it’s sunday in my time zone…
i’ll be running in fewer than 4 hours.
would love to hear how your runs/walks went.
also wanted to mention that, despite the fact that i’m not a woman, i was asked to write a little something for a site called, singlemindedwomen.com. i think i’ll be a regular contributor to this site (if they truly want me back). in the mean time, here is my first column.
168 Comments
SO excited for the LGLM5K!!!
Loved your guest article on singlemindedwomen.com. Have a great run today. I’ll be walking just across the river in Hudson.
I have been reading this blog for a long time not but never posted a message before. I was in 4-6th grades with Liz and was so heartbroken to hear of her death. I had my first baby, a boy named Charlie, 8 months before Madeline was born and think of Liz, Madeline and Matt so often. Right now we are gearing up to go for a walk here in Williamsburg, Virginia! I have my trusty pink shirt on and am ready to go! I can’t wait to see all the pictures from around the world.
Hi Matt & Maddie…I am putting my shoes on and am going on my daily long walk. I won’t make a picture, but Ontario, Ottawa region is represented and I will make this walk in memory of lost ones, some that are close to me, some that are not. I wish you all the strength, to get through this day and let others ‘carry’ you through the difficult, emotional times. You are doing a wonderful thing…Off on my walk, Anja.
great article!
Good luck on your run.
Great Article! Have a good run!
Walk completed here in Berlin! Was planning on doing the 5K but a nasty cold/flu has set me back. We settled on going to Potsdamer Platz where there is always action going on and lots of people; figured Liz would have liked that. We were right- it was International Kids day there with a festival going on so we walked a ton and celebrated while all the while thinking of you, Liz and Madeline and all of your family.
Hope you enjoy your run over there and have blue skies and sunshine!
Matt,
Getting ready to take my 2 beautiful girls on our walk here in Avon Lake, Ohio in memory for LIz! Great article also!
Take care,
Debbie, Isabella and Sophia
Jameson and I walked in Vienna, Austria in memory of Liz and other young senseless deaths. I don’t think we made the full 5k, because it was rainy and a bit chilly. It was the first time he got to wear his winter gear, and it seemed to do the job. A very good article. Good luck with your walk/run. We will be thinking of you and your fam in a few hours time.
Warmly,
Aimee and Jameson
Oh Matt- just read what you wrote for singlemindedwomen—that was truly wonderful!
I’m glad you realize what a kick ass job you are doing with Madeline!! Kudos to you!
We don’t have an organized run here… but I’ll take my kiddos out for a walk later in Memory of Liz.
I read your blog, never commented before and think you are doing an amazing job. I can’t even begin to imagine what you have been through.
You have a beautiful baby girl!
Hi Matt,
Hi Madeline,
I’m here walking in Alexandria, MN…
Still reading EVERYTHING your sassy little attitude writes…
Great Article- reading about your life makes me smile while I have tears in my eyes. Your doing great!
Despite having a horrid cold Im out for a walk here in NJ. Not a 5k but thinking of you and Madeline and Liz all the same.
Have fun running! We enjoyed a nice walk today in Scotland… it was surprisingly sunny today.
Your such an amazing person with an amazing little girl. She has such a great life ahead of her.
I’m so excited for you, great article.
Today is also the first annual walk for the Minneapolis Chapter of the Compassionate Friends at Harriet Island. When I learned of that I thought it was something more that coincidence that Liz’s walk was set up for the same date and time. Although I’m not able to participate, I will be thinking of her, my brother, and others while I walk my dogs.
Another Austrian walker here. In memory of Liz and with the best wishes for you and Madeline, we put 3 sunflowers into the water of a small lake. Wishing you lot of strengh!
You’ll be RUNNING? Oh dear – I’m going to be there, but kind of hoped everybody was walking so I wouldn’t look so lazy when I walked the whole darn thing.
Yay for a gorgeous day in the Minneapolis!!!
Another Austrian walker here. We just finished our tour. In memory of Liz and with the best wishes for you and your beautiful Madeline, we set 3 sunflowes into the water of a nice small lake. Wishing you a lot of strength,
Kathrin & Kai
Good job on the article, very well-written, Matt! Larry, Joey, and a bunch of our friends and fellow Bootcampers will be walking today in “the Monrovia.” Well, Joey will be rolling in his stroller, but supporting this walk anyways!
Walking in my pink shirt today, and thinking of Matt, Madeline and Liz.
Strangers, er friends, that I think of and pray for often.
Oh, I’m walking in Bucks County, PA.
great article Matt! You ARE doing a fabulous job! Keep it up!
Hope you get a great turnout in MN for your run/walk.
I’ll be loading the kids up at 1, we’ll be donning pink, walking and thinking of you all from California.
Matt,
You never cease to amaze me… What a beautiful, well thought, well written article! Good luck on your run today and keep a close eye on your Mom!!! LOL…
Patty
You wrote a truly wonderful article over at singleminded. You really have so much to be proud of and Madeline is a lucky lady to have such a great dad. Glad you can document these times for each other. Looking forward to showing up at Calhoun in a bit to cheer you on…I will be the one walking! Such a beautiful day for Liz.
