Maddie’s Day at The Newborn Identity

Nov

Maddie’s Day

By Mike 112 Comments

Categories: Daily Briefing

Today is not a day to be angry at God
Or to mourn the lives we will never lead
It is not a day for asking why
Or avoiding the places we used to go

Today is not a day to fill with distractions
Or to spend pretending all is okay
It is not a day for jealousy
Of fathers and daughters laughing in the sun

Today is to celebrate you
My sweet, perfect, wonderful Moo

Your head on my shoulder

Your beautiful smile

The good in your heart

The pride in mine

The love we share

Deeper than any distance

Happy Birthday, Maddie.

November 11^th will always be a happy day because it was the day you came to me.

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112 Responses to “Maddie’s Day”

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1 Maura Nov 11th, 2009 at 1:09 am

Lovely and heartbreaking. Happy Birthday, dearest Maddie.

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2 Bec Nov 11th, 2009 at 1:11 am

Maddie was such an amazing and beautiful girl.

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3 Julia Nov 11th, 2009 at 1:13 am

Keeping you all in my heart today…Happy Birthday, sweet girl

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4 Icklebabe_com Nov 11th, 2009 at 1:15 am

Such a moving post, happy birthday beautiful Maddie x

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5 pamela Nov 11th, 2009 at 1:17 am

Beautiful little angel.
pamela´s last blog ..To My Very Special Grandma

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6 Kate @ UpsideBackwards Nov 11th, 2009 at 1:28 am

Beautiful, perfect, wonderful. Good on you, Mike. Enjoy the cream puffs!
Kate @ UpsideBackwards´s last blog ..Meltdown

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7 Krissa Nov 11th, 2009 at 2:07 am

A beautiful tribute to celebrate a most beautiful little girl. … Happy Birthday Maddie. You are remembered all over the world.

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8 amanda Nov 11th, 2009 at 3:57 am

So much love to all of you, and especially to the birthday girl. We love you, Maddie.

xo from CT,
Amanda

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9 Sara Joy Nov 11th, 2009 at 4:37 am

Absolutely beautiful Mike.
Happy Birthday Maddie!

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10 Anne Y Nov 11th, 2009 at 4:39 am

Happy Brithday Maddie~ from one daddy’s girl to another!
Anne Y´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday-Happy Birthday Maddie

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11 Kristin Nov 11th, 2009 at 4:39 am

Sending love to you, Heather, Maddie, Binky, and Rigsby. Today and everyday, we celebrate Maddie.
xo

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12 kristen Nov 11th, 2009 at 4:40 am

happy birthday to maddie. and to her wonderful parents i say this: that you have chosen to fill your hearts and your future with love and happy memories over bitterness and sadness is the true definition of courage. i know you have your very low days, but today, maddie’s day, i am so honored to read your positive words that uplift all of us to a better place, a place closer to your magnificent daughter.

peace.

xo
kristen

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13 Kristen McD Nov 11th, 2009 at 5:06 am

Happy Birthday, Maddie. Love to all of you today.

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14 PB and Jazz Nov 11th, 2009 at 5:29 am

A beautiful day indeed. Happy Birthday sweet Maddie!

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15 jenni Nov 11th, 2009 at 5:40 am

happy birthday, maddie, and peace to your loving parents.
jenni´s last blog ..RTT: This is Mostly About Facebook

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16 Pgoodness Nov 11th, 2009 at 5:41 am

Mike, this is beautiful. I’m glad you are celebrating…there are so many of us out here with you. Xo

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17 Maria Nov 11th, 2009 at 5:43 am

Love you, Mike. And proud to know you.
Maria´s last blog ..love today, and always, Maddie

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18 AmazingGreis Nov 11th, 2009 at 5:45 am

Absolutely beautiful!!!

Happy Birthday Maddie!
We will remember you always.
AmazingGreis´s last blog ..Happy Birthday Maddie…

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19 Jenny from Mommin' It Up Nov 11th, 2009 at 5:51 am

Perfect. Have a beautiful day loving & remembering your beautiful girl.
Jenny from Mommin’ It Up´s last blog ..Fail Whale

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20 Jenni/mom2nji Nov 11th, 2009 at 5:51 am

Beautiful post. Happy Birthday Maddie. Thinking of you and Heather always.

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21 Colleen Nov 11th, 2009 at 5:59 am

Much love to you and Heather. I will always remember your darling little Maddie.

