over the last 7+ months countless friends, family members and complete strangers have helped me deal with the loss of my wife, 27 hours after she gave birth to our daughter. i never imagined that i would find such a tremendous support system by simply writing about my experiences on my blog. without asking, we’ve been lucky enough to have been given enough toys, clothing, formula, diapers, etc. to quite literally, fill our house from floor to ceiling. we’ve used what we can and donated what we can’t. also, with the help of total strangers, a 5k run/walk was organized to honor liz and to date, (thanks to $7 donations from many of you), we’ve raised and distributed over $4300 to widows and widowers facing similar circumstances. i can’t tell you what a difference these gifts/donations have meant to me and to madeline, and i’ve been thinking long and hard about ways that i can help spread this generosity in the hopes of helping others who need it more than us.
a little over a month ago, singlemindedwomen.com (a site for which i guest-blog) approached me and asked if i’d like to partner with them to help out a charity of my choice. they provided me with a list of charities, one of which really caught my attention…my stuff bags foundation is a non-profit organization that provides abused, abandoned, and neglected children—ranging in age from newborn to 18 years old—throughout the united states with personal belongings to help fulfill their needs and lend a sense of comfort as they are shepherded through the foster care system. using the online gift registry, charitable givers can purchase essential items like clothing, books, art supplies, and toys, which will be forwarded on to the my stuff bags foundation.
for those of you who’ve gotten to know me over the past few months, you know where i stand politically. if you click through to the site, you may be surprised to find that their spokesperson is someone with whom i disagree politically. despite this, i wholeheartedly support this charity for all the good that they’ve done for abused, abandoned and neglected children. now…i’m not asking for anything here, but if you’re looking for a way to make a difference this holiday season, this organization is a great one. if you’re hoping to send something to madeline, instead please consider donating the equivalent amount to my stuff bags so that other children can feel the love of countless people they will never meet.
click the image below for more information…
thanks to singlemindedwomen.com for setting this up.
and special thanks to you for everything you do.
madeline and matt
(you should definitely continue to send us the artwork that your kids create for madeline…she loves it).
(oh…and if you want to place the charity badge on your web page, just drop me a line at mtlogelin (at) hotmail.com and i’ll send it your way).
(this post will be updated wednesday morning with a press release from singlemindedwomen.com).
144 Comments
matt….. you ROCK.
Amen, Matt.
Thank you for including all of us in your lives! Maddie is a whole day older than my son Chase and it’s great to see the progress that they are both making! We’re off to check out the charity! Thank you for giving back!
Wow! Matt! Just awesome! Great site, great cause! I agree with Jess, YOU ROCK!
What a brillant thing to do.
Helping peeps kicks major ass.
Awesome!! What a great way to give back. You are an amazing man!
Having worked in the emergency shelter field, I know how important items like this are. Great charity, and I’ll be donating as well.
Matt,
I don’t post often, but I continue to be amazed at how you strive to help others and share the support you receive from countless stranger friends. I have no doubts that Liz would be beyond proud of you and always knew that Maddy would be blessed to have you as her father.
Kristal
Very cool Matt! This seems to be a very caring group. I bet the charity will see a great response!
Matt, you and Madeline are wonderful people. Thank you for bring this foundation to our attention, I will for sure be making a donation in Madeline’s name…she is the reason for all of this! Thank you so much for all that you do!
Michelle
You are awesome. This foundation has always been close to my heart. I’ve read about kids who go through foster care who say these bags are the only things they ever truly ‘owned’ and were able to take with them.
Thank you so much Matt for reminding people that it is the cause that counts… not the people behind it.
::awesomesauce::
Proud to be a part of the Logelin movement. And proud to “know” you two. (And all my creepy friends.)
M&M you two amaze me even more with every post that I read. What an awesome charity to support! Seeing as how I am in school to get my degree in social work (child welfare division), I am thrilled to see anyone willing to help out the children/adolescents who need any help we can give! So far i’ve done all of my donating in other ways (blood, hair, clothing, and marrow sign up donations), but I think that I wil be adding this charity to my list.
Thank you for making this post, as well as the post about marrow donations, just a few simple words can catch the attention of several people who may decide to help others by donating, which in turn can save many lives. You’re so very awesome for voicing your feelings on these charities/donations!
