I didn’t know her, that sweet little imp with the big eyes and even bigger grin. I’ve never met her; possibly never would have, but my heart hurts knowing that little Maddie is no longer with us. It aches for her mom and dad, the loss unimaginable. As a parent, nothing compares to the fear of losing a child; I can assume nothing hurts quite like it either.
I know that she was born far too soon and left this earth far too early as well. I know she spent 68 days in the NICU after she was born; that she beat the odds to go home. I know that she was gaining weight and progressing in her development well these days. I know that the sparkle in her eyes from pictures and video never failed to get me to smile. I know her parents are devastated. I only hope that the outpouring of love from the internet – from people who know them in “real” life and otherwise – gives them some sort of comfort in the coming days. Heather and Mike love that little girl with all their hearts and it showed.
If you are so inclined to …
Apr 8 2009