Just returned home from being evacuated. Trying to catch up, I am afraid my walk in memory of Liz will be walking around in the fog I am in. Tree through our house and major clean up. Will be thinking of all of you today, and especially Liz.
Just finished a walk here in Woodbury, MN.
Great column!
I think you are doing an amazing job and definitely better than I could do if I was in your shoes. You are an inspiration to us all. Thank you for sharing your story and your daughter. Liz must be looking down upon you with a huge proud smile.
I’m about to go for a bike ride. I hope that counts.
I love knowing that somewhere right now someone (lots of “someone”s) is walking. We’ll start walking here in just 2 & 1/2 hours. This is going to be such a good day!!!
It was a gorgeous and sunny day here in Bangalore and it made walking in honor of Liz all the more special.
Hope you have a great day, too!
-jen in bangalore
Hi there! I am a reader of your wonderful blog and I think the article you wrote was really wonderful! Your daughter is beautiful and growing up so quickly!
Take care,
The Pletcher clan in Salem, CT
I’ll be walking with the girls later today, thinking about Liz, Matt and Madeline, their families, and all the stranger/friends celebrating Liz today.
It’s 1:00 here in Bucks County, PA. I wanted to walk, but my 9 month old daughter has other plans….she’s still sleeping (since 10:45)! We will be walking later in memory of Liz.
i’m getting ready to take my sweet baby james on our walk. we’ll go as far as possible and take lots of pictures. thinking of liz, matt, maddie, and the rest of the family today.
Hope your walk/run is going well and the weather behaves for you! Walked in Switzerland a few hours ago – working on a couple pics for the Flickr group now. Thinking of you all!
Ian and I just completed our walk.
It was cool, breezy, and overcast.
There were flowers scattered along the trail…I don’t know who left them or why, but for me they honored Liz’s memory.
Sending big hugs today.
We’re back from our walk… I have a cold, but I did my best! We only made it 2.09k (according to mapmyrun.com) because my 11 month old son was getting bitchy.
My husband and son took a walk earlier this morning too, they made it 2.38k that time, so they did pretty much the 5k all together.
Seems like lots of people have colds… that’s no fun, hope everyone feels better soon.
Have a good run Matt and Madeline.
Matt, your article was amazing. I get teary each time I read your new blogs or pictures. My husband, son (18 months) and I will be walking for Liz (and Madeline) today.
Take care.
Rosie (in Northern Cal.)
Matt, your article was amazing. I get teary each time I read your new blogs or pictures. My husband, son (18 months) and I will be walking for Liz (and Madeline) today.
Take care.
Rosie (in Northern Cal.)
I was a single mom of 2. Now I have my grand daughter- Isadora. She is 2 y old & her birthday is today. Yesterday, we did our walk in Camboinhas Beach- Rio de Janeiro – Brazil.
I remembered you, Madeline and Liz all the time. It was a gorgeous and sunny day here , like your “joie de vivre” Maddie!
Hugs & kisses from Rio!
Eunice Sarmet
We are getting ready for our walk in Anchorage, Alaska. We are headed to the Tony Knowles Coastal trail in honor of Liz. My daughter and I will both be wearing pink and thinking of a family we’ve never met, but hold dear.
Great article.
PS. good luck
amazing article – as usual. you said, “The smiles, the laughter…they’re not just developmental milestones for her.” – the first thing that i thought of was – nope, they are milestones for you though. so amazed.
have fun walking/running – we’ll be thinking about you on a hike/walk on the beach here in HI!
Here I send you the link with the pics from our family walk-run-stroll. We were thinking of the 3 of you!
We had a really fun walk, run, jump, dance… in honour of Liz yesterday (New Zealand, so Sunday our timezone…) Pics are up on the flickr group!
hey matt,
i did my first duathlon today in bloomington, mn….which is 5K times a lot! but i hope your run went well and may this be an annual event in memory of your beloved. peace & blessings, ~jd
My 4 and 6 year old and I managed 2.25 miles on a beautiful bike path here in Loves Park, Il.
Great article, Matt, no surprise there! I got a few people together this morning in Geneva, Switzerland, for our 5K walk. It was a bit chilly, so it (almost ) approached a speed walk.
Beforehand I served up some pink champagne mimosas, my must-have birthday drink for any 30-year old woman, Liz included. We toasted to her, you, and Madeline.
On the way back, we saw some Alphorn players next to Lake Geneva. Despite living in Switzerland for a year, I’ve only seen them played in public one other time. So, this was a real treat and we stopped for a bit to enjoy.
Hope you have a great walk today
We will be walking in Cloverdale, BC (suburbs of Vancouver) in honour of Liz this afternoon. Reading about all of you walking today is making me ball my eyes out.
Liz will be in our thoughts.
I can’t quite run yet, just had baby Charlotte two months ago and she has been kicking my ass since. My little girls and I are celebrating Liz day by having a girl day. We have been nail painting and watching princess videos.
We just got back from a (nearly) 5k walk in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and i’m posting flickr photos to the group.
Warm hugs to everyone who participated.
Hi Matt! Kiss my creepy peeps for me! And the baby!
We had an awesome walk today in the Placerita Cyn with Christa in the Valencia and her lovely husband; my son; our dog; and my girlfriend Donna. See pix on the flickr group pool!