This is such a great thing. Thank you for bringing attention to it. Thank you also for sharing your journey with all of us.
you rule.
Asalamalaykom,
I know these kids. I worked with them in an emergency shelter. They literally have nothing when they are ripped from the only life they know (and even if it is a bad life, it still feels normal to them).
For some reason, we humans feel better when we have “our stuff”. Maybe it’s that tangible thing to hold onto when everyone who should be holding onto us disappears.
Once the children leave from the home, they often are separated within the shelter/foster care system from their siblings. I’ll never forget a young brother and sister crying on the curb as the different cars pulled up to take them away.
I know this is going to be a down-scaled Christmas for folks (and you know me—I scaled so far down I’m not even celebrating it) but the true spirit of giving is selflessly. Consider if your family pooled the money you normally spent on gifts and donated it to this great cause. That is joy!
Does that mean no gifts under the tree? Well…you could make gifts, give coupons for a free backrub, shoveling, tray of freshly baked cookies, etc. Maybe you could just pick names from a hat for only one gift recipient you need to buy for.
Seriously, in my first marriage, there was a three-hour present opening CEREMONY. That kind of gluttony just isn’t in keeping with the spirit of Jesus, peace be upon him.
“My stuff bags,” are the perfect way to honor the reason for the season AND to help M&M through a holiday which could have been different, but isn’t. Give everyone a reason to cheer! Inshahallah
I too don’t post too often, but I must commend you on your choice of charity. I am now a SAHM, but I was a public school teacher in So Cal. I saw way too many kids getting kicked around in the system and they had nothing to call their own. This is an awesome charity that became near and dear to my heart after seeing so many of the innocent “victims” who became so sad and detached because they had nothing to hang onto.
Keep writing, and please let me (and the rest of us) know what we can do!
Danielle is right – this is indeed ::awesomesauce:: at it’s finest.
I’m sure everyone will see this when you click around the website, but I noticed they collect “homemade” blankets (click the “make a blanket” tab) out of fleece. These are super easy to make, fairly inexpensive (Joann Fabrics has online coupons and sale fleeces) and it’s a great project if you have kids that want to get involved.
Lots of love to Maddy, the little philanthropist!
I have been thinking about what charity to support during the holiday season – and thanks to you – I now have one!
As a social worker in So Cal working with children in foster care, I have to agree that the my stuff bags are great. You would be suprised at how many children come to our agency with just the clothes they are wearing or with their belongings in trash bags. Trash bags are my pet peeve. What message are we giving a child if we put their belongings in a trash bag? I gave a my stuff bag to a five year old last week. I have never seen a child so excited to receive a bag. She kept asking “is this MY bag? Is this MY teddy bear? Is this MY toy?”. She became more and more excited as she continued to pull items out of the bag. It is moments like these that make it worth it. You and everyone who donates to this cause WILL be making a difference. Thank you for bringing attention to a great project.
What a fabulous charity and how gracious of you and Maddie to support through your online lives.
Thank you for bringing my attention to this worthy cause. I am organizing a large charity donation for my local mom’s group and have now selected this as my charity of choice this holiday season. God bless you and your sweet little girl.
Can they also take new and slightly used baby goods? I’ve got things around the house that Connor either never used or outgrew so quickly that it seems like new.
Great job, Matt.
awesome matt! you’re amazing! this will be the first real christmas we’ve been able to really afford for our kids so i am so excited to be able to send something to someone who desperately needs even more than our kids do! my almost 3 year old is beyond excited for christmas this year and i can’t wait to see his reaction christmas morning. i know it will mean so much to him this year. and i look forward to celebrating our 4 month old daughter’s first christmas too. SO EXCITED for your first christmas with maddy. i’m sure it will be rough but your strength and lots of prayer from us; it will be great! thank you so much for all you do and share with us and thank you for this great opportunity.
You never cease to amaze me.
You continue to amaze me Matt! Wow!
All day I’ve been fighting tears, but it was you that opened the floodgates.
I’ll definitely donate.
It feels good to do good.
It feels good to know that you’ve come so far even though the path is a long painful one.
The moon looks pretty sweet tonight.
