left the house
this morning,
smelling the smoke,
and seeing the ash
on my car.
all coming from the fires in
ben’s backyard.
10:00am appointment
with the folks at the
social security administration.
who
reaffirmed that the federal government
puts very little value
on human life.
not that any amount
would take the
pain away,
but seriously.
did you know,
that
widows/widowers receive
a one-time payout of $255?
seems absurd.
especially for people
not as fortunate as me.
madeline faired a
little better.
she won’t have to
join the workforce
just yet.
more absurdity…
reminded once again that
the two biggest events
of my life
will always be linked.
had to provide a
birth certificate for madeline
and a death certificate for
liz.
(i hate having to look at the damn death certificate so often…all government agencies and businesses with whom we dealt want to see a copy).
the social security interviewer
asked me one of
those terrible, standard questions.
“did the marriage end with the death?”
didn’t know how to answer that.
i said,
“technically yes, but i’m still wearing our rings, so no. well, yes. um, nevermind.”
“yes.”
also had more old ladies
fawning over her.
and…
a momentous occasion.
first diaper change
in a public place.
how fun.
madeline spent much
of her 5-week birthday
crying her eyes out.
not sure why.
(clean diapers, ample food and love).
everything seems fine now.
i think she’d rather
be hanging out with her
new friends at the parks house.
the grandparents continue to
deliver on their
promise to celebrate
madeline’s
52 birthdays
this year.
grandma candee
delivered a new changing pad,
grandma broccoli sent some
great outfits.
still amazed to see
the number of strangers
grieving along
with me
and my family and friends.
site was down for
a few hours today,
which probably kept
lot of people from crying
in front of their computer screens
at work.
things appear to
be back in order.
(let the crying resume).
65 Comments
Sometimes babies just cry. It’s hard and frustrating, but it will change over time. More hugs and Happy 5 Weeks M.
Hey Matt, I’m Judy from MN and now GA. Maybe, baby:) wants to hear a little country? Remember, she’s part MN. (just keeping it light) Good luck and my husband and I are thinking of all of you.
Morning Matt,
I thought I would pass along something that Katie has used with her kids. If Madeline keeps getting fussy, it might be that she is has gas pains. Katies doctor told her to use Mylecon drops to relieve it. You might want to check with Maddie’s doctor if it continues. It really seemed to help.
I also wanted to say that I too like many, many other people have gone thru the grieving process and although it never gets easier it will get BETTER. Hang it there…you are doing a fantastic job.
Patty
Hi Matt,
Glad your site is back up. Just wanted to let you know, there are these Disposable Multi-Use Pads by Munchkin that you can use to change Maddy’s diaper in a public restroom – probably when she gets bigger and you need to use the changing table in the restroom. They come in a 24-pack and you can get them at Target by all the bath stuff. I always have 1 or 2 in my diaper bag! My friend told me about them when my daughter was a little baby and they’re great. Here’s a link for more info:
http://www.munchkin.com/products/detail.php?pID=251
It’s always hard when your baby cries in public but you’ll get used to her needs and what each cry means. Have you heard of the Dunstan Baby Language DVDs? I saw the author on Oprah before my daughter was born and I wrote down each of the 5 baby sounds and what they meant. They actually helped me figure out if she was hungry, had gas, etc…I found it to be very helpful! Here’s a link with more info: http://www.dunstanbaby.com/ Just click on “How It Works” OR you can watch her appearance on Oprah (I just found it online): http://www.veoh.com/videos/v910865YY3TMwrp It’s really helpful! Good luck – you’re doing an amazing job! Being a parent is all about trial and error. You learn something new each day!
Madeline looks great! She’s just an angel. Happy 5 Weeks
She is getting so big! Five weeks already! Wow!
Fussy day, huh, Madeline? Matt, if you haven’t already, I would suggest reading (or watching the video) “Happiest Baby on the Block.” The suggestions help calm fussy babies. I didn’t learn about the book or the concepts until my oldest was four weeks old. It worked instantly, and I wished someone had told me about it earlier.
Just so you know, your daily updates on Madeline make me smile. I think we all ache for your loss, but Madeline makes us smile. She is a miracle.
Hi Matt:
Just checking in to say hello : ) I hope that Madeline has a better day today. It seem odd when reasonably easy babies cry alot for what seems like no reason. I think sometimes they just need to express themselves cuz they can’t talk yet! Maddie looks wonderful in green……and very peaceful sleeping. The crying photos are fun. I wish I had taken more of those when my girly girls were little. I would like to send you and Maddie a card but I don’t have your address? Trying to get that info from Heather.
