- January 16, 2009
- 13 Comments
- Family & Friends, General, The Love
In Loving Memory Of Sweet Madeline
“Madditude”
This little doll is the daughter of my friend Cindy. I met Cindy at a local Mother’s of Preschoolers group. She was just pregnant with Maddie when we met, and we became friends as we journeyed through young motherhood together that year.
Well folks, little Maddie was born with a serious heart condition. A condition with which she battled bravely for over 3 and a half years. On January 16, 2008, she passed from the arms of her mom and dad into the arms of Jesus. It was devastating. It still is devastating. Yet, as her parents wrote on their site after her passing last year,
The worst day of our lives was the best day of hers…
I cannot begin to “know” the extent of the grief and anguish Cindy and Dave have had to bear – from the onset to even this day. The stresses of having to deal with Maddie’s surgeries and medications and varying special needs, in addition to have 2 older children to love and to give attention. I just know that little Maddie was a precious little girl I do not want to forget… her parents do not want us to forget. She lived only a few short years, but added a lifetime of meaning to countless people around the globe. If you are curious about her story — it can be found here. It is not a short read… full of every emotion one can imagine.
I know I tend to be lighthearted here, but today I just can’t. I would like to have this post be dedicated to my friend’s lovely little girl… a moment for me to openly admire my friend and her husband — for their strength and grace as they navigated such painful waters…a moment to treasure the life of a precious little girl who changed lives and I believe her story will continue to change lives.
(I have written an article for Type-A Mom related to this, but due to technical issues presently, it is not yet submitted. I will come back and add that link when the article is posted… In short, I encourage folks to take some time to cherish one’s kids…)
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13 Responses to “In Loving Memory Of Sweet Madeline”
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She looks like a sweet baby. I cannot imagine what her parents must have gone through in these last few years. My thoughts are with the family.
What a beautiful girl. I, too, cannot imagine the loss her parents experienced, but I hold strong to their thought that it was a glorious day for Maddie. Thoughts to them on this day.
My prayers tonight will be for Maddie’s family.
Praying for them now and the days to come. Words are never enough. My heart aches for your friends!
Also on that note, their children will be in my prayers as well. They aren’t always as observant about “anniversaries” of dates but still see and feel what their parents are going through!
Oh goodness. I can’t even wrap my mind around how devastating it would be to lose one of my children. I will definitely be keeping this family in my thoughts.
Now I gotta go and give my kiddos an extra big hug.
It was a beautiful little time of remembrance today on the top of the hill at the cemetery. That family never ceases to amaze me, at their kindness, compassion, and joy. Another friend brought balloons to release in Maddie’s honor (like they did at her funeral). She was remembered with lots of kids running around and giggles and squeals of delight when those balloons went up in the air…
I cannot even begin to imagine the pain and anguish that her parents have experienced over the loss of such a beautiful child. My heart goes out to them for all they have experienced as a family and I commend their strength.
What a beautiful angel that is now looking down on us all. My thoughts and prayers will be with this family.
Like the other commenters, I cannot imagine the grief this family must feel. They are in my prayers. Thank you for the reminder.
Only God’s love can fill that kind of void. My heartfelt prayers go to all who knew this precious little girl.
Bless that family’s hearts. I just can not even imagine the pain. Thank you for making sure we know about Madeline. She’ll never be forgotten.
Oh Jenny, my heart goes out to you and everyone who lost this lovely little girl.
My thoughts are with that family. What a gorgeous little girl!