I think I’ll take a walk.
Just had to copy my post from singlemindedwomen.com, where I was surprised to find I posted FIRST . . .
But first, I love you guys and check your site before any other – I know Liz is so PROUD of both of you!
“Wow – I am ACTUALLY the first to post – amazing!!! I just love Matt’s site and I know, based on his endorsement, this must be a great charity! Can’t wait to gift all the adult family members in my life with a great Christmas gift this season as I buy toys and other NEEDS, in their name, for these worthy children – years ago I decided to “give back” to those who need it vs. buying things these family members didn’t even “want” in the first place! Now, everyone gets pictures of my kids, an ornament and a donation made in their name – makes my Dad cry every year! (The kind of Grandpa YOU will be one day, Matt) Thanks for sharing Madeline with us!”
Awesome Matt, well done. You truly are an amazing person. Madeline is so blessed to have you as her dad.
::awesomesauce:: indeed
What happened to you and Madeline is awful and heartbreaking, and just plain sucks, but I think it is awesome the way you have taken this and gotten a lot of positives out of it. Madeline is going to grow up knowing that she and her dad helped many people. That is a really special thing.
Hi Matt
Good ideas come in blue and red….;) What a great way to help those of us help you and others at the same time…….what goes around comes around my friend; we just don’t know when.
Such a great charity. Matt, your family’s story is making a difference in so many lives. Hard to comprehend, really. Thanks.
fucking ::awesomesauce:: is right.
love that you continue to pay it forward.
love beth’s comment above – good ideas do come in blue & red – and everything in between & beyond…
Wow, thanks Matt. This is a really important cause and I am so glad you chose it. I will make sure to remember this and make a donation. It’s snowing here in Apple Valley, MN…
Thank you for posting the info about this charity. My kids and I will spend time making blankets to send to My Stuff. I want my children to share some of the warmth they know by reaching out to another child. Especially as we approach the season of giving. Thank you for sharing your story with us…… Madeline is precious.
Fantastic idea, Matt! Your charity of choice sounds like a great one. Nothing feels better than giving back and knowing that you are helping those who truly need it…especially those who can’t speak up for themselves. Love it.
What a great organization! I’ll include a link on my “Pay it Forward Fridays” post this week.
Love the picture!! Oh, those thighs! Her’s, obviously.
I’m proud of you Matt
Pretty amazing stuff, Matt. What a lucky little girl Maddy is to have such a kind, generous Daddy… Thank you for bringing such a wonderful organization to the attention of so many. And since I haven’t posted in awhile I just have to add that Maddy gets cuter everyday!
truly ::awesomesauce:: squared. what a great charity. thank you for bringing it to my attention.
(((hugs)))
Thank you Matt!! You are one special guy and Madeline is so lucky to have such a fabuous role model for her father.
You’re a good egg Matt and you and Maddy make a great team. Thanks for sharing your life and inspiring others to be good eggs too.
What a wonderful, awesome, totally phenomenal way to turn the support you’ve received into something to benefit others. Thank you so much!
Ditto that Creeps, this is definitely ::awesomesauce:: material.
Matt, you amaze me. Thank you for this post.
We’re all in this together, right?
Hugs to you and Miss M!
I rarely post (I like to gamble on height and weight), but I really enjoyed looking and learning about this charity. I too will support this charity as it does make a difference in the little people’s lives. Thank you so much for paying it forward. Greif is not fun, it is hard and painful. But using your greif in such positives ways really inspires me to be a better person with my trials and tribulations.
Matt- you started this blog with “thank you”. I (and I’m sure everyone) would say we THANK YOU for sharing your life with us. Your beautiful daughter is a gift that brightens our lifes. As a foster parent I am especially touched with your choice of the “my stuff” organization. I have picked up many babies who came with hand made blankets or special things that were donated to them. I always pass these along to their “forever families” so that one day these children may know that someone cared. It’s so nice that even though people may have opposing political views we can all come together for the well being of innocent children. Bless you my friend and please give that sweet baby a hug from me. Cindy
This is just awesome Matt! My husband and I wanted to start a tradition where we give to someone who needs it more, so our children know the importance of helping others out. And this year, this will be what we will do. Thank you so very much for posting this! You are just, well you ROCK!
