Remembering Maddie

This post is very hard to write.  It has been one year since sweet Madeline Alice Spohr passed away.

This child changed my parenting in so many ways.  In the past, I would be quick to shoo away someone so that I could finish the dishes or so that I could finish folding the laundry.  Not anymore.

She makes me stop and think.  I think how her mother would do anything to have her at her feet wanting her to help color or read her a book.  Then and there, I stop what I am doing and give that attention to my child.

However, I am not perfect and still at times get frustrated with my lack of patience.  I am only human and do my best to keep things in perspective.

Today was the day many of us, who knew Maddie through her Mother's blog, had dreaded.  We knew how hard the day was going to be for Heather and Mike.  And yet, there is nothing we can do to relieve that pain.

Maddie, you are missed by thousands and thousands of people!  Your sweet smile.  Your beautiful blue eyes.  How I wish things would have turned out different for you and your mama.

We love you and you will never be forgotten.

God bless you Maddie.

Happy Birthday Maddie!

Hi Maddie,

Some people might find it odd that I care soo deeply for you and your family. Some might even consider you and I strangers. But those are the people who do not know you like I have come to know you. There are so many things about you that have changed my life and considering that I never even got to hold your little hand and hug you, I find that amazing.

So I started thinking about that. Is Maddie a stranger to me? My answer was 'no'! If I was a stranger, I wouldn't know that you love the color purple, that you love to play music and that you love Abby Cadabby! In fact, I think I know more about you than I do about most of my friend's children. Which would explain my deep love for you and I find nothing foreign or strange about that!

Happy Birthday little Maddie Moo! You are missed immensely!