Can’t wait to hear how things went at the Lake Calhoun. xoxo
It was a beautiful day to honor Liz here in Minneapolis. I’m glad I made it to the site just minutes of people starting to walk. I didn’t meet anyone but there were tons of people here at Lake Calhoun! My daughter and I walked. Saw you and madeline in her jogging stroller start the run. I took some photos. Nothing really all that good. Kaya and I had to walk half around the lake already to get to the site. She wanted to stop and swing part way through it. So we did and then continued our walk. It was the first time I’ve walked the whole lake. I live near it and I’ve never walked the whole thing. Usually only half. So, thank you for my first full lake calhoun walk and to all your wonderful stranger friends, friends and family for being such wonderful people.
My daughters and I walked yesterday in Australia, we battled gusty winds and a scary dog! We had a good time together and laughed the whole way, my youngest took the pink theme to a new level wearing everything pink AND with flowers on!
Pics are on flickr, I can’t wait to see the pics from all over the world, how amazing!
Take care and as always, keep on keeping on.
Jacki, Marni and Keely
Did a wonderful hike with my two boys in Acadia National Park. An absolutely beautiful fall day!
please check out our blog! We were very blessed to be apart of *walking for liz*!
We just did our walk in Louisiana. Had a great time and will post pictures later.
Loved the article BTW..cant wait for more!
I get chills reading about all the people coming together for you and maddy and a celebration of your beautiful Liz. Way to go. Can’t wait to hear all about the walks around the world.
Walk completed in North Olmsted, Ohio, and it was a beautiful day for it!
Don’t feel bad about asking for advice, I have 2 kids, 10 years apart, and I’m a NICU nurse, and I still ask for advice for both of them (12 yo girl, nearly 2 yo boy). I takes at LEAST a couple of weeks to get to know your kid when you bring them home!
I know I don’t need to tell you that you’re doing fine, but I will anyway! You’re doing fine!
my little 14 month old and I walked for you today. For you and for Madeline and especially for Liz. It wasn’t a long walk. Landon gets tired of walking for too long, but I thought he’d be proud to have fully participated by walking himself. So we walked. And I cried.
Hugs from NJ,
erica and Landon
just got back from my walk! I hit up the beach park, and the main drag in town, snapped some good photos along the way, and released a pink star balloon in honor of Liz
can’t wait to see everyones photos, im off to go upload mine, and cool down! its the first day of fall, and a balmy 97 degrees here, yikes!!
Love the article.
It was awesome meeting you and your family. Didn’t think it was possible but Maddy is even cuter in person! My son and I had a wonderful run around Calhoun and it was a pleasure running in honor of Liz.
My robot dog and I walked in Calgary. Overcast but a good hearty walk.
http://angelamermaid.livejournal.com/1056744.html
matt and madeline it was so great to finally meet you guys today and i enjoyed running/walking with everyone down at the lakes! i hope you have a great rest of your visit and i wear my stranger friend shirt proudly!
love,
sarah
It was awesome meeting you & Madeline today! Sort of surreal to meet you after reading your blog for 6 months. Madeline looked smaller than she does in her pics!! She’s gorgeous.
Hope the rest of your trip to MN is awesome. You sure brought us some awesome CA-esq weather! Don’t leave!
We were walking at 1 PM EST today in Nashua, NH!!! No pics but Charlotte was all sorts of decked out in pink for Liz! Can wait to see everyone else’s pics.
The walk at Lake Calhoun was a wonderful experience. Thank you for letting us be a part of the tribute to the amazing woman that Liz was and continues to be as her memory shines throughout the world.
My daughter, Kalissa from Kathmandu, even made it around the lake. Of course, the promise of ice cream at Sebastian Joe’s after the walk maybe had something to do with it!
You are doing an amazing job with Madeline, you can see the special bond the two of you share. Thanks for letting us be a part of your lives.
Namaste
That article was fucking awesome.
We walked 6.2 miles here in CT! Thanks for letting us into your lives.
Fantastic article Matt! You’re a very good writer. Keep up the good work.
I was unable to walk today due to a prior commitment, but Liz was on my mind. Those of you who were able to walk…God bless you.
The article was phenomenal. Good on you!
Walk completed in Raleigh, NC with pink GOA tee proudly worn all day!! What an awesome day to celebrate such an amazing life–an inspiration to love life and all that it offers…
The sun was out for another rare day in this so-called summer in quebec! thank you Liz for this beautiful day!
we did a little compromise here. My nephew Hugo was getting baptized today. but i really wanted to walk the LGLM5K. Finally figured that the church was at 2.7km from where we were! so at 1 pm we started walking and made it to the church right on time for the ceremony!
here’s the compromise: we didnt walk the whole 5k in one straight shot. after the ceremony we came back walking. but still, we did walk our 5k.
my daughter and I, proud representant of Trois-Rivières, Quebec, were walking in Repentigny, Quebec.
will be posting photos soon, we took some along the way. a bit of everything, a little taste of Quebec, for you
take care! -xxxx-
Hope you get to contribute regularly (though I promise I’ll check back here either way). You are *such* a writer. Go ahead and call yourself one.
