I came across your blog through a different blog that I read each day. My heart goes out to you. I cannot even imagine what it would be like to be in your shoes. I will continue to pray for you and Maddy. She truly is a beautiful baby girl.

God Bless.

I have never met you, but my girlfriend was childhood friends of Liz, and I accompanied her to you and Liz’s wedding. My girlfriend and I have been dating long distance for three and a half years, and you two have always provided us with a hopeful example when we wonder why we are so crazy to keep on doing this. You guys have been the guiding light for us, reminding us that it’s worth it “because look how Matt and Liz got through it”.

What happened transcends words and nothing I can say will make things better. I’m truly sorry and very heartbroken for your loss. I have been reading your blog and pouring over your Flickr pictures, and it’s been very inspiring. You and Liz had a more remarkable life together before you were 30 than most people do in their entire lifetime. You should be very proud of that.

I hope that you continue to blog regularly, because as long as you keep writing I will keep reading. I get strength and inspiration every time I read a new post or see a new photograph. Your daughter Madeline is as beautiful a baby I have ever seen and she is very lucky to have such a father.

Sincerely,
Dean Peterson
petersoncinema@gmail.com

I heard about your story from the Fick’s. I was touched from the moment I heard about what was going on. I was filled with a number of emotions and questions. The main question was why? How can something like this happen? I’m sure I’m not the only one to ask, but I wish it could be answered. I go on your website daily and I will continue to read it. Every time that I read your blog, someones post or a new picture brings many tears to my eyes. I was at the service on Saturday. When Jeff asked me to come I felt honored to be his guest at such an event. I walked in to the chapel and immediately felt sad. I was sad for you and everyone that knew Liz. When you started speaking I couldn’t help but cry. I can’t imagine losing someone that has had such an impact on your life, and who you loved more then anyone. You are a very admirable person. I know Madeline will grow up with a wonderful, loving family and a great father! You and Madeline are always in my thoughts.

- Meagan

I learned of your life through the Star Trib yesterday. I was just drawn to your story – I am a newer mom for the second time (my youngest is Madeline, also), I am from Minnetonka (not sure if you graduated from that HS) and I am about your same age.

I read through all of your blog entries and shared many out loud laughs and cries. Your photos are priceless and your wit and honesty is amazing. You and Liz lead a great life and you accomlished so much. Boy, life can sure throw you for some crazy twists and turns and this is not how you planned for things to go. I have found that sometimes that “map” that your life seems to be following has to be thrown out the window and completly redone. I have always had this weird sense that there is some “little person” (depending on my mood he looks like a little gnome or a large looming figure) that is writing the book of your life. They write the chapters and the stories and we just act out the whole thing. Along with your new story, Madelines story is now being written. (OK, that is a very strange thought to share with someone I don’t know – honestly, I am a relatively normal person).

I am so happy to see that you have such a fantastic network of family and friends (that continues to grow). Treat yourself well and don’t worry, you won’t break the baby! Throughout my past 3 years of parenting, I remind myself after a hard evening without sleep or a particullarly challenging terrible two year old, that tomorrow is another day and it will only be better.

Through a strange ironic twist your little Madeline will probably have a better relationship with her mommy then most. She is going to be showered with so much love and so many people telling her all about this amazing woman and how she did little things and stuff she would say. More so then many of us whose moms are still with us. We don’t take the time or remember those things that are so easily forgotten.

Take care, big squeezes to that beautiful baby and I know that you have lots of offers, but if you are ever in need of advice or an answer to a question, don’t hesitate to ask. I have two little girls of my own.

Kindest thoughts from one stranger to another,
Andrea