For a flower always in bloom...

After hearing about Andrea's brilliant idea to plant a purple flower in memory of Madeline Spohr, my boys and I set out Saturday morning on a mission to make a very lonely planter in our backyard beautiful again in celebration of a little girl who left us a year ago Wednesday.

I still miss her. I still think of her constantly. I can't see a shade of purple without thinking of Maddie's infectious smile. And then I ache. For her parents Heather and Mike, as a parent, as someone who held this precious little girl just a few weeks before...

As we drove to Home Depot, I told the boys what we were doing. Why we were doing it. Rather than complain or scuffle their feet in reluctance, the boys were oddly intent on helping.

We picked out the purplest rose we could find

and the boys took turn smelling how fragrant it was...

We picked out a couple of the most purple African Violets we could find

and took our bounty to the car and loaded up, ready to get to work.

Shovels in hand, my boys ceased their normal fighting and bickering to pitch in and be helpful

turning this box of nothingness into a beautiful garden for Maddie.

They each had their questions. Hard questions. Ones I wasn't quite sure how to answer appropriately so I did my best to be honest. 

I had to swallow back tears several times. Teetering between putting myself in Heather and Mike's place - God, what if it were one of my kids? While completely in awe at my own sons - Wow. Look at how much my boys care about a little girl they never met.

"But why did she get sick, mommy?"

"How come some people get to live to be 100 years old, mom?"

"Do you think she'll like these flowers, mom?"

"Will she see these flowers, mommy?"

"Maybe we can have her mommy and daddy over for dinner so they can see them. I'll bet they would like steak."

I had to catch my breath.

As we finished patting down the soil around the last flower, I stood back and admired the garden, telling the boys, "You guys did a great job. You should be proud. Look at your beautiful flowers!"

 
And that's when my 5 year old said quietly, "No mom. Those aren't our flowers. Those are Maddie's flowers. Aren't they pretty?"

***

To Mike and Heather:

My heart aches for you every single day. I love the way you keep Maddie's spirit alive through blog posts and photographs and stories and the foundation. You are amazing people.

To Maddie:

Little girl, we miss you so much. Those of us who had the pleasure of meeting you and the hundreds of thousands of people who have simply read about you and forever been changed by your story. You are a bright spirit and a flower always in bloom.

_____________________

Count the garden by the flowers, never by the leaves that fall.
Count your life with smiles and not the tears that roll.
 ~Unknown

Comments

[amy ebel]

Here here ! great little guys.

[Daisy]

You have me wiping back tears at work. You must be so proud of your little guys who showed big heart.

[Jenni/mom2nji]

And I am now bawling. What sweet little boys you have. I was never lucky enough to hold or meet Maddie, but she has been in my thoughts everyday for the last year. When I get to see my sons learn something new, I feel a little tug, thinking of Mike and Heather. My heart aches for them always, but this week especially. I think we will plant some purple flowers for Maddie today.

[Birth_Lactation]

Amazing tribute and beautiful story. Your boys will ALWAYS remember this and be better individuals for this experience. I loved that little girls smile too. Never met the family, just followed some of the tragedy here and in blogs.I'm going to go cry now.

[Apryl's Antics]

Of course, Maddie will see them! Because of her, your family shared a beautiful experience together giving you memories that will last a lifetime. That's how we live forever.

[Sarah M.]

What a great idea! I may have to go get some purple flowers myself for Miss Maddie. Thanks for sharing!

[Angi]

I have tears streaming down my face at work. This was a beautiful activity in honor of Maddie. Something I'm sure your boys will never forget. They're amazing, as are you.

[~a]

Beautiful!

[Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing]]

Perfection.

[habanerogal]

This is a beautiful story, so glad the boys helped out. Wearing purple all week for Maddie

[rachel]

*sniff*

I <3 all of you wonderful people.
Love this.
I will be buying purple flowers this afternoon.

[Amber]

And I'm crying at work. What a beautiful things you and your boys did! I'm constantly amazed at how this little girl, who I never met, can still affect me to this day. That's so power right there.

[Amber]

Apparently I'm so flustered I can't spell...GAH!

[Avitable]

Love it. That's awesome.

[mel]

love this post. beautiful flowers for a beautiful girl.

[Dan]

Beautiful post, Megan! Stop making me tear up at work!

[avasmommy]

Love this. Love you. You are raising some awesome boys.

[samantha jo campen]

This is beautiful. What a wonderful day you had together with your boys.

Wiping away tears.

[Muskrat]

Awesome. And, I like the U. of Alabama t-shirt on your boy. That's how I knew y'all were doing the Lord's work.

[Loralee]

It's a lovely idea. I plant orange flowers for my Matthew and it always helps. Maddie is loved by SO MANY...it's a wonderful gift for Mike and Heather and their family. xo

[nic @mybottlesup]

this is magnificent. what a beautiful tribute.

[bessie.viola]

Oh, this made me cry. When it's time here in Michigan I'll be planting in purple for her too.

What a great tribute.

[Gemini-Girl]

Beautiful. Just beautiful.

[Brenna]

That is so sweet! What wonderful little boys you must have!

[But Why Mommy]

I'm crying. What you and your boys did was wonderful.

[Beth]

Beautiful job!

Your boys did great work!

I'm trying not to cry (scares my daughter when I do) and failing miserably.

[Chibi Jeebs]

Oh, Megan. Oh, your boys. Oh, your hearts. <3

[Jamie]

Such a touching picture walk. The honesty and depth of kids is simply amazing. Thank you for sharing.

[Nanette]

This is simply beautiful.

[themaggers]

Such a fitting tribute for such an amazing beautiful little girl. Can't wait to walk with you for Maddie in a few weeks.