March
I brought the March of Dimes pamphlet home a few weeks ago and put it on the kitchen table next to my laptop. I moved it a few times, but I always found a safe place for it because I knew I wanted to write about it soon.
Then this morning, I woke up to find an email with news that knocked the wind out of me: the beautiful daughter of a fellow blogger had died.
I haven’t met Heather in person, but I’ve worked with her at PBN, and every time I clicked through to her site, I absolutely beamed at the photos of her daughter Maddie. Wide, expressive eyes – so blue, with such long lashes, edible chipmunk cheeks, and a constant smile – that’s how I remember Maddie. I can hardly believe that beautiful little girl is gone.
I regard my friends – inside and outside the computer – who have lost children with both heartache and awe. I can’t even bear to imagine how I’d go on. As Tanis wrote, I wish they didn’t have to know that pain. I wish with all my heart that they had their beautiful children right beside them where they belong. As close as I come to praying for anything, I pray that all of our children outlive us.
Please consider sponsoring Heather at the LA Exposition Park March for Babies on April 25. Or check the March for Babies website for a March in your area and get out there yourself. There are four Marches in the northeastern quadrant of Colorado and many others across the state.
Heather and Mike and Maddie, I wish you all peace and comfort.
