It just isn’t right

April 13, 2009 By 5 Comments

I spent the past week on vacation with my family.  I was effectively out of the Internet/Social Media/Twitter world.

The few times I checked my blackberry and took a glance at Twitter, I saw a lot of  this: #Maddie.  I saw a lot of tweets about ‘Maddie’ and prayers for ‘Maddie’.  I suspected the news was bad.

But I didn’t know the whole story.

I am now home.  I have now read the whole story.  I now know the light went out of Heather and Mike’s world on April 7th.

I don’t know the family.  And yet, I feel like I do – just a little.  I know enough to sit at my computer at midnight on a Sunday night and cry.  I know enough to hurt, deep down in my soul for them.  I know enough to be amazed by the true and unbelievable outpouring of support I have seen in the short time I have been home and online.  I know enough to want to help in some small, seemingly insignificant way.

I mean really – how can a stranger living in the middle of the country possibly help?  I can donate to help the family - hoping to ease the financial burden of two parents who aren’t working.  I imagine the money strain must be heavy but I think the emotional burden of burying your sweet baby girl must be devastating.  You can also donate to the March of Dimes - the family has requested this in lieu of flowers.

More than anything, I wish I could give them both a hug – not because it would make it any better, but because, maybe, just maybe, it might help to be held – at least for a moment.

So – I am sending virtual hugs and I will be praying.  Tonight.  Tomorrow.  Tuesday. And every day after that.  I will pray for Sweet Maddie.  And I will pray for Heather and Mike – that the amazing support they are receiving will help – even a little.

For more information on all things Maddie, visit a wonderful family friend.  She has also set up a Mr. Linky so you can let the Spohr family know if you posted about Maddie.

If you want a copy of a button for Maddie – or just want to read a beautiful post by someone who actually did know Heather, Mike and Maddie: visit one of my favorite writers.

There is certainly another angel in heaven tonight.

Heather and Mike, I am so terribly sorry.

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  • http://happyarewe.wordpress.com stacey @ tree, root, and twig

    It’s been hard to explain to the people around me why I’ve been so upset by Maddie’s passing. As if close association is required to feel the compassion and loss of another. I’ve been very moved by this whole situation, too, and it’s been very close under the surface of everything I’ve done over the past few days. I’m so grateful to the family for their willingness to share – how amazing that this little girl’s life has touched to so many!

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  • Danielle

    I have had a hard time putting the strength of my feelings into words as well. Clearly, I didn’t know Heather or Maddie – but I think there is something born in moms that makes this type of pain universal. We may not have experienced and don’t truly know the depth of emotion and loss, but we do know it is our worst fear. I, too, am grateful they have shared sweet Maddie with all of us!

  • http://www.littlemisshannah.com Carrie

    This really hit me tonight. I know that we are fighting this battle too, and in my head, I know that this is a reality that can happen. But when you live it, you don’t feel it day to day. But then I hear about Maddie, look at her pictures, hear the stories about her toys, and it just hits my heart. I don’t want this to be real for any parent.

  • Danielle

    Carrie – I think you, like some other moms understand Heather better than many of us – It is a tragedy I can’t begin to fathom – and yet, there it is.

    How is sweet Hannah?