Big hugs,
Barb
Matt- All of my 4 babies went through a crying stage. Was told numerous things from doctor and other people; gas, colic etc. Swinging worked for my son and tight swaddling also can help. Hope you have a less fussy day. Will be thinking of you. Happy 5 weeks sweet Madeline. Laurie
morning from MN- still only 29 degrees but the sun is shining so that seems to make it easier. I have found myself hooked to your blog- was wondering why no updates yesterday- darn servers. Madeline sure is beautiful and growing! Hope there is some sunshine in your world today
Our oldest daughter had what we called “meltdowns”, most evenings for a long time. The Dr. explained it, which seemed to make a lot of sense to me, that babies have no other method to talk or express anything. They are growing and have just gone through great change in their existance – birth. It will all be ok . . . .
Happy 5 week birthday Madeline! Take it easy on your Dad.
I seriously cannot believe they asked this question. Who writes this stuff?
I meant this question:
“did the marriage end with the death?”
Happy 5 weeks birthday Madeline!
May God Bless you and your dad on
this day and the days of the future.
You are in my thoughts and prayers always.
Jenny from MN
Hi…my name is Maria, we met on the plane from MSP to LAX. I sat infront of you with my little boy, Joey. Thank you so much for sharing your story. She is a beautiful baby girl.
Hi Matt
Do you swaddle her at all? I realize it’s warm there, but sometimes babies like the cuddly feel and not being able to keep waking themselves up with swinging arms. Just a thought……I remember the 5 weeks days….they seem so OLD…….
Hi Matt
This may be a repeat message If so I apologize but I could not find one I posted a few days earlier. I am not sure if you will remember me, I was one of your teachers at the learning tree in Hopkins. I would babysit you and Nicholas. I became friends with your mother and she talked me into taking Karate for a while. We lost contact along time ago. I found you story in the Sunday paper and it was heartbreaking yet inspiring at the same time. I am sorry for the loss of your wife she was a beautiful woman with a great smile. Your daughter is absolutely adorable. You have a way with words and through you she will know her mother. I have no great words of wisdom and you have probably heard it all. But I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts. Please tell your mom congratulations on becoming a grandmother. I know she is proud of you. Happy 5 week B-day to Maddy
Best regards
Deanna
Deanna
I have to tell you that I heard about your story on a private chat board for local parents in MN that I am a member of. It took me a week to get the guts to log on and read it and I nearly read it from the beginning yesterday.
It’s ridiculous but I thought I would cry more than I did. The reason that I didn’t isn’t because I’m not empathetic and imagine not only your position, but your daughter’s and your wife’s. It is because I think that you have the outlook that anyone would wish and beg for should they ever go through a bittersweet time of loss and miracles together.
I have to tell you that I think no one on earth was more equipped with a fresh, strong, loving and caring character……like you are and like it demands in order to deal with this as beautifully as you have so far.
Thank you for sharing and allowing people to know about what you are going through not only to invite help and prayers that might help you out in the only way most of us can…..but also to serve as a reminder of why life is so precious, why every baby is a true miracle, what they do to our lives, how they enrich them…..and why to never take for granted your loved ones. I only hope that I have as few regrets as you do….and how lucky a husband and a father is whose biggest fight with the woman he loves – was about a fortune telling robot.
I don’t know you Matt and I didn’t know Liz but after reading your story in the Star Tribune, I felt compelled to read your blog. Sad beyond words. The three of you (and more, really, because I am also thinking of your extended family and friends) haven’t been far from my thoughts since early Sunday morning.
However, what compels me to add a comment this morning, is to tell you something you already know. That little baby Madeline is as cute as a baby can be.
As far as tying the two events together, that is a forever thing. You will always go there, when Madeline turns one, and then two and even 18 – but in the future (I’m not even going to guess at how far in the future) – when it isn’t so raw, and the grief doesn’t feel so immediate, I think that will be a really good thing, because Liz will stay alive in your heart forever.
Hi Matt
Read your story in Sunday’s paper and can’t stop thinking of you!! I’ve spent the last couple of days reading your blogs from the begining!! Liz was beautiful and Madeline is following in moms footsteps!! I just can’t imagine what it must be like for you, but being a first time mom myself, I KNOW your wife would be proud of how your holding up!! Just keep being the best daddy you know how to be!! She going to cry, that’s what they are good at!! Remember she’s all yours and your going to make mistakes/get frustrated at times. You’re only human!! Keep up your good work and Happy 5-week birthday Madeline!!