Matt you never cease to amaze me! Your kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity is inspiring.
Matt,
What an AWESOME thing you are doing. It is so offten that we get cought up in our own things that we forget that there are kids/people out there that have very little or nothing. Thank you for pointing me in this direction!! I am going to make some blankets to send to them along with my local homeless shelter. You are such a kind hearted person!! Best wishes!!!
Way cool. I hope you’re prepared to answer a gazillion emails!
Hi Matt,
Great charity choice! I am a former social worker/ child abuse investigator and, as anonymous said above, children are often moved at the last minute with garbage bags standing in for luggage ( if you can find anything fit to pack). I once aprehended four kids in underwear, and carried them because there were no shoes to fit their feet. The police officers with me were so upset they nearly cried. I think THAT ONE would approve of working together and reaching across the aisle for the kids. You have a good heart.
Jen
Awesome charity – I had not heard of it here in MN.
I totally busted up when I saw you selected an Obama action figure in the registry! LOL! Way to stick it to Mr. Reagan (in a very MN Nice way, of course!)
MAtt,
Such a wonderful idea! My aunt works for the State of Ohio. I always give her my kids outgrown clothes and all the foster children are thrilled! It is heartbreaking the stories she has told me. But to know that a child will have a winter coat this year or even a sweater for the first time is pretty overwhelming! Anyways, you are awesome!
Take care,
Debbie
absolutely ::awesomesauce::
Man you continue to amaze me! Way to keep on keeping on, taking paying it forward to a whole new level!
You chose to do such a wonderful thing!
I added it. thanks for sending me the link. I have been waiting for a charity that I could support fully to fall into my lap. You made that happen. How cool!!
Very cool of you to do this. Madeline is a lucky little girl. She will never be able to top the awesomeness that is her Daddy! Take care!
I’m spechless!
GOD bless you, Matt Logelin!
Wish one day we (people who inhabit a developing country) could live in a rule society (without so much corruption & bad politicians/politics) that gives us the chance to help others in such a beautiful way….
THANK YOU for your BEAUTIFUL/AMAZING/MARVELLOUS example of GENEROUSITY!
Besos y abrazos
Sol
great idea matt!! what a wonderful way to help children!
hugs from NJ,
erica and Matt
WOW…that’s an amazing idea. I don’t know where you come up with the strength! You definitely inspire me Matt and Madeline
just another comment to add… our MOPS group is making blankets for the Crib Club which is part of the Women’s Care Center here in Fort Wayne… we will be making blankets at our next meeting and we’ve also decided to donate an extra $5 to buy more material to make more blankets to send to this wonderful organization you’ve shared with us!!! we are also collecting baby things for the Christ Child Society and all extra donations will be sent directly to the my stuff bags charity
-thank you so much for sharing this great cause with us, as i was able to share it with others and hopefully we can make a difference!!! just in time for the holidays!
What a wonderful charity! I’ve been looking for a charity to give to this holiday season and this is perfect. THANK YOU for sharing your lives with all of us, my life is better for knowing you. I continue to be amazed at how you have handled this incredible tragedy, your strength and love for Liz and Maddie is so beautiful.
On a “normal” day it takes alot to be a stand up person. Somebody that other people strive to be, and you have managed to do that in the face of all the shit that has happened to you and your gorgeous daughter. I could only wish to be as compassionate in my daily life – often forgetting what truly matters at the end of the day. Your kindness, love and friendship to all, no matter if you know them or not, is something I look at and think is remarkable. Wishing you only the best as the Holiday’s approach. But most of all Thank You for finding a way to pass it on. You two Rock!
That’s awesome!!! You rock Matt!
matt.. more awesome-ness… the power of giving back… aaaah.. it feels so good.. well done and well said…
you rock, my friend…
~g
Unfortunately when the economy is bad, the people that need help the most are the ones still most in need. Your continued strength and pay it forward generousity inspire this entire community that has been following your blog since March. As the holiday season is upon us, I hope we can all make you proud as we try to make a difference in these children’s lives. You are an amazing person and I hope the holidays are good to you and Madeline…. not with more stuff, but with countless amounts of love and good wishes being sent your way. Thank you for continuing to share your lives with us….