It was truly inspirational to see all the MN people who showed up to celebrate the Logelins! I haven’t walked around Lake Calhoun in a few years so it was a nice stroll down memory lane. It was especially cool to catch a glimpse of the Logelin Duo in person!
@ Yosra. It was great to match a face to the name. I apologize that my greeting was so brief. My 3 year old was in urinary distress
I hope your Friday transition is as smooth as possible.
We’ve had a great day with beautiful weather, as expected. We’ve officially decided to do this often together. Pass the invitations along and maybe call them our “5K for Liz Day”s ???
Just hiked Camelback Mountain in Phoenix for the “Liz Walk.”
Wore pink!! Will post a picture soon.
There was someone walking in Clovis, California with you today. There’s a photo on my blog.
I wore a pink sweatshirt for Liz. It’s my favorite color too. Lyndsay
lyndsaymc.blogspot.com
Well, I tried to walk on the treadmill at my hotel at 1pm but a rather large, sweaty, hairy man was on it when I got there and the small “gym” smelled like hot sick. So….I decided to walk the parking lot. Well, I succeeded in making the staff nervous because I kept walking circles around the lot for 30 minutes and I was trying to take pictures of myself with my camera (battery is dead so I will post them once I get some juice for it). I had several people ask me if I needed help….Ha Ha!
Amy from Louisville in the KY walking in the IN
HOLA Matt
Buenas noches
Today was a GREAT day!
My kids and I walked in Liz memory…if you want to see the pics you could go to my flickr….
Thanks for TODAY! it was a HUGE experience for me and my family!
Have a nice evening
Besos y abrazos
Sol
I walked in my neighborhood in suburban San Diego. The weather and scenery were absolutely beautiful, and thinking about Liz during the walk reminded me to appreciate each day.
Matt – it was great to finally meet you and Madeline today, and holding Madeline was so, so cool. She is a beauty!! It was also wonderful to connect faces with many of the names on here.
It was nice to see that so many people came out to walk (some running) in honor of Liz. Thank you so much for sharing your life with all of us stranger (imagine strike through) friends. It really is a privledge.
Enjoy the rest of your time in the mn…
@my fellow creeps – it was truly an honor to walk with all of you today. I am so happy to have you all in my life.
Matt,
Super bummed I didn’t see you today. I am sitting here typing still in my pink shirt. I thought of you all a bunch today. Wish I could have seen you and met all the creepy peeps! Loved the article.
Awsome job, Matt. On the article…you don’t need me to tell you about the baby.
I’m in Lusaka, Zambia on business and took a nice 2 hour long walk through the city today. I didn’t make it very far because every block or so I was stopped by curious Zambians who wanted to know what the American was doing, and where was my driver?!
Explained I was walking in honor of someone who lost someone very special. The residents of Lusaka send their love, condolences and greetings all in the greatest accent of all time!
Just wanted to let you know..I ran today for liz!
I actually did a triathalon..but the run (4miles) was in honor of you, liz and that wonderful baby!
I had planned my time for the whole thing..and thought I would come in around 2 hours 10 minutes..but because I moved..I mean moved on the run I came in around 2 hours 3 minutes…
I don’t know you…I did not know liz..but I think that that beautiful baby needs a father with as much time for her as possible I will be donating to keep you at home ( as much as possible ) Blessings to you!!
I messed up as usual . Here is the link
http://www.new.facebook.com/album.php?aid=38182&l=
So sad that we didn’t get to walk today… I have a 2-year old with an ear infection and I have one myself. Needless to say, I would have pushed through it, but he was in no shape to go out today. We did wear pink today and thought about all of you throughout the day! As always, hugs fom the NE!
My daughters and I walked in Liz’s honor today. As we walked I told my 10 and 6 year old girls the story about a beautiful young woman, who passed away suddenly and left behind her new beautiful baby and adoring husband, and how the husband and baby, although sad, are trying to find a way to move on and live life to the fullest. The three of us walked in tears for awhile. Liz was remembered today in Central New York.
I wasn’t able to walk or run today due to an appointment but I thought of you all at 1pm mountian time. Thank you Matt, for sharing your wife, your baby and your life with us.
Alice
Instead of driving to the grocery store for donuts & the sunday paper, my 20 month old son & I took a walk for Liz. Only 30 minutes round trip, but we were thinking of you, and I was wearing pink (strange to not be wearing green on a Packer Sunday in Wisconsin!)
The article you wrote was beautiful.
Matt & Family & Stranger Friends,
So good to see everyone – and what an amazing experience to know that people were walking/running with us around the world. Like usual – I got more than I gave, meeting Uncle (Sioux City) Rich along the route – our stroller was able to bear some of his burden and he kept me entertained the whole way – looking forward to the next event and meeting more great Logelin/Goodman/StrangerFriends and still wishing Matt, Liz & Maddie could have celebrated Liz’s birthday together.
wow. Liz is loved.
My BF and I did our 5k around a track in Somerville, MA. I wore pink. The weather was absolutely perfect. There were a few folks there with young kids, and I thought of you, Madeline and Liz.
i just ran my first 5k yesterday and finished in awesome time. it’s so much easier running with a bunch of people vs. on your own. i adore your blog and love keeping up with you and maddie. good luck on the run!
