Maddie for you. My MOD t-shirt stays right here next to my laptop. Maddie’s infectious smile in that photography is the brightest spot in my office and I think of her and you and Mike every single day.
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That is such a sweet memory and I so adore the photo of Maddie on the bed. It looks so serene.
It’s so funny that you called her your sidekick because that’s exactly how I refer to Corbin. He’s my little shadow, always anxious to learn and see and do.
Keeping you guys in my thoughts and prayers.
I still tear up… lots of love and prayers.
((hugs)) =-)
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Aww, that is such a sweet memory. ((hugs))
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Aww. Beautiful story and photos.