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22 Kelly Nov 11th, 2009 at 5:59 am

Happy Birthday, Maddie.
Kelly´s last blog ..The problem with self-removable shoes…

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23 PsychMamma Nov 11th, 2009 at 6:06 am

Absolutely beautiful, Mike. Thinking of you and Heather, today especially, as you celebrate the life of your vibrant angel. I’m sure she’s smiling that priceless smile.

Much love.
PsychMamma´s last blog ..H1N1 Vaccine Info

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24 Maggie, dammit Nov 11th, 2009 at 6:11 am

Oh, Mike. This is beautiful. Thinking of you all, Maddie especially, today and every day.
Maggie, dammit´s last blog ..tickets to the gun show

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25 Ms. Moon Nov 11th, 2009 at 6:15 am

That were beautiful words about your beautiful daughter.
Ms. Moon´s last blog ..Oh, Love

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26 jodifur Nov 11th, 2009 at 6:17 am

I just left this comment on Heather’s post:

Happy B-day Maddie! Much peace to you and Heather today.

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27 mel Nov 11th, 2009 at 6:32 am

Happy Birthday Maddie. We will always celebrate your day. As always, thinking of you and Heather.

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28 Susan Nov 11th, 2009 at 6:32 am

Happy Birthday Maddie.
Susan´s last blog ..Just chatting

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29 Melisa with one s Nov 11th, 2009 at 6:37 am

Your family is in my thoughts today.
Melisa with one s´s last blog ..Poppies

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30 Mary Nov 11th, 2009 at 6:40 am

Happy birthday dear Maddie. And peace to you and Heather, Mike.

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31 nic @mybottlesup Nov 11th, 2009 at 6:45 am

happy birthday beautiful maddie. such strength you have to write such exquisite words… then again, you have an exquisite muse in that precious little person. peace to you.
nic @mybottlesup´s last blog ..a knee brace, constipation and a drafted book rolled into a burrito topped with awesome sauce

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32 Tracy Nov 11th, 2009 at 6:47 am

Happy Birthday Maddie. Thinking of you all today and getting everyone in my family a cream puff in her memory…

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33 MBKimmy Nov 11th, 2009 at 6:49 am

Love the post – Happy Birthday to Maddie and to you and Heather. May your day only be filled with great thoughts! Prayers from Myrtle Beach!
MBKimmy´s last blog ..Halloween

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34 Karen Chatters Nov 11th, 2009 at 6:56 am

That was beautiful, Mike. You are all in our hearts, especially on this special day.
Karen Chatters´s last blog ..Happy Birthday, Maddie!

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35 Lisa Nov 11th, 2009 at 7:05 am

Beautifully said Mike. You and Heather are in my heart and in my thoughts today.

Happy Birthday Maddie.
Lisa´s last blog ..Happy Birthday Maddie

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36 themaggers Nov 11th, 2009 at 7:20 am

Happy Birthday to your Little Madeline. All my love to you today tomorrow and always.
themaggers´s last blog ..Maddie

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37 deej Nov 11th, 2009 at 7:29 am

You are amazing – and I know Maddie’s spirit is proud.

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38 maya Nov 11th, 2009 at 7:38 am

Beautiful. Thinking about you all today and always.
maya´s last blog ..Happy Birthday Little Girl

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39 Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] Nov 11th, 2009 at 8:07 am

Sending you thoughts today and every day.
Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing]´s last blog ..Birth Day

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40 Lisa_in_WI Nov 11th, 2009 at 8:07 am

Thinking of you and Heather today.
Lisa_in_WI´s last blog ..59

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41 Jenny, Bloggess Nov 11th, 2009 at 8:14 am

Beautifully written. Thinking of you and Heather and Maddie today and every day.

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42 becky @therealbecks Nov 11th, 2009 at 8:20 am

beautiful. much love and thoughts and hugs to you, heather and Maddie today. y’all are thought about daily by me. happy birthday maddie

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43 sam {temptingmama} Nov 11th, 2009 at 8:20 am

Sending you strength and love.

Happy Birthday Maddie!

xo
sam {temptingmama}´s last blog ..Remember

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44 Angi Nov 11th, 2009 at 8:32 am

Simply beautiful.

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45 brooke Nov 11th, 2009 at 8:46 am

this beautifully summarized to me the boundlessness of real love. even though this world is so transitory, nothing can remove the love you share with your daughter. happy birthday maddie, what a beautiful gift you share not only on your special day, but regularly through the hearts of your parents who’s testament to it warms so many of us.

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46 Danielle Nov 11th, 2009 at 8:53 am

Happy Birthday beautiful girl.

