I sit here typing; trying to find the right words. I complete a sentence. I pause. I press the backspace key. I start again. I erase again.
There are no words.
Though I do not know Heather or Mike Spohr, my heart goes out to them. I can not imagine the pain they are feeling. My chest is tight; there is a knot of fear, of sadness. Becoming a mom does that. It makes you sense the loss of another mother. It stays with you. It haunts you.
My son, W., saw a picture of Maddie on my laptop last night. He asked who the cute little girl was. I explained what had happened, in terms he could understand. My boy, my sweet, caring, compassionate boy turned to me, his face somber, "Mom, that's so sad."
So sad, indeed.
And then I thought for a moment. I have always donated to the March of Dimes. Ever since W. was born, I wanted to help sponsor this cause. No parent should have to watch their child fight for their life, as we had.
We were blessed. W. survived his congenital heart defect. We should do more, to honor Maddie.
I asked him if he wanted to start our own team to walk for her. For other babies. He jumped at the idea.
The "Jersey Shore Families For Maddie" team is walking on April 26th in Belmar, NJ. Please, if you can, join us. Sign up here and be a part of our team.
Of Maddie's team.
If you can't walk, won't you please sponsor either W. or myself? No parent should endure the Spohr's heartache.
Sponsor Me:
Sponsor My Son:
*If you don't live nearby, please visit Lotus Carroll's blog Sarcastic Mom. She is listing other teams across the country.
6 comments:
I found out last night and have been heartbroken. I cannot even imagine such pain. What a beautiful and precious little soul she was.
Walking in her name is an AWESOME way to honor her memory.
What a wonderful gesture. Have you seen the fundraising totals for Heather's team? It's getting close to $20K!!
Incredible. I had been holding strong. I was sad and heart broken but managed to hold back my tears since finding out about this. But your son's words finally broke me.
So many children never make it past their childhood, and I'll never understand...
I am still in shock. There are no words just tears and prayers.
What a noble thing for you to do. For Maddie, for all the sick babies, so that someday all babies are born healthy. God bless you!
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