I walked the lake path of my neighborhood, Cobblestone Lake, in honor of Liz. I wore pink too. Sadly, my picture from my BlackBerry didn’t turn out so well. Nice. I thought of Liz and you and Maddie the whole way through. Odd, that I couldn’t think of anything else.
Also, I honored your blog with an award. Check out my blog for more info. Your blog was the first one I wanted to honor. You probably get these alot, but you deserve it.
It wasn’t the walked we planned, but we were glad to do it. Thanks to everyone for their wonderful photos. Keep them coming!
It was so great to meet you Matt, Madeline, and the many “creepy” friends in MN. An overwhelming, wonderful turnout and a beautiful day in memory of your beautiful Liz. Enjoy your time in MN…p.s. please bring Maddy to a Twins game so their luck turns!
I had planned on walking today but instead held my grandma’s hand while she passed away. she fought four long years with stage four lung cancer. losing anyone, even my grandma, who we all knew wouldn’t be here much longer, is very difficult. I came here to read about all the walking in honor of liz and feel better.
thanks.
We walked in Tupelo, MS. My girlfriends and I, along with my 6 month old son in the stroller, walked in honor of Liz today. Your family is in our hearts and prayers daily. And I have to add that Madeline is just the cutest thing ever!
Im loving everyones comments.
Hope you are okay Matt, give hugs to Madeline.
All my photos and videos are up.
Looking forward to your next entry.
Matt –
Good evening. I walked but of course there was no camera…duh. My friend Diane and I send you well wishes from Milwaukee. We were with you today.
Ps. Walked at Exeter, New Hampshire, Peace Day.
Lovely . . . that article is a wonderful story of triumph over personal tradgedy and an opening to your own eyes of the accomplishments that you are capable of. Although you were/are dealing with the unexplainable loss of your Liz, I think that how you have written about the abililty to “figure things out” would be great words for all first time parents. You have a gift for written words.
I walked today with six out of seven of my children. The one thing that stood out for me, was when we were walking home, I saw a pink rose. Now I’m not sure what Liz’s favorite flower was, but the pink rose just stood out to me. As for your article it was awesome.
Matt,
Read your article. Awesome writing! It’s great that you realize you can do this and you’re doing a great job at it! Maddy is the proof and Liz would be so proud of you!
My daughter Sarah and I walked Calhoun today in honor of your beautiful Liz…..and you and Madeline. It was awesome to meet you today and you are sooooo funny Mr. Matt! I got some Lizzieanthus flowers (pink) for my daughter today in honor of Liz! You and Liz and Madeline are an inspiration to us all. Love is what makes you so strong cuz you are so full of it!
xo
Karen from Minnetonka
does bowling in memory count?? we celebrated my daughter’s birthday today and i thought of you and your beautiful girls while I made a fool out of myself trying to knock down the pins. you rock.
We didnt have an organized 5k run, but just wanted to let you know that we are thinking about you here in Japan.
So walking in covered in memory of Liz in the Japan area.
Haven’t read your article yet-
I wanted to share a little story form our *walk* today.
i was chatting with my mother and my daughter (she is seven).. we were talking to her about why we did the walk.
I said it was somethign beautiful even though the reason was sad..
My mother reminded my daughter that this was about a life- not a death.
I added I am glad Liz was born- I said if she hadn’t been born we wouldn’t get to enjoy Madeline so much!
My youngest added..
“If Liz had never been born- we would not have gone on that walk today.. I am glad Liz was born- because of her we were together and had a special day”
I just thought to myself.. how true of Liz.
She is a woman I never met- but she helped my family create a beautiful memory- brought us love and happiness.
I am thankful she was born.
Thank you- as always- for sharing Liz with us Matt.
We are all better people for having her in our lives.
Asalamalaykom All,
My sore muscles are all testifying that I was actually there at Lake Calhoun. Two words: Icy Hot.
LOL at the question, “Are you who we think you are?” Ya, I was the one in the purple and pink hejab. It is the only pink item I own
That is a really great thing about wearing hejab in America–you are easily recognizable. And I’m glad that so many sweet hearts said hello to me (@Lopez, no problem). Matt’s dad welcomed me right away, which was so kind.
Later, I had Mr. Goodman come up to me. I was such a loser that I had my mind searching for who “Goodman” was on the blog comments. OH MAN! He then said, “I’m one of the grandfathers.” Can I blame it on my dehydrated state? Charming man and his wife, Grandma Candy, has more energy and enthusiasm than I would have imagined possible. Mashallah!
Then, there was Matt. What a show-off to go running! LOL! I was trucking around the lake when he comes charging up the rear. I guess that’s the difference between 40 and 30. I waved and he said in passing that we’d see each other at the end. We did.
Alhumdulillah to meet you, Mr. Matt. There are many people in the world, but only a few kindred spirits. As I stood there with you, in the middle of a crowd, I knew that I might only meet you this one time. Alhumdulillah. That’s OK. You are on the earth and so am I. Your presence encourages me to be the best “me” I can be. You are really living. I am really living. We are living…together. Today we could stand face-to-face. Tomorrow, you’ll fly to LA, and I’ll still be here. Soon, I’ll be on another continent, but truly we will stay connected in this space of like-minded souls.