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47 Candice Nov 11th, 2009 at 8:59 am

Your love for each other truly comes through in these picture. Happy birthday little angel. We miss you!!
Candice´s last blog ..Delivering Graham

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48 Kate Nov 11th, 2009 at 8:59 am

Happy Birthday Maddie Moo!

Thinking of you guys especially today. May your day be filled with cream puffs and happy memories.

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49 Aunt Becky Nov 11th, 2009 at 9:13 am

Happy, happy birthday to sweet Maddie.
Aunt Becky´s last blog ..Follow Meeeee Tiny Dancer! (et. all)

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50 Alison Nov 11th, 2009 at 9:34 am

Thinking of Maddie today, and every day.

Love to you and Heather.
xoxo

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51 Deborah Nov 11th, 2009 at 9:38 am

A beautiful tribute. Thinking of you and Heather today, as I do every day. Happy birthday, Maddie!

(((hugs)))

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52 Patty Nov 11th, 2009 at 9:44 am

So very beautiful! Happy Birthday to beautiful Maddie up in heaven!
Patty´s last blog ..I Am

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53 Tricia Nov 11th, 2009 at 9:47 am

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl. Love to you all today.

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54 Amanda Nov 11th, 2009 at 10:05 am

Breathtaking. Your words are always so well written. Thinking of you and your amazing Maddie always. Happy Birthday Maddie!
Amanda´s last blog ..A Sincere Thank You

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55 Ed Nov 11th, 2009 at 10:07 am

Beautifully done, man. In every way.

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56 anna Nov 11th, 2009 at 10:20 am

happy b day maddie moo! love to heather and mike

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57 Venti Vixen Nov 11th, 2009 at 10:29 am

Thinking of all of you today. Happy Birthday to Maddie!

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58 Chibi Jeebs Nov 11th, 2009 at 10:39 am

Sending much love – you’re all in my thoughts. <3

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59 rachel Nov 11th, 2009 at 10:50 am

Happy Birthday Maddie! Binky and Maddie are so lucky to have such wonderful parents.

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60 Denise Nov 11th, 2009 at 10:51 am

Thanks for sharing those beautiful moments, I adore Maddie’s gorgeous blue eyes. Thinking of you and Heather today.

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61 Sheena Nov 11th, 2009 at 11:19 am

Your Madeline is so perfectly beautiful, as is your love for her. Happy Birthday to Maddie!

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62 Issa Nov 11th, 2009 at 11:49 am

Happy birthday to your beautiful angel baby Mike. Tons of love and hugs to you and Heather today.
Issa´s last blog ..Happy 2nd birthday Maddie Moo

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63 Erin Nov 11th, 2009 at 12:12 pm

Happy Birthday Maddie!!!!

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64 missy Nov 11th, 2009 at 12:13 pm

Happy Birthday Maddie Moo!

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65 Kellee Nov 11th, 2009 at 12:53 pm

That was beautiful. Happy Birthday, Maddie. Love to you all.

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66 Cat Nov 11th, 2009 at 1:32 pm

Happy Birthday to sweet baby Maddie
Cat´s last blog ..Happy Birthday, Madeline

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67 Alicia @ bethsix Nov 11th, 2009 at 1:44 pm

Stunning post. Thinking of you, Heather, and Binky on sweet Maddie’s second birthday.
Alicia @ bethsix´s last blog ..Happy Birthday, Maddie

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68 Molly Nov 11th, 2009 at 1:49 pm

Thinking of you, and Heather, and your beautiful Maddie today…praying for strength for you and Happy Birthday wishes to her…

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69 Stefanie Nov 11th, 2009 at 2:39 pm

The tears are running down my face because this post was so beautiful and moving and because you are BEST DADDY EVER. I love you.
Stefanie´s last blog ..Happy Birthday Madeline

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70 Dawn Nov 11th, 2009 at 5:30 pm

I am crying. This is so beautiful and so painful.
Dawn´s last blog ..Is This a Trick, or a Treat?

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71 Cam Nov 11th, 2009 at 5:33 pm

Deeper than any distance.
It’s beautiful and heartbreaking to see so much love.
You were in my mind today all day long.

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72 Scary Mommy Nov 11th, 2009 at 5:35 pm

You both amaze me with your grace & courage. Maddie would be so very proud.

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73 Laura Nov 11th, 2009 at 5:38 pm

I love it. I know that you don’t know me, but I think of you guys often. Hugs to you both.