As a former foster family, I can tell you how much this will mean to the children. We only had infants, but we sent them on with clothing and blankets that they had since birth. Matt, this is fantastic and I think many children will have a wonderful Christmas because of you.
I don’t want to say I’m ‘amazed’ by this act of kindness, you seem (and I say seem because I don’t actually know you, and you very well could have a meth-lab under your bathtub) like such a caring and kind person. It would only be right for you to “pay it forward”. God will bless you and Madeline for all of the greatness you have shared with this world.
I’m know this holiday is going to suck, but know that by posting this message, you have changed the lives of many little ones this holiday season. And for that, you should smile.
Praying for you two.
Kristen
Great charity!!! Sent you an e-mail for the badge for my blog to spread the word!
Thank you!!
Donation made! Thank you for the idea…
I sent you an email for the badge too!
MATT – YOU ARE AWESOME.
thank YOU for including all of us in your journey. it’s amazing to see the good that can come out of a tragedy like losing liz.
You are all kinds of awesome for paying it forward.
Matt-
I’ve been a gaucker from the start of your journey and am finally posting.
You have made a difference in bringing out the best in people.
On this day, my sons birthday I can’t think of a better way to celebrate.
I have made a donation to the MY STUFF BAGS.
I am so very appreciative of my children, granddaughter and a new bun in the oven.
Life is Good.
And it always feels good to pay it forward.
God Bless you & Maddy.
Matt for President! …after Obama serves his 2 terms, of course.
Seriously, what JOY to GIVE, especially to those who need it most. Terrific ideas for ANY budget.
Thanks for helping us make a difference, too.
God’s Peace and Continued Blessings!
i’m not much of a commenter…i lurk.
but i wanted to thank you for your generosity…and also for raising your daughter to learn that helping others is one of the most rewarding things that you can do.
that’s where it starts.
won’t our world be an amazing place when people have been taught to help others rather than compete or hinder them??
brag session: for birthdays our girly-girls are encouraged to pick some-one/thing to raise money for. initially it’s zebras or bunnies…but my hope is that someday…it will be this type of an organization.
thanks for helping me see it.
What a great idea – there are so many worthwhile charities out there and this looks like a good one. thanks
Good choice Matt! As a social worker, I worked in the foster care system here in Chicago for 10+ years and you would be shocked the lack of things these kids have. Anything that they can claim as their own and take with them everywhere they go is a small victory for them. Thanks for supporting such a worthy cause!!
Props to you Matt…props to you
M&M…you both amaze me
Matt, you are a true inspiration! Reading your blog is something I truly look forward to. You are so generous to open your heart and share with us about the toughest parts of your life (as well as the many blessings). Because you give back to others in your situation or similar, makes you even more of a stellar human being!
*also donated to the Liz Logelin fund, thanks again for reaching out to others!*
Sure which this was around when I was bounced from foster home to foster home. Good choice.
Matt ~ you are doing a wonderful job of raising your beautiful little miracle, Maddie, and of getting through each day with the help of your many supportive friends and the thoughts and prayers of MANY well wishers. I’ve been following your blog for the past few months and it is wonderful to see how beautifully you are handling each day . . . one at a time. Blessings to a great man and a fantastic Daddy!
Hi, what a great cause. I would like it if you will send me the code to post it on my blog. I dont get much blog traffic but even if one person donates, it is better than none at all.
Thanks.
Marcea
wonderful, thank you!
Matt, someone may have already commented about this, or perhaps k8 in the northridge has already suggested it, but how about a Facebook page for this charity….or perhaps we can put one up on your behalf? Think about it! That would be a great way to spread the word!
Martha in the SF Bay Area
I have to be honest, my eyes did widen a bit when I first read the name of the charity ~ shame on me
The moral of the story is that these kids don’t give a rats ass who I voted for in the last election…their worlds have fallen apart and they are suffering . This post has given me the extra push I needed to examine my conspicuos consumption and take action to help those less fortunate than myself. My two small children will not learn to give of themselves unless I teach them.
Very cool, take care of yourself!!
Matt, you are so amazing. Not many people would be doing what you are doing to help so many who need it while going through something so difficult in their own life. I’m crying at your generosity. Madeline is so lucky to have you.