As I read the comments, I see how what I’ve just described is holding many, many people together. Subhanallah!
As for Miss Madeline, I’m a bit in awe of her. She is much smaller in real life than in the pics. Yes, Matt agreed, that the camera adds 10 ounces. LOL! I didn’t get close to her, touch her, or even take a picture of her. I felt like I was seeing a priceless work of art. Mashallah, she is a honey.
May God bless all of you who walked (and ran) and shared in a day worth remembering.
what Tiffany didn’t say is that she ran 22km this morning and then we did our walk at 1:00 here in Calgary. It was nice to get out and reflect while walking. One foot in front of the other. That is the only way to get though this Matt. Your pain gives a voice and validates mine.
Hi Matt,
I’ve been lurking since May (came over from Jackie’s blog) but haven’t posted until now. My husband and two boys did a walk around Stanley Park in Vancouver BC in honor of you, Madeline and Liz today. Put a photo up on the FB group and on Flickr.
My own childbirth with my first, Kieran, was agonizing and traumatic. After 36 hours I was told I was at risk of a pulmonary embolism and that I had to have an emergency c-section. Everything worked out alright in the end for us, but my husband is still traumatized by that moment when he thought he might lose me. We’ve been following your blog with that perspective – there but for the grace of God…
Today we took our two sons (age 8 and 4) around Stanley Park. I think we walked about 3 km and the boys ran about 10 km with all the dodging into the forest like rabbits, so it probably worked out to an average of 5 km each!! The sun came out and it was a lovely day.
I really want to thank you for your wonderful blog, your honesty and your willingness to share your story with complete strangers/friends. We had a lovely day of togetherness today, thanks to Liz. Thank you.
In church this morning, we sang a hymn that goes:
Draw the circle wide.
Draw it wider still.
Let this be our song,
no one stands alone,
standing side by side,
draw the circle wide.
I think that is what we all did today, around the world. Drew the circle wide around Matt and Madeline – and then drew it wider still.
beautiful walk today
lower flatlands arkansas
in memory of liz
and honor of matt and maddy
My partner, son and I walked on Sunday, in Ireland, we were blessed with the weather the best day in weeks. Our son decided against walking and did a 5k snooze, I’m sure he was dreaming of Madeline We walked thinking of you and all the other families who have lost loved ones. Thinking of you.
(to the tune of Walking on Sunshine:_
We’re walking in Dublin, yeah yeah…and don’t it feel good?
Hope you had a wonderful day, if bittersweet…
In TX: The kids, my husband and I walked to the park for a dinner picnic and back. About a mile in all. We found out immediately before that we’re expecting #3. Walking helped clear our heads and temper the freak outs.
(My freak outs, that is.)
Walked/ran in my parents front yard. I was going at it alone, but our golden retriever joined me, as did my stepmom. The dog didn’t wear pink but the rest of us did:) Thinking of you and Maddy and Liz. I just joined flickr, and it seems i have run out of room for this month. Working to somehow post pics. I hope everyone’s run/walk went well!
Hey Logelin’s..
Thought of your family many times yesterday as I traipsed around Cedar Point wearing pink.. It’s amazing how many shades of pink there are when you start looking for it! And then when we left I realized how “pink” I actually was – the burnt nose, cheeks and shoulders. It was a gorgeous day riding the coasters in Sandusky with our friends and sharing the story of your family with my girlfriends.. Cheers to being Pink!!
@That Girl – Big hugs to you
@ Kate: It was wonderful to met you and your beautiful family!!
Thanks to Liz, Matt and Madeline… my legs are KILLING me today! But well worth it. I pushed 90 pounds of stroller all around the lake. Will post pictures soon.
The article was great! You are doing a wonderful job….
We walked through the woods yesterday and looked over the CT river and thought about Liz. It was Benjamin’s first walk in the Kelty-he’s a week or so older than Madeline. I come here to read often, always feeling grateful for all life has to give. I can’t help to think that Liz sees all this too and is so proud of Matt and Madeline.
Yesterday was such a beautiful day in Minneapolis, not just because of the weather but because of the people and the great spirit! My friend and I arrived at the pre-walk gathering not knowing anyone and feeling a little shy. Within a few minutes Matt’s dad introduced himself to us, welcomed us and brought us over to meet Matt & Madeline. What a gracious and welcoming family Matt & Madeline are surrounded by, it was awesome to be a part of the celebration. We look forward to doing it every year. Once I find my camera cord, I’ll put up some pictures
@ Yosra – I was at Calhoun yesterday, and I walked passed a woman in a hejab. was She was negotiating with an adorable little boy. I thought to myself “I have a feeling that is Yosra”. However, I didn’t say anything to you because I was certain that you were not from this area. Darn it, I would have loved to talk with you and give you a big hug. Should have gone with my instincts!
Yesterday was really, really awesome! My hubby and I had a terrific time. Hugs to the amazing Logelin and Goodman families! Even though we didn’t have a chance to “meet” each other, it was very nice to see lots of you there!
