The March for Babies was on Saturday, and I am still recovering. It was a lot to process this year, and to get through it I just…stuffed it all deep down inside and powered through. I’m feeling the emotional hangover today (not to mention the physical hangover, I feel horrible and I’m just waiting for my feet to fall off), but I’ve learned that I just need to let it happen and be kind to myself.
In the meantime, I thought I would share a video of the speech I made, kindly filmed by my sweet cousin Ted. I wish I’d taken a picture of the crowd from the stage – it was massive. Ted shows it a bit at the end, but I was blown away by the sea of faces.
If you can’t see the video above, click here.
I’m so grateful to the March of Dimes for letting me speak – and thankful to all of you who helped make it possible.
samatwitch says:
Your speeches bring me to tears, Heather. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do to honour Maddie and help other parents avoid the pain you and Mike have gone through.
amourningmom says:
Thank you Heather for all you and your family do for the healthy babies everywhere. Our walk was this weekend too and i have been trying to put into words how tired I am but you have captured it for me it is an “emotional hangover.” I want so much for there to be hope from our pain. I am so happy to hear stories and see premature babies who are now healthy children but I wish Jake and Sawyer’s (and Maddie’s) story had different endings.
Sending hope and hugs your way. xo
Damita says:
Great job Heather! Thank you for all that you do. Your strength is amazing!
Greis says:
Love you, friend! Miss you!
Karen says:
You continue to be an amazing voice for your precious daughter. I never met Maddie, but I will smile today when I picture the toddler with the beautiful eyes and big smile!
Glenda says:
As you were speaking I was staring at the picture of Maddie on this page and I can picture the toddler with the big blue beautiful eyes and that big smile running around. Strength to you and Mike. XX
Alyson Sprafkin says:
Thank you so much for speaking and for all of your involvement this year. You did an amazing job speaking on Saturday. We are very lucky to have you as a volunteer. Be kind to yourself, indeed.
Alison says:
Wow, that was beautiful and so well-written/delivered. Also your hair looks amazing!
Melissa says:
So awesome. Maddie has made such a difference to so many people! Such a lucky little girl to have such awesome parents, I’m sure she is looking down from above and is so proud of you all.
Brooke says:
Your speech is a beautiful tribute to Maddie. I hope that all the good you do comes back to you–you’re touching more lives and families than you realize.
Michele says:
Great job, Heather! Thank you for continuing to share Maddie with us, and for all that you do to help so many other babies and families.
Jordan says:
a wonderful speech in honor of a beautiful girl. So impressed by your poise and dedication to this cause, Heather.
I love how you ended the speeches in the same way.
Thank you for being an advocate and a voice!
Linnae Bosma says:
Beautiful!!
Lisa says:
This is beautiful as always…..what a poignant speech and uplifting. Lots of love always surrounding you. You and your family are so incredibly strong. Thank you for teaching me how to be a better friend to a my friend who had her baby at 23 weeks as well as to my coworker whose daughter was also born at 23 weeks.