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74 K Nov 11th, 2009 at 5:39 pm

Remembering and celebrating Madeline with you and Heather today and always Mike. That feeling of the miraculousness of the arrival of our babies- you captured that beautifully. A day to celebrate, the day Maddie came to the world. Much love.
K´s last blog ..Madeline Alice Spohr should be two today

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75 MJ Nov 11th, 2009 at 5:43 pm

Happy Birthday to Madeline. Beautiful words. You are all in my thoughts.

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76 Lindsay from Florida Nov 11th, 2009 at 5:54 pm

Happy Birthday Madeline. Mike … I wish I had some words, some thoughts, SOMETHING to say. All I can come up with is that your love for your daughter is moving and breath-taking beyond measure. I am glad that you seem to have a small measure of peace on this day.

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77 Jennifer Nov 11th, 2009 at 6:25 pm

“November 11th will always be a happy day because it was the day you came to me.”

More beautiful words have never been written, Mike.

Happy Birthday to dear Maddie. We’ll never forget her!

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78 Dawn Nov 11th, 2009 at 6:26 pm

Much love to you and your family.
Happy birthday Maddie.
Dawn´s last blog ..my poor funny bone

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79 Amanda Nov 11th, 2009 at 7:18 pm

Many, many, many hugs tonight from Georgia. Happy Birthday to Maddie – I will never forget her.
Amanda´s last blog ..November 11 – Maddie’s Day

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80 kim.hormone-colored days Nov 11th, 2009 at 7:32 pm

Beautiful post. You are all in my thoughts.
kim.hormone-colored days´s last blog ..Parenting Gifted Children: Speaking Out for Gifted Children in Illinois

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81 Barb Nov 11th, 2009 at 7:36 pm

Happy Birthday Maddie…you have been on my mind all day…
Barb´s last blog ..Shopping

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82 PrincessJenn Nov 11th, 2009 at 7:57 pm

Celebrating Maddie’s birthday and the amazing parents she has in you and Heather. Every child should be so lucky to be loved this much.
PrincessJenn´s last blog ..You Can Be My Hero, Baby

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83 Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy Nov 11th, 2009 at 7:59 pm

Happy Birthday Maddie. I thought about you and your Mom and Dad all day today. You are loved and missed.
Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy´s last blog ..Happy 2nd Birthday Maddie

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84 Kel Nov 11th, 2009 at 8:01 pm

Beautiful. I wish I could have known your little girl. Happy Birthday to Maddie. <3
Kel´s last blog ..For Maddie

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85 Neena Nov 11th, 2009 at 8:01 pm

beautiful.

she is loved and missed by so many.
Neena´s last blog ..rainy november days

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86 Carrie Nov 11th, 2009 at 8:05 pm

Beautiful words for your beautiful daughter. Happy Birthday Maddie
Carrie´s last blog ..Fear and Loathing in the Doctor’s Office

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87 Mindy Nov 11th, 2009 at 8:08 pm

Your grief is carried by so many people, yet so many of us have no idea what your grief truly feels like. Everyday hundreds of us read about your beautiful daughter and have grown to love her. My heart breaks for your family with every post and yet each post makes me smile at what a wonderful little girl she was. I am so sorry you, Heather, Rigby, and the rest of your family have to go through this. Please know your Maddie has touched thousands of lives.

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88 amy2boys Nov 11th, 2009 at 8:09 pm

Perfect. Thinking and praying for you today and always –
amy2boys´s last blog ..Re-Direct Wednesday

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89 JennK Nov 11th, 2009 at 8:11 pm

There is something so special about daddies and little girls. She was clearly so in love with you and you with her. Happy Birthday Maddie!!
JennK´s last blog ..A complete whackaloon.

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90 WhyMommy (Susan) Nov 11th, 2009 at 8:18 pm

My heart breaks for you, and rejoices all at the same time. You have known love. You know love.

And that is more than many people discover in a lifetime.

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91 Jen Nov 11th, 2009 at 8:30 pm

Maddie was so lucky to have you as her Daddy (Binky is too). Beautifully written. I hope you were able to find moments of Joy today.

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92 Noelle Nov 11th, 2009 at 8:31 pm

Love Maddie, and you and Heather, too. Thinking of you all today.