Susan, Minnesota
Believe me, you will never stop feeling like a failure. You just get used to it after awhile! It’s not so bad, really!
I’m 42, so luckily I do have the answers to Life, The Universe, And Everything, and yet still I feel inadequate to be a parent. I have developed an awesome WTF attitude tho, and that helps alot. “Perspective” I think most people would call it.
As for crying babies… I hated that so much. I could not deal with it at all. I was one of those parents who drove around the valley in the middle of the night (mine liked the car). I also put mine in the stroller and pushed him around the house. And finally, since you are flying solo, you will for sure need both a swing and a bouncer, both of which are awesome pacifiers. People who tell you not to utilize these things are retarded so don’t listen to them. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2864757
And finally, if you’re ever at Swain’s in Glendale, do NOT try to change your baby at that skanky IHOP across the way! There is nowhere in there where a baby can be changed. Even tho my husband did it on the back of a toilet tank in the men’s room. (Holy Mother Of God and LOL!!!)
when she gets crying like that, hold her in your arms outstretched slightly rock her back and forth ( a little quicker then the usual baby ‘rock’ ) and make a swish noise -
been thinking of you again – day and night. thanks for the pics, she is too freakin’ cute – even while screaming her head off : )
“Did the marriage end with the death?”?!?!?! WTF? What kind of question is that and how on earth is one supposed to answer it?! I’m so sorry you have to deal with such bureaucratic idiocy.
Hi Matt!
Along with everyone else, we’ve been logging on to your site to see how you’ve been doing. Just wanted to say hello and let you know that we’re thinking and praying for you, Liz and Madeline constantly. You’re doing so great! Keep it up…lots of love….Jeanette
p.s. Madeline is getting so big and cuddly!
Matt, glad your site is back up. Just wanted to let you know about these Munchkin Multi-Use Travel Pads. They come in a 24-pack and you can get them at Target. They’re great for those diaper changes in public restrooms. My friend told me about them when my daughter was a baby so I always keep 1 or 2 in my diaper bag. Here is a link with more info: http://www.munchkin.com/products/detail.php?pID=251
I know it’s hard when your baby cries in public but you get used to it. Have you heard of the Dunstan Baby Language? The author was on Oprah and she talked about 5 sounds that babies make and what they mean. It was really helpful for me. You could tell if they are hungry, tired, gassy, etc…here’s a link for more info: http://www.dunstanbaby.com/ – click on “How it Works” OR you can watch her appearance on Oprah – I just found it online: http://www.veoh.com/videos/v910865YY3TMwrp I hope that helps! You’ll get to understand what little Maddy is saying with time. Being a parent is all about trial and error. You learn something new every day! You’re doing an amazing job!
Madeline looks great – she’s truly an angel. Happy 5 Weeks!
hi Matt,
Came upon your site this weekend and just wanted to let you know I think you are amazing and little M is beautiful! We had our little one Feb. 18th and she went through quite a fussy period between 5 and 6 weeks, I read that this is a usually growth spurt time (although i am not sure with preemies). I know that when nothing comforts my little girl the swing always works (we call it the magic swing at my house). Turn it all the way up, they love all the movement! Good luck!
I’m not sure the crying will ever stop, Matt. And that’s okay. We will just keep right on crying along with you.
I would really like to bitch slap that SS lady. “Did the marriage end with the death?” What a dumb question.
I was wondering if you have a good (read: not baby bjorn) carrier? Babywearing is the best. I highly recommend the Ergo or Beco soft-structured carrier, or a Mei Tai. You can use them to wear her for years to come.
Oooo! You should see if there’s a NINO (Nine In Nine Out) group near you, too. They would help you soooo much. http://www.naturalchild.org/resources/nino.html
Hope Madeline is having a better day today. Two of my 3 kids had crying jags that would last hours. The oldest, mainly during times of stress or overstimulation. The youngest had reflux and screamed all the time. The middle kid was comparatively low-maintenance in comparison to the other two. If you’re not doing it already, try slinging her when she’s fussy. This would work miracles in our house, especially for baby #3. He could be completely losing his mind and then we’d pop him in the sling and he’d be snoring in two minutes.
As for the “business” end that you have to deal with when someone close to you passes away, it just sucks. I have had the unfortunate pleasure of going down that road way too many times myself in the past few years. We lost two immediate family members this time last year within 5 weeks of one another. It was just crazy all the stuff we had to sort through and deal with. A year later, we are just now tying up the loose ends with both. Ugh.
