In Memory of Maddie

I woke up from an unscheduled nap tonight and hopped online to get to work on the things I had planned for earlier in the evening. Those plans came to a screeching halt within minutes of logging onto Twitter.  Another mother’s tragedy was enough to stop me in my tracks.

I don’t know Heather Spohr well. I have only spoken to her on Twitter a few times and occasionally visit her blog. I do, however, know the heart of a mother. The heart that hurts when their child is sick, that breaks when they are sad. The same heart that shatters when their child is taken too soon.

Madeline Alice Spohr became an angel tonight. I can only imagine the shock and pain that Heather and her husband are going through. It seems so unfair that a beautiful 16 month old little girl can be gone so quickly. There are no words or actions that will make things okay, though I wish that there was something that I could say or do. All I can do is pray for them, and that I will.

I have said this here before and I will say it again. Don’t take a moment with your loved ones for granted. Hold out your hand to those who are going through pain and tragedy. You just never know when you’ll need a hand to hold, yourself.

To Heather and Mike, our thoughts, prayers and love are with you. Madeline, sweet dreams, little angel.

Update: If anyone would like to donate to the family or to the March of Dimes in memory of Maddie, information can be found here.