Comments on: back online.

By: Andi

Andi — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:38:33 +0000

Matt and Madeline,
Another stranger here. Matt, I wanted to let you know that you have an incredible strength and a lot of supporters. Please know that you have touched my heart and my life so much with your story. You truly are a beautiful soul. Madeline is a lucky girl to have and amazing daddy.
My thoughts are with you and Madeline and I will continue to read and support your blog.

From a supporter in Chicago

By: Mary

Mary — Thu, 01 May 2008 11:24:41 +0000

I have to tell you that I determined last evening that I could no longer allow myself to go onto your website any longer as I feel myself hurting all day long. But yet, here I am …
My life had been filled with tragedy in my earlier years. Don’t know why that is - why some lives seem to get hit and others not. Anyways, for what it is worth, my heart hurts for you. Love that little girl, be kind to your hurting heart and soul. Grab onto all who are there to help and reach out when you need to. Your main responsibility now is to get yourself okay and healthy to enable yourself to be a 24/7 daddy to that precious little one. She is a lucky little girl as it is very evident that she will definitely know her mommy through you. One moment at a time.

By: Leesha

Leesha — Thu, 01 May 2008 09:00:06 +0000

Hey there Matt. 2 days before your article was printed in the Startribune a friend of mine actually sent me the link to your page and told me to check it out. I bawled my eyes out. I am so sorry for your loss, but you the most precious gift Liz could have left you. Your daughter is beautiful. I can’t imagine what you are going thru but I must say I have shared your story myself with so many people. You see I work in a hospital in the ER and the Doc’s and I have chatted about your situation. At one point we were both very teary eyed. Others didn’t know what we were talking about and just gave us funny looks. I just wanted to relay my condolences and congratulations. You will be a wonderful father. Everyday I check in on you now. You and Madeline have become a daily routine. Though we’ve never met I feel very honored that you have shared your story with us. You and Madeline are in my prayers. Please take care. Eventually there will be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Leesha~Plymouth, MN

By: CKL

CKL — Thu, 01 May 2008 05:23:30 +0000

Matt,
There is nothing that I can say that has not been said by all the visitors to your blog, but I want you to know that I am also so very sorry for your loss.
I found your blog through a message board I am engaged in and I find myself frequently over the course of every day fumbling through the entries and the photos you have organized in memory of Liz. A little glimpse into your life and your daily struggles without the love of your life leaves my tears on my desk; but I keep coming back.
Your daughter is so beautiful and she has grown so quickly over the past 5 weeks.

I have been saying a little prayer for you and Madeline each and every day since I was introduced into your tragedy, your lives.

Please take care of YOU and Madline and I’m sure that Liz is so very proud of you.

By: Kimberly

Kimberly — Thu, 01 May 2008 03:39:09 +0000

Dear Matt,
I was getting a coffee last Sunday and for some reason was drawn to the Star Trib., which is odd since I never read the Trib. I saw the word widower and the picture of such a young couple and my heart sank. Matt I also was recently left a widower at the age of 30. My husband was tragically taken from me and my two children almost six months ago. I have read your entries and understand too well everything you talk about from the death certificates, the ridiculous check from social security, the pain in your loss, the worry about how to raise your child without your spouse and the million other things you are experiencing. Sometimes I feel this incredible sense to live and feel that my children are such a gift. Other times I’m left feeling helpless, alone, and pissed. I also have used the “F*ck” word many times over the last few months. There just is nothing else to sum it all up but that IT F*CKING SUCKS!!
Matt, I offer no words of wisdom. I hope that you will not feel quite as alone when you hear that I am experiencing a tragic loss just as you are and at such a young age. I am finding a comfort in knowing I can visit your blog and read that someone else is feeling the same way I am. Thank you for sharing your story.

By: laura

laura — Thu, 01 May 2008 03:35:29 +0000

Matt, I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s so sad how life can change in just a moment but I know Madeline will give you strength to go on.

I know you want to keep that precious little bundle close to you. I would love to send you a baby carrier to wrap her against you and keep her close to your heart. Please let me know if you would like one - it’s so different having them just against your beating heart and she will find comfort in being able to snuggle up and put her face against her daddy’s chest and have you close. you’ll never want to use a stroller again and she will be so happy.

you have so many people thinking of you and sending their energy and prayers, including us.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Thu, 01 May 2008 03:33:58 +0000

I just wanted to say that I have been lurking on your blog for days. You, Liz and Madeline. I can’t imagine what you are dealing with, but I wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and praying for you. Liz’s life has impacted mine unspeakably.

By: KG

KG — Thu, 01 May 2008 02:40:36 +0000

Matt, I too lost my beloved wife tragically almost 10 years ago when my daughters were 2 and 5 years old. I was a complete wreck but the realisation that my daughters needed me even more kept me going. It had not been easy but we’ve survived thus far and I want to give you the encouragement that though things may seem very bleak right now, take it a step at a time and I’m sure you’ll do fine. I don’t think you’ll ever get over it but through the passage of time, you’ll eventually learn to live with it. There will always be sad moments but there can also be laughter; I believe my daughters were the ones who kept me “alive” and I believe your love for Madeline will similarly lift up your spirits amidst the grief. Take care, God bless and I wish you all the best.

By: Eric

Eric — Thu, 01 May 2008 02:36:17 +0000

I read about your story in the Trib on Sunday. I’m a new dad myself and feel horrible for your loss. It is amazing how life can change in an instant. We’re praying for you and Madeline. We pray that together you will get through this by just takin’ one day at a time.

Your notes are “humble and honest”(like someone mentioned above). I think it is great that you can so honestly admit that you don’t always have it all together these days. Just understand that nobody expects you to have it “all together”. We’re all hear listening.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Thu, 01 May 2008 02:27:16 +0000

Hi Matt…Glad to see that you’ve got your own site now–and awesome to know that what caused it was such an outpouring of support. I hope that Madeline had a better day today. Those unhappy photos from yesterday definitely took me back to when my girls were that small. Hopefully all the tricks and advice helped calm her a bit…but there will definitely be more days like that. Definitely keeps you on your toes. You’re doing an amazing job. And, thanks for continuing to share your life with us.