Best,
Andrea V
Walked (with some running in between) in Stamford, CT. In the evening, I went again with my 8 month old baby. We thought about you Matt, Liz and Maddy.
Fun in the sun and haze in Chicago!!. There were three of us – four if you count baby Tess (and she was sure to be heard by everyone around us!!) We had nice walk/run, with fun girls, lots of chatting, and some good laughs!! We thought of Matt, Maddy, and all the other folks walking around the world. Got many stares about my robots for obama shirt and a couple questions about its meaning. Inside joke was my explanation!! It was great day!!
My almost 4 month old son and I took a leisurely walk on a beautiful fall day, here in the centre of Canada. The leaves are starting to change and Canadian geese are gathering to head south. My son heard all about Madeline, and her mom and dad. Sorry no pictures, couldn’t managed the stroller, dog and the camera.
@C in the V: Right back atcha, Honey! You and your hubby are adorable, and it was fun sharing the morning with y’all. xoxoxoxoxoxo!
@all: I’m wearing my “Robot Love” shirt today. My S-bux barista said, ” That’s cute! Is that FROM something?” I said, “Oh yeah, it’s FROM something alright!” She looked at me quizzically, but how on earth would I even begin to describe it?! LOL!
The size and scope of yesterday’s “event,” with very little planning and publicity, is mind-boggling. IMAGINE WHAT IT’LL BE LIKE NEXT YEAR…
I’ve been a lurker for a while now (which is unlike me, I’m rarely at a loss for a comment), but just wanted to tell you your article was amazing. Your entire story steals my words, and I as I read I am just struck dumb by the magnitude of your strength.
You’re an amazing father.
We had a beautiful 5K walk yesterday. My kids rode their bikes and we all thought of the Logelins.
Hope you had a wonderful day too!
Thanks for the opportunity and for being such a great daddy!
Forgot to mention we are in Ohio where the leaves are starting to turn and the sun is mellow and the sky is super blue.
This is a great line: “she doesn’t speak any discernible language, but we communicate better than many adults. ”
I’ve noticed this with me and my 4.5 month old, but never quite figured out what it is. You’ve put our ‘connection’ into words.
I completed a walk in Rome Italy, thinking of Liz, Matt and Madeline. I will post pictures when I return to the US. I hope I added a time zone!
Hi M&M! We had 22-ish runners/walkers in the Monrovia, starting at the Academy. Lots of Bootcampers and Yahoos. A good bit of change was raised and everyone had a great time. Others will post pix (a lot of them).
PS. Happy B-Day Missy Moo! This is a big one!!
I ran yest morning in the rain. Then last night I took a walk. Interesting b/c I realized, as I was walking and thinking of your family (matt, madeline and liz) that I had just rented and watched PS I love you. Not the same, but some similarities between the two stories. And the fact that one is real and one is simply Hollywood. I slowed down my walk just to take in the fresh air and the wind and then view of the night sky. Hope everyone’s 5k went well!
We had a great time walking in Central Park yesterday. Lauren made a kick ass video that’s up in the Flickr group (but she might have also posted it here- I can’t remember). I took a bunch of pictures of all the girls in Central Park plus a ton more when I continued my walk through a street fair on Columbus Avenue. It was a beautiful day in the NYC and a beautiful day to remember Liz and reflect on her life and the gifts she left behind.
Hola Matt
Buen dia
Yesterday was an AMAZING day!
Sending a BIG kiss to Miss M!
Happy 26/52 week birthday!!!
Besos y abrazos
Sol
I thought that your column was excellent. I hope you keep it up.
I wore both my Garden of Awesome and my Stranger/Friend t-shirts last week and got lots of compliments. I may order another of the Garden shirt — soooooo comfy!
my sister and i walked (and got lost) in a cornfield in the middle of nowhere, WI because we were out of town for a family wedding. it was a gorgeous day. perfect day to honor a beautiful woman! we talked about matt, madeline and liz. i told her about stories i have read on here. we cried. i told her how thankful i am for having a wonderful sister like her. we cried more. thinking about all the people who were walking at the same time all around the world filled my heart with hope and warmness.
p.s. the pictures on flickr are awesome! it’s so great to be able to put faces to names!!
Hey there, I drove to see my friend and her baby (born 4 days after Miss M), and we walked in Woodbridge, VA. It seems like everyone had beautiful weather, and we did too. I only got one pic, but I can’t get to flickr until tonight (stupid work computers!), and I can’t wait to see everyone’s shots! Hopefully next year I can make a special trip out to the MN 5K to meet everyone!
I wore pink, but we had a yard sale pretty much all day Sunday…a lot of walking though.
I told my sister and aunts about your blog …keeping her memory alive.
Hi Matt – I didn’t have anyone around to take a photo or anything, but I spent some time on Saturday running 16 miles. I know this also wasn’t the day you wanted everyone else to walk or run, but I’m trying to stick to a specific schedule for a marathon I’m training for. I knew that you were asking ppl to run/walk this weekend, so I spent some time thinking of you and little Madeline during my last mile. I know I can’t even possibly comprehend what you and your family have been through, but I certainly am sending all sorts of warm thoughts your way.