You are doing a fantastic job with your little one. Keep it up.
Another plug for Happiest Baby on the Block. It worked wonders for us. If you’re interested, I have a DVD of it – it’s also got a white noise track that is awesome for helping to calm babies. If you’d like to use my DVD, let me know – I can certainly mail it out to you. It’s much faster than reading the book!
what a beauty!!!! she is growing way too fast…
~g
You are doing great!!!
Hi Matt, like a lot of people that have left comments for you. I also read your story in the paper and was very touched by it. I have to say I have a lot in common with your little angel, Madeline, the timing of the story was pretty strange also. You see the 28th was my birthday (I turned 38) and now today is the 38th anniversary of my mom’s death. She had me via C-section and died the next day from a blood clot. Take it one day at a time. I have 5 older brothers and sisters and the closest one to me in age is 10 years older than me. So I know how sometimes it is when some people make stupid comments (like the lady at the doctor office about the rings). I would have people ask me if I was an Oops because of the age difference, depending on my mood, I would either let them have it with the truth and let them feel like a jerk or just let it go. Take care and know that you and your family are in our hearts and prayers!
Sincerely,
Jill M
PS. If this is a repeat from yesterday, sorry, I just didn’t see the comment that I left at the Star Tribune/cribsheet page, so I thought I would leave one here.
Hi Matt,
I also really missed your blog yesterday. Glad you’re back up. I have two little girls, and they both loved to be swung (manually) in their infant car seat. That would put them right to sleep. We also love the “Grandma’s Fussbusters” CD. I think we got it on Amazon. It has great sounds like a vacuum cleaner, washing machine, hair dryer, etc. I also saw people recommending “Happiest Baby on the Block.” That’s a great resource. The idea is to replicate being back in the womb with the rocking and ambient noise. My girls didn’t like the bouncers or swings, but the above “recipe” worked wonders. You’ll figure out through trial and error what works for Madeline. She is so lovely, by the way. What a doll. You’re doing an amazing job with her.
I have read your whole blog, and my heart goes out to you. You are doing a amazing job. Little Madeline is just adorable.
And, babies go threw a crying period until about 7 or 8 weeks old. Hang in there. It’ll get easier.
I’ll keep you in our prayers.
what a beauty.. she is growing way too fast…
~g
you are doing great!!!
Wishing Maddy a sweet 5 week birthday! She gets more beautiful in every picture I see. I’m so jealous Larry got to see her before I did. Larry & I think of you everyday and hope to see you and Maddy again soon. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do to help.
Hey Matt, I am soo addidcted to your blog,I don’t understand it. When Madeline cries she is talking. That video from the Opra show is a must see. It will make your and Madelines life even better. For crying another trick I learned was to blow gently toward her lips into her mouth. This is for when she has gotten really worked up. It seems to distract her in some way. I don’t understand but it worked occasionally. I don’t know if its PC or not, I have never seen anyone else do it. I liked you as a kid and you have grown into a wonderful man. I have a feeling Liz left her mark and influence. Peace comes with acceptance. Longing for what was allows pain to linger and fester. It is hard to seperate remembering and longing at first. Acceptance is the key peace.
My tears and prayers are for you and Madeline
Gayle
Matt! I am so intrigued by your story, your strength, your love for Liz and your love for Madeline. I saw the article on Sunday, read every word of your blog, and I think I even looked at every single one of the hundreds of photos you have on your flickr account. I can’t get over how shining and radiant and beatiful that Liz is. Her smile is contagious, and it makes me smile. I’m sure she is in a happy place, with a perfect view of you and Madeline, and how lucky the world was to have her here for the time we did! I don’t even know her, or you, but I can tell by the way you write, the way she smiled, and all the support you are receiving that the Logelins are a supremely special and good-hearted crew. I can’t get your story and your love out of my head. All the very very best to you and Madeline. You will persevere, Madeline will thrive, and Liz will live on forever in your heart and souls. My thoughts are with you both, always!
Just wanted you to know what a great job you’re doing Matt. My daughter is almost 8 years old, and I still have no idea what the heck I’m doing when it comes to this parenting thing!
Just go with your gut and you’ll be fine. Just know that you are not alone, especially here in cyberspace, and it’s awesome how much support you have from so many people on here offering you advice and information.
Can you even begin to understand what an amazing dad you are, Matt? You really are!
I just noticed that your story is still among the most e-mailed on the Mpls Strib website… (“Mpls” and “Strib” are 2 new words I’ve learned here! I’m just tryin’ out my new vocab.)
