Comments on: friday.

By: Tiffany R...the Bend, OR

Tiffany R...the Bend, OR — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 05:16:21 +0000

My friend Jane told me about your blog and how much it’s touched her, so I’ve been reading it from the beginning and this is where I am now. Yes, I am, like so many others, sitting at my desk at work, in between actually doing work, and crying my eyes out. Mostly because there is so much hope in your words and especially in the photographs of your life and of Madeline. She is beautfiul. I know I’m kind of in a time warp, being a year behind reality, but you have touched me. Anyway, I’m laying here tonight reading along, being emotional, when I get to the part about your wedding song. It’s ours too. I don’t think that’s all that unique…the song is not unpopular. But I’ve been sympathizing with you all along the way and all of a sudden I read that and I empathized with you in that moment. Your pain mixed with joy was more real to me than ever before. Thank you for sharing your story. I can’t wait to get to the end,..which I guess is today. at least for now. I pray many blessings on you and sweet Madeline.

By: Felicity

Felicity — Wed, 28 May 2008 03:43:18 +0000

Matt,
Another stranger that is so heartbroken after just a short 12 minutes reading your blog. Beautiful pictures, painful words. And that song is my wedding song too. Not sure I can think of it the same now. It is a beautiful memory for my life and bittersweet for your loss.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Mon, 26 May 2008 04:18:02 +0000

Hi Matt-
Total stranger here from Mpls, MN. You know this, but you are doing an amazing job. My 2 cents of wisdom (though I am in no position to give any at all)…you are surrounded by amazing people. You lost an incredibly amazing, beautiful woman in Liz. But, you have such an amazing support system. From you, I have learned to tell my parents I love them when I hang up the phone. And to thank my friends for being my friends. What you are going through sucks. But please know how blessed you are for those around you. And thank them for being there. You must be an incredible person to be surrounded with such wonderfulness, from Liz to Madeline to your parents, friends, relatives. Even though you are an unlucky man in having to be put in a crappy situion, you are yet blessed in many ways.

By: Kathryn

Kathryn — Sun, 25 May 2008 15:21:29 +0000

Matt,

I’m jealous that you’re getting a/c installed. A/C is pretty much a non-entity here in Germany. Maybe one day….
Now pierogies or however you spell it are good, but come on…no German restaurants there? There’s nothing like a good schnitzel, sp�tzle and German beer to make you smile, even if it’s just for a little while.

Thinking of you & wishing you well!

By: Yosra

Yosra — Sun, 25 May 2008 14:38:14 +0000

Asalamalaykom,

The Wilco song had tears running down my face before the lyrics advised, “Don’t cry.”

But then, my little guy says, “Ahhhh, it’s ok, Mommy. Let’s dance! Shake your head, Mommy! Shake your head!”

Before you know it, Madeline, God willing, will do the same for you.

As for those strangers who make assumptions about your life…ya, I know. I too have felt that need to jump out of the surreal moment and explain my situation. That’s probably why I turned to blogging. But, in all honesty, that’s when it’s good to strengthen our relationships with God. God already knows the deal and knows how we’re struggling with the challenges.

My mom’s advice through the years has been to, “think of one good line.” Prepare that short and inoffensive explanation before it happens. Try it out on friends if you have to…oh, and blog it out afterward.

By: garrity

garrity — Sun, 25 May 2008 11:35:27 +0000

Liz deserves not to be forgotten. Of course you had to tell them. And it is good to be proud of how you’ve managed. Even on the bad days.

Especially on the bad days.

By: Grace, a stranger

Grace, a stranger — Sun, 25 May 2008 06:55:30 +0000

Somewhere between the Garden of Awesome and the Ocean of Suck lies the community which your blog has created. It’s a beautiful place that only love and support can build. If only we could bring Liz back to be with you. I think we would do anything in our power to make that happen. Knowing that we can do something if not that, we’ll sit side by each, stranger and friend, building something that we all can be proud of- building a place that Liz set the foundation for with her amazingness, awesomeness, and complete non-suckitude. This online community is a place, a feeling, something tangible, perhaps, at a time when things are so topsy turvy.

Blessings on your little girl and blessings on you, Matt.

Grace, a stranger

By: Allan

Allan — Sun, 25 May 2008 06:55:25 +0000

swork’s pretty good, though i used get really pissed off with people leaving their kids in the play area & going off for a coffee with their pals, while he poor kid snacks on the lead paint on Thomas-the-chinese-made-tank- engine. (I used to be a 90065-er too, when i worked @ Y!)

By: Jeanine

Jeanine — Sun, 25 May 2008 05:53:14 +0000

Matt~
there are not enough words for me to compose my feelings to you! I have such deep heartfelt sympathy for you. I think about you, Liz and Madeline every day – multiple times! My heart aches for you and your family -total strangers I know, yet I can not stop the tears. I am not into blogs @ all – yet yours has me mesmerized! The love you have for Liz is truely amazing, the bond you have captured with your daughter is beautiful! I love your photographs, I love the montage, I love your music! (I am now off to purchase the Wilco CD )
Your art, your work, the man/husband/father, the soul I see via your writtings is amazing, simply majestic!!
I have 4 children and I wish I had the ability to take the type of pictures you do. You are so lucky to have the talent! Even though your hated most of your day and others, at least you have these gorgeous beautiful photographs to cherish forever. What a gift. I am sure you can not see it for what you are living on the inside, but on the outside I can. Even through your suffering, I see the beauty. You and your daughter are beautiful together. Liz is so proud of you!! I know that because any mom would be. I am proud of you!!
I think everytime you hear a song or a reminder of Liz, it is intentional. She is with you and Madeline!! I sent you an email the other day, I too would love to knit/sikscreen something for you both. It looks like you have alot of clothes for Madeline now.LOL But I can make it for winter or next year even. Send me your address if you would like. May each day get easier and the love for Liz stronger! Take care!!! PS~ Madeline is truely blessed and lucky to have you as her dad and Awesome Auntie Deb by her side!!

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sun, 25 May 2008 05:05:56 +0000

Maybe when you hear Etta James in a Polish restaurant, it’s Liz’s way of saying, “I’m with you.” I know it still hurts like hell, but thinking of it that way may help you smile a little more through your tears.