Hi Everyone As one set of the three sets of Grandparents at Lake Harriet yesterday, I want to thankyou all for the support you showered on all of us, but more importantly to Matt and Maddie. Equally,thankyou to everyone around this country and the world. It was wonderful to put face’s to the names of the local creep’s and bloggers. What an amazing tribute to an absoutely amazing woman,my daugter-in -law Liz Logelin. Thankyou again. Love You Matt,Maddie and everyone. Dad & Bev
Matt,
You have an AMAZING Dad!
Thank you Mr. Logelin!
Even far far far away from MN, I felt the presence of you ALL with me and my family.
Peace
Sol
i’m a new reader – love the blog…. will have to check you out again!!
What an amazing event yesterday! It was so wonderful to see all of the people out at Calhoun for Liz. It was so wonderful to meet you and Madelyn. She is such a beautiful baby and so fun the see the onesie-over-pants in person
I look forward to the next event!
~AJ
I have been reading your site since your story was in the newspaper and I would like to say thank you for sharing your life experiences with me. Thank you also for sharing your pictures you have posted. You, Maddie, Liz, & your family are in my prayers.
God Bless!
I thought of you and Liz and your beautiful daughter Madeline as I walked in Central Park on an absolutely gorgeous day yesterday. Wonderful and inspirational article also.
I wish I could have joined all of you at Lake Calhoun, but I was up north in Hinckley. Walked (the golf course) and was reminded to take a picture at 1:15, you all were on everyones minds that day.
I walked in AK. (In the rain I might add.) BUT…I forgot to take pictures! So…I’ll tell you what it was like. Gorgeous (but rainy) fall day in Alaska. Cool weather…snow on the mountains!
took a hike down the edge of these enormous cliffs, where the ocean crashes against the rocks – incredible place to honor liz yesterday.
so so happy to hear everyones stories about yesterday! Ya’ll rock!
oh and HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS MADELINE!!!
@ Dad & Bev – I had three sets of grandparents as well. Always hard to explain, but a love to remember.
I am also wishing you the best. I love you THROUGH people! How awesome is that?
Aww, how sweet is your dad? Continuing to think of y’all in these late days of September.
I walked in Chicago today. Some of the trees are starting to turn and people have already decorated for Halloween. Liz would have loved seeing the leaves changing.
How do I find the photos from Lake Calhoun on Sunday????
An hour before the walk at Calhoun started I got hives…huge splotches all over my face. But the splotches were PINK so I thought, “fuck it – I’m going anyway…Liz loved pink after all”. (Note: benadryl works wonders on hives.)
I’m so glad I went…gorgeous, possibly perfect day. I met a cousin of “Lizzy” who remembered holidays with her, an aunt who showed off pictures of a young Liz, and Liz’s energetic mom who may just be a “human sparkler” too. Also was pleased to meet some of the creeps (was jealous of their t-shirts), Yosra and her young son, and many others. Oh, and of course it was great to see Madeline in person. She seemed to handle being passed around quite well.
Wow – it was so lovely to see flowers from the Garden of Awesome all around Calhoun. And it was even greater to go home and see them all in pictures from all over the world. Just wow – that’s all I can say.
@barb: since i’m up here ya go…
http://www.flickr.com/groups/lizlogelin5k/
these are from everywhere, not just calhoun. it’s really a crazy cool bunch of photos.
to see all the different people from their different locations partaking in the same celebration of life is something else.
it’s beautiful.
My boys, 7 & 13 both had shut out victories (soccer & football) and a stroll around the Michigan State University campus in The East Lansing, MI. As a family we talked about Liz, you, Maddy, your blog, & The Creeps I’m so proud to be a part of (the 20 or so of us girls are a bonding group of women all so grateful to Liz for bringing us together).
My husband was all for my desire to be in MN for the next LGLM5K and I look forward to it very much. My thoughts & prayers continue to be with you all (the Grandma’s & Grandpa’s & extended families included).
@ Cara – Thanks! W/O the link, I never would have found the photos. Matt and Maddie certainly have a worldwide network of dedicated strangers strike friends.
My husband and I took an awesome bike ride for the LGLMK…Anaheim to Newport Beach! Not sure if Liz liked the beach but it sure was a beautiful and peaceful ride/view!
Also went to check out the Wishing Trees in Pasadena on Friday! I thought it was just too cool to pass up on the way to dinner!
Tiffanys at 6 months?!! I’m 26 and I’m yet to get a “Real” piece of jewlery. What a lucky girl.
How exciting that she is able to hold her own bottle. It’s a milestone.
I wish for you is that all of your wishes and dreams come true. You are an amazing father and inspire hundreads of people every day.
Keep on keeping on my friend (stranger)
Hi Matt,
Loved your article and know that Liz would be very, very proud of you! I am and don’t really know you.
Maddie is one lucky lil girl. She has one hell of a dad!
Sincerely,
Karen
I walked on Sunday while visiting Chico, California, and held all of you in my heart and thoughts, as always. Thanking you for sharing your love story with us. May each day bring you more love and happy times.
My Dad came out to Colorado from Florida and hiked along with my husband and I. We did our 5k on the 21st through the Aspen trees just west of Denver. It was a beautiful day, we were proud to honor an amazing family. We wish you and Madeline a day full of sunshine and warmth.