(three posts in one day? yes…)
and here’s the most recent column i’ve written for singlemindedwomen.com: routines and realities.
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latest photos
All images
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soaring spirits loss foundation
Soaring Spirits Loss Foundation provides Internet based programs, an extensive on-line resource library, annual events, and peer-based support for people grieving the loss of someone they love. Visit www.sslf.org to learn more about the programs we offer.
41 Comments
Great article. You do write well – more than just dabble. And your photos are fab. Hope you still get the chance to do both once you are back into the swing of it at work.
And I hope Maddie is settling in well at daycare – I am just starting to look at options here and its hard to choose. How do you know if they are good? I can hardly stand outside and present each parent with a questionnaire!
Apoligies for my (nutter) email the other day…
I cant believe how big Madeline has gotten. She is so beautiful…
Great article !! You are 100% right… most single moms do not get the opportunity to stay home with their baby…. unfortunately the hand that you and Madeline were dealt sucks, but you are very lucky that you did not have to return to work shortly after this life altering change…. Obviously you know how luck you are to go back to your job….. now a days companies are only worried about the bottom line and what their employees can do for them, but it sounds like your employer is awesome and let you take time to bond with your daughter and deal with your wifes very untimely death.
I started reading your blog after you guest blogged over at Storked! I think about you, Madeline and Liz often. It goes without saying, but I am sure Liz is so proud of you !
singlemompayingoffdebt.blogspot.com
singlemompayingoffdebt.blogspot.com
Asalamalaykom,
Your writing is different for these. It’s like you know that you have to be a REAL writer instead of the stream of consciousness flow dude of the blog. I like both of your styles. Interesting how it’s still you and your voice and your story. They both have flow and, if I can paraphrase, you are trying to stay positive and go with the flow.
Very well written. Love it.
Very cool! Great article.
I can’t help but wonder what a different world we would live in if every father & child could bond to the degree you and Madeline have.
Looking forward to 3 more posts tomorrow!
I think you’re a great daddy. I’m sorry for your loss.
you writing in paragraphs just seems – um, not you. but i dont know you. yes this blog world is unique to say the least. but you write beautifully! and you are to be admired, as much as you find that hard to believe. surely you must believe it a bit now though?
Great article! Very well written!
Loved the article. As with all that you write I’m sad when it ends, I always want more to read.
BEAUTIFUL article!
Besos y abrazos
Sol
Excellent column.
great article, great attitude… best wishes for your new adventures! ~c
Again, awesome!
The article is amazing.
Keep up the good work with Madeline.
Great article – can’t say I’m surprised. Hopefully the transition back to work and Madeline to daycare is going smoothly. You both are truly amazing! Can’t wait to hear you on the webcast. Good luck.
@Yosra:
“It’s like you know that you have to be a REAL writer instead of the stream of consciousness flow dude of the blog.”
BWAHAHHAHAHHAAH!
@AJ, have a shirt made for Matt that sez: STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS FLOW DUDE OF THE BLOG. That is priceless.
@Matt: Good luck with Day 4!
@all: GO, DODGERS!!! (I know… I’m a Cubs fan. But that Blake DeWitt is *dreamy*! Plus, there’s MadDog! I love my MadDog.)
Good job – I liked what you had to say. I hope your first week is going ok.
@K8 – I just can’t say it. I just can’t say “Go Dodgers” Fucking Cubs!
beautifully said.
Great article Matt – it totally made me weepy. The bond you have with Madeline is beautiful.
As usual, excellent article. You have such a talent for writing.
I hope this first week back at the office has gone ok for you. I have been thinking about you & Madeline all week.
Sending positive thoughts your way….
@Kate in TX: Srsly, look at Blake DeWitt, then tell me you can’t say “Go Dodgers.”
http://www.pe.com/imagesdaily/2008/04-08/x_dodgers_diamondbacks_baseba_400.jpg
He’s no Mark DeRosa, granted, but… who IS?!
Ooops, sorry, co-opted the blog for a second there, didn’t I. ::sheepish grin::
Whenever you post a new entry or reading that article I find myself getting lost in your words and want everyone around me to just shut up so I can read in silence! Much like when you are at the end of a really great book and then someone comes up and interrupts you…you want to slap them with the book. Your writing always leaves me wanting to read more. Great job on the article!
Hope work is ok for you…that first day back after such a tragedy is the toughest, but once you get past that, a routine is great. Hope you’re hanging in there this week, but, I’m sure you are when you see your little bright light once work is over.
You are an amazing dad!
I got tears in my eyes.
Matt, the article is fantastic. I have so much admiration for you. Madeline is just a beautiful girl and you are doing an amazing job raising her. She is one lucky lady.
AWESOME article! hugs to you and madeline.
Wow, Matt….I’ve been unable to articulate my feelings about becoming a single mom, but in your one sentence ‘How are they going to reconcile the expectations of the past with the reality of the present and future?’ you nailed it. That totally sums it up. It’s scary as hell & so sad…
Beautifully written. Have a great Thursday!
Matt, I’ve been thinking of you also. Hope your transition back to work is going well. Madeline is beautiful and you are a great!!! Dad.
Great article. I hope you and Madeline are settling into your new routine well. Still thinking about you.
Awesome awesome article Matt. Well written, well said. Hope your getting your new routine down. Can’t wait for details and photos!
I am really anxious to hear about your return to work and Madeline’s first few days at daycare. My thoughts have been with the both of you this week.
Hey there! I hope that your first week back has treated you kindly and that you and Madeline are doing amazingly well!! She gets more and more beautiful every day I swear! I love the photos!
Thanks for keeping us updated on your life – it’s the first (&/or last) site I check every day!
Take care- and you’re doing amazing!! :0)
Great article. After losing the love of your life being able to feel lucky about anything is a blessing. I’m so glad you are trying to stay positive. You have lost so much but you have also gained….a beautiful child, and the support hundreds of stranger/friends who keep you close to their heart. Your support system is remarkable. Your employer should be applauded for giving you the time you needed to mourn and adjust to the new reality of your life. Of course no amount of time is right, but so many people lose a loved one and have no choice but to return to work a week or so later. I’ve thought of you often this week. I hope the transition back to work, and Maddy to daycare is going okay.
Love your blog! I’ve been reading since early April. I, too, have a Madelyn. I mentioned your site on ours tonight b/c I enjoy it so much and want others to as well!
ooops…. here’s my site:
http://www.freewebs.com/denmanfamily/
True Life: I’m a Single Parent is on now on MTV, so I just wanted to let you know that I’m thinking of you and Maddy
Great article Matt! Hope you and Madeline are adjusting to your new routine!
Take care,
Debbie
I can relate Matt. I went through a difficult divorce in 1999 and had the opportunity to raise a newborn, a 3yr old, and a 5yr old and came out a grateful father and parent. I have a dear friend who video blogs his Widowed status and raising 2 boys alone in San Diego. It’s amazing what a sinlge dad will learn in such a short period of time. You two should meet and exchange.
You are so awesome Matt! I loved it!! And It answered my ? about what you did for a living.
I am another one of those “stay at home moms” you talked about…my 2 year old is about to start day care on Wednesday while I get my shit together, because this shit-show is not looking so good. Time to work and make ends meet and take care of this family my sweet Dave left behind last October.
great article. you are a beautiful writer Matt.
Cannot wait to read about your first week back at work…please don’t keep us waiting long!