Matt,
I heard about your story and blog from a private message board. Wanted to send you and Madeline some well wishes. You two will be in my thoughts and prayers. I look forward to reading more great stories, and watch how well you’ll care for your beautiful daughter. You are a great dad.
Hi Matt. Don’t let the crying fool you. You are still doing a fabulous job with Madeline! Just keep trying to find whatever it is that will pacify her. The slings and swings and books listed above are all great suggestions.
Now, I have a book suggestion for you. ‘Tear Soup’ is a book that has really helped me through the loss of my baby boy. It is illustrated, and frankly the first time I read it I thought it to be cheesy and annoying. Yet, I found myself reading it over and over and finding many parallels between my grief and that of the main character. In the back of the book are many coping suggestions for both you and your friends and family. It’s a great book. I still think it is cheesy, but I know I’ll give it as a gift to anyone who suffers a great loss in life.
I’d also like to suggest that you check out a support group. I never thought of myself as a support group person, and thought that I’d be able to work through things by finding support online. Turns out there is a lot to be said for looking into the eyes of and sharing your story with someone who has truly been in your shoes.
Take care of yourself.
LOL, Kate in Northridge! Now, if you can just lengthen the ooo sound, you’ll be speaking fluent minnesotan.
I just want to put a plug in for babywearing when she’s crying. I remember you posted about learning to use a wrap or sling, so maybe you’ve already tried that… That and turning on the hairdryer were the two things that worked best for calming my son.
Crying at work? Guilty. But now that I’ve shared the story with non-Minnesota friends, others will be crying at work as well.
Thanks for having the grace to continue sharing.
As you can clearly see, all of us are touched by your life circumstance and are equally amazed at the manner in which you’ve responded to it.
As someone who works for the government I can tell you that the government sucks no matter who you’re dealing with. Human life holds little value to anyone that has to give you money when it ends and that’s just fu*kin sad.
Your baby is adorable and I can see your bond with her growing stronger as you continue to update this blog. Keep up the great work Matt!
I’m sorry you have to deal with ridiculous questions and seeing the death certificate and most of all losing Liz.
Madeleine is a beautiful baby, even when she’s crying.
Hi Matt – My husband and I are two of those strangers grieving along with you. I “check in on you” every night and share with my husband the goings on. We think of you and pray for you and Madeline often.
I wanted to second the post about Dunstan’s Baby Language. It’s a DVD, quite pricey but worth the investment. It’s really only meant for babies 0-3 months. As my son is turning 3 months this week, I would be happy to share our copy of the DVD with you. If interested, please let me know where to ship it. The DVD changed our lives and I am convinced it is why my son is such an easy baby. I understand him when he “speaks” to me and he rarely has to get to the crying stage.
Best of luck and thank you for your blog. I admire your strength.
I came across your blog on a message board for brides – we were all touched and saddened by your story. Kudos to you for the fantastic job you are doing with sweet baby Madeline! You seem like an amazing man and sweet M is very blessed to have such a great daddy!
You and your family will never be far from our thoughts, and always in our prayers. I have bookmarked your blog and will look forward to the updates for as long as you keep em coming!
You are absolutely right – the world is grieving with you and wishing you all the peace and happiness you so deeply deserve.
Just a thought… blurb.com can turn blogs into hardback books – I think Madeline, when she’s old enough of course, would love such an amazing account of her life and her mommy’s impact on the world.
As corny as this may sound – keep up the good work with her. All you need is love. Just remember… as soon as you think you’ve got her all figured out, she’s gonna throw you a curve ball! Keep loving her and all will be well…
Texas loves you!
A stranger from Denver stopping in to say how absolutely adorable Madeline is, and how absolutely addicting your blog is. My husband and I have a 19 month old son. We think about you, your wife and your daughter often. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
Writing from the heart of the ADK mountains in NY, caught your story from the Star Tribune online and it is truly filled with a spectrum of emotions that one can not imagine dealing with in the time span for which they’ve occured. Yet they have touched complete stragners and for myself, it has posed me to really inhale the moments that I allow to run past me to quickly. Really appreciate your words and stories you construct to share your day with family and strangers and have also enjoyed your flickr site where you can feel your love for your wife in her beautiful pictures. They are all so explicit and vivid with her spirt and life. You are doing a spectacular job as dad and you can see the Madeline doesn’t doubt you at all. Take care and take each day one at a time, and most of all enjoy your little girl.
Happy 5 week Madeline!!!
