To Maddie, Heather & Mike,
We are just a small fraction of the of thousands of people who think of you daily; who are haunted by your passing and sick with grief over what we can do to help, what can we say to make things better and why words and hugs and thoughts and prayers and walking just don't feel like enough.
We are just a tiny chunk of the love that beams proudly for a little girl whose magical eyes lit up our lives all too briefly. We miss you and hurt for you and ache because we don't know why and could never fathom the reasons anyone could give us.
I've never felt so much love and then grief for a little girl I'd only just met and for a mom and dad who I was only getting to know but all I can say is thank you because despite your unspeakable pain and torment you have taught me to be a better parent, to live in each moment and to soak it up as it happens and to keep fighting even when others would say there's no longer a reason to fight. You are truly amazing people - the three of you - and I am so lucky to know you.
Maddie, celebrating you today is only appropriate; you are still a part of our daily lives and forever will be. You are a little girl whose life was meant to be celebrated. And you've changed our lives. Thank you for that.
Happy birthday, Maddie.
Much love to you, Heather and Mike.
We love you Maddie...
Posted by: Jodee | 11 November 2009 at 09:45 AM
I always wish I could do more!!!
Happy Birthday Maddie!!
Posted by: AmazingGreIs | 11 November 2009 at 09:51 AM
So well said. Love to the Spohrs! Happy birthday, Maddie.
Posted by: robin | 11 November 2009 at 10:53 AM
Beautiful post Megan.
Posted by: Issa | 11 November 2009 at 11:22 AM
beautifully written megan... so beautifully written.
Posted by: nic @mybottlesup | 11 November 2009 at 11:24 AM
Beautiful post. Remembering and honor Maddie today on her special day. Happy Birthday Maddie!
Posted by: Lisa | 11 November 2009 at 02:04 PM
I love you girl.
Posted by: rachel-asouthernfairytale | 11 November 2009 at 04:14 PM
Well said. Beautifully done.
Posted by: Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] | 11 November 2009 at 04:15 PM
Happy Birthday to Maddie, I read Heather's site yesterday. My thoughts and prayers are with them!
Posted by: Courtney | 12 November 2009 at 10:59 AM
I ache for that family, and I thank you for helping keep that darling girl's memory alive. Blogger Unite will be blogging for preemies like Maddie on Nov. 17. Join us?
Posted by: Ginger | 12 November 2009 at 03:08 PM
Wonderful post! Maddie certainly did teach us a lot!
Posted by: Al_Pal | 18 November 2009 at 12:58 AM