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93 tara Nov 11th, 2009 at 8:47 pm

love to you, heather and sweet, beautiful maddie moo. you are always in my thoughts and my heart. i sent extra big hugs to you all today. xoxo

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94 Amanda (Garibay Soup) Nov 11th, 2009 at 9:02 pm

Happy Birthday, sweet, beautiful Maddie!!! And my heart goes out to you and Heather. Sending a balloon to Heaven today for Maddie!
Amanda (Garibay Soup)´s last blog ..A little edition of my kids say

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95 Camie Nov 11th, 2009 at 9:02 pm

Thank you and Heather for sharing your girl with us. She will always be remembered and loved, not only on her birthday but on every other day as well.

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96 JustAMom Nov 11th, 2009 at 10:02 pm

No words….. Just tears… God Bless you and Heather, today and always. Happy Birthday sweet, sweet girl.

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97 beth Nov 11th, 2009 at 10:09 pm

Happy birthday sweet baby girl…..

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98 Glenda Nov 11th, 2009 at 11:45 pm

Happy Birthday Maddie. What a beautiful post to honor beautiful Maddie!!! Sending you ang Heather hugs!!!XXX

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99 karen Nov 12th, 2009 at 1:47 am

I only started reading Heather’s blog last April but not a day goes by now where I don’t think of your Maddie. I’m not sure why but there are purple ribbons all around the neighborhood surrounding the local elementary school & I think of Maddie and see her gorgeous little face in my mind.

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100 Tami Nov 12th, 2009 at 7:48 am

The pictures are so beautiful and its also so heart breaking that she cant be with you.
My hugs to you and Heather.

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101 Susan A Nov 12th, 2009 at 7:56 am

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Happy Birthday, Maddie. We miss you!

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102 Jenn Nov 12th, 2009 at 1:07 pm

You’re a good man Mike and an even better daddy. Today I celebrate Maddie’s life, but cry for her loss. Such beautiful memories, breath taking pictures and so many wonderful stories. OOOhh Beautiful Maddie….I’ve never met you yet, I feel like I know you. I miss you and I wish more than ANYTHING you were here every single day. You make us better people Maddie and I will always remember that and ALWAYS appreciate it!

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103 Maureen Nov 12th, 2009 at 4:12 pm

Oh my gosh, those eyebrows! They are fantastic!

(p.s. found you while blog-surfing)
Maureen´s last blog ..The Plan Keeps Coming Up Again

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104 Karen Nov 14th, 2009 at 3:05 pm

Wonderful tribute to one beautiful little girl.

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105 Shannon Kieta Nov 16th, 2009 at 6:20 am

Dearest Mike…
You have to be the sweetest Daddy in the whole wide world. Maddie is the luckiest girl in the world. Binky is the second luckiest. Then there’s Heather. Man… lucky women all over the place. Lucky, Lucky, Lucky!

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106 Al_Pal Nov 17th, 2009 at 6:09 pm

*sniff* Beautiful post. Lovely photos. xoxo

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107 Loralee Nov 17th, 2009 at 9:13 pm

We never go to the cemetery on Matthew’s birthday. That is our day of JOY of HIM. We go out all day as a family and watch as many fun movies as we can squeeze in the day and go out to dinner and laugh and talk and hug each other. And tears eek out as we do it.

Your little one is beautiful, amazing and so very loved. Though I know it was an extremely hard day, I am so glad that you were able to focus on the joy that she is on her day.

xo
Loralee´s last blog ..Aquaphor review and gift basket giveaway. (Did I mention the $100 Visa gift card? This giveaway is buckets of awesomesauce.)

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108 Krissa Dec 9th, 2009 at 2:41 am

Just read about your own birthday on Heather’s Site. I hope your birthday was as good as it could be. I want to say “happy birthday”, but I know it wasn’t the same as it should have been and I am worried that ‘happy birthday’ alone sounds like I don’t ‘get it’. Wishing you moments of peace and comfort…thinking of you and sending (((hugs))).

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109 Susan Dec 9th, 2009 at 6:37 am

Thinking of you with incredible admiration on your birthday and every day. Peace to you, Susan

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110 Al_Pal Dec 22nd, 2009 at 9:40 pm

Just read this again – and got misty-eyed again.

Glad to see you dispensing film advice on Twitter; I’ve been enjoying seeing your recommendations in the last few days. My tweets are protected, so I haven’t been able to respond there, but I wanted to let you know that your movie knowledge was being appreciated. ;p

I have a feeling your family and friends will be keeping you all close this holiday season. Please know there are even more of us out here thinking of you, beyond driving distance.

I met Heather at Type A Mom in September, and hoped to meet you on my road trip in early November, but I know that was a stressful time with Heather’s back and Maddie’s Birthday coming up. Hope to meet you someday. *HUGS* to you and your whole family.

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