Matt~
She is getting big and she is adorable!!!
I was at the service on Saturday (My father and my brother or both firefighters on Hopkins).
It was beautiful!!!
You have so many people supporting you everywhere!!!
~Mallory
Glad you’re back. I mentioned your family and website to everyone I’ve talked to since I stumbled onto it about 24 hours ago. You’ve made that much of an impact and more. This website is amazing…thanks for being so real.
Happy 5-Week Birthday Madeline!
Matt~
Hey, try doing the soft pat on the butt and a faster rocking motion maybe? Some kids like the distraction of the pat on the butt. Otherwise if it might be gas trying gently pushing her knees up to her tummy. It relieves the pressure and helps her pass the gas. Take care! You are doing an amazing job so far!
Dear Matt,
I read about your story in the Star Tribune in addition to receiving a handful of calls from my family and friends telling me to read your blog.
I have been reading and re-reading lines you write and feel like I am staring at a similiar life. Not often have I found others to write in the thick of grief. To be real and raw and exposed.
My husband, a police officer, was tragically killed two and a half years ago in the line of duty. We are from “the mn” and at the time of his death some good friends helped me set up an online journal which became my therapy. Writing was one of the few things that helped me feel better. Or at least provided a place for what didn’t feel good to go.
As a young mother of two very young children, writing has given me space to wrestle with some mighty questions. At the time of Shawn’s death, Jordan was 20 months old and our Madelynn was 5 months old.
I was intrigued by the Peru photo with Machu Picchu in the background. My husband and I visited Peru during a two year service with the Peace Corps. I have a similar photo hanging in my home. Some of my favorite memories are wrapped inside our travels.
I am moved by your story and saddened by your loss. Most of all, I am very sorry. Please feel free to write if you would ever have questions. I would try to be helpful.
My best to you.
Happy 5 weeks!
You’re making it through day by day.
Babies are an amazing mystery. Gas, tummy troubles, reflux, colic, hot, cold, wet, grumpy, sleepy, bored, insert crying hear. Gas and tummy troubles are a big one, is she pulling her legs ups? That’s a sign as well.
It took us 3 times switching formula with my youngest to finally get him on track. So it will come with time.
Yep, more advice from a random stranger. You’re doing awesome! Can’t wait to watch her grow some more.
more tricks and tips..
a never fail for daddy and babe at our house- was to hold baby in your arm a la the ‘football hold”
babe facing the floor lying across your bent arm- your hand cupping her diaper and her head resting in your elbow.. walk- bounce- back pats.
i found wiht my youngest too- sometimes when nothing else worked- and burping failed me- farting was the next best deal. usually by laying her on her back on the bed or couch in front of me and bending her knees up to her chest.. or rubbing her tum in an upside down *u*.. from one hip up to her upper tummy and down to the other side..
but i guess they just cry. seems only fair.
Look at all yer comments! such pretty faces sure do deserve to be seen by all.
So glad the site is back up so I can get back to mourning and marveling with you. Missed you guys.
Cry it out, Baby!
I just heard of your story and can’t imagine your feelings. Keep writing if it helps.
I’ve been in training again today. I took two tests so that I can assist at Amadeus’ daycare. You know what that means? I have the papers to prove that I am capable and more than happy to help you out with Madeline. Also, a resume that will tell you that I can handle anyone elses paperwork in this world but my own. Would love to help you. Also, I’m becoming good at fighting crime.
Hugs to you and Madeline, thinking of you both all the time!
Cousin H
PS, I was reminded today by reading about infants – that after month 4 the crying mellows out. That was the case with both Boogie & Amadeus. Hang in there…
Hugs,
Us
Dear Matt,
I ran into Liz’s aunt, Penny Fick, this evening at Olive Garden. She told me that Liz was her niece. (Richard and Penny’s son, Jeff, is a good friend of my son, Dusty.) I had already read the article about you and the tragedy of losing your wife in the Minneapolis Star Tribune but didn’t know it was Penny’s niece. I am so sorry for your loss and just want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Linda Hinz
I’m catching up. Crying. And catching up.
I just wanted to let you know, I’ve been reading your blog, and my prayers are with you. I hope you have an amazing Christmas knowing there are so many people who care about you and your daughter! *hugs*
I just have to read an older post to remind myself how far you guys have come!
Love you both!
Mat,
I know it’s been a while since you posted this but here I am, finding out about your family story for the first time and crying in front of my computer at work. You are an amazing man and I wish all the best for you and Madeline. Thanks for sharing this incredibly personal story.