We’re ROCKIN’ on with this! As a mom of a two year old daughter who has her favorite stuffed animal and favorite blankey, I realize how the small things are SO BIG to the children who have nothing. I’m in on this one, and making sure everyone I know hears about it too.
Fantastic idea, ML! My family is doing charitable donations instead of personal gifts this year. Thanks to you, I think I’ll choose this organization. Hope to see you in the MN if you’ll be there in December!?
Thank you for bringing this site to my attention. I am definitley going to make a donation.
Thank you for helping us help others!
The Matt and Madeline Movement….. you two continue to inspire.
Martha in the SF Bay Area is right — Facebook would *rock* this shit. There are all kinds of causes on there that everyone jumps all over and forwards around to their friends! This would be no exception!
p.s. I’m glad you posted this NOW, cuz I was already shoppin’ for ya! Since you won’t let me buy it, you gotta go buy yourself this book and pretend it’s from me:
http://www.amazon.com/Daring-Look-Dorothea-Photographs-Reports/dp/0226769844/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226517862&sr=1-1
Well done, Matt. Way to go, spreading goodness and joy. Thank you.
Check out this story from Canada…..this boy thought all children should have a backpack …and how this has now skyrocketed.
http://www.stephensbackpacks.com/
Matt thankyou for bringing this important charity to our attention. What an awesome way to give back!
I also think a facebook page would be SO great! Such a good way to get the info out!
Matt, I think this is really great. I really do believe in pay it forward, and I think so many families will benefit from you and what you’re doing. Some are even starting to already!
Also, I had a mini panic attack when I saw the “thank you” on your post. I thought you were signing off…done with sharing your thoughts with all of us. While I would completely understand that, you have helped so many people you will never know. I now look at life and relationships as something to be cherished and might not always be there. So THANK YOU (again) for letting us in our life!
Thank you for the wonderful idea. We have asked our friends and family to donate to My Stuff Bags instead of giving birthday gifts for our daughters first birthday (I have already received some e-mails back that they have already ordered and that it was very easy). You are a an inspiration!
Zoe
You’re doing great Matt.
- Trina in Idaho
Matt-This is so awesome…I will definitely be donating! Thank you for being involved…you are ::awesomesauce::.
A few years ago I got an email from our local Jaycee’s about some kids in the area that needed help at X-mas time. There was one gir in particular that I bought for that just broke my heart. This girl was 12 years old, and she was asking for socks and kitty litter (!). I called the woman who sent the email and she told me that this young girl’s mother was in jail, no father in the picture and she was living with her grandmother, who refused to give her help with anything. The girl had a kitten and her grandmother wouldnt give her any money for it. It made me so sad that I went out and bought this girl all kinds of stuff for herself and the kitty. I never did get to meet the girl, but the woman who sent the email (she was from CYS) said that she couldn’t believe that it was all for her. I don’t think I have ever given or received a gift that was more rewarding than that. So, despite the fact that it might be a harder year for people, financially speaking, I hope that people contribute, to your charity and/or others….
First off – I love how nonchalant Madeline is being upside down
What a wonderful cause! I’ll pass this along after I make a donation. A child in the foster care system shouldn’t have to carry what little belongings they have in a garbage bag (I hear that story way too often).
No matter what political affiliation, I think we all agree that children should not be lacking.
Thanks for being such an example to us all to pay it forward.
No Matt, THANK YOU because you have done so much for US.
Matt, you have email, my friend! I think this is an amazing cause you have found, and I’d love to help! Hugs to you both!!
Matt, It’s so great that in a world where people disagree on so many things we can at least all agree that a simple act of kindness can change lives.
You have shown great courage moving forward with your daughter and paying it forward at the same time.
I would only like to add that for those people who can’t afford to donate monetarily that they could volunteer to help out with crisis nursery or even become foster parents.
An often overlooked area is “respite”. Many parents of special needs children need a break. Counties look for individuals or families willing to take a child into their home for a few hours, a day or a weekend, whatever works to give their primary caregivers a break. It is a very worthwhile endeavor for the parents, the provider and the child.
Madeline has brought out the best in you and no doubt Liz would be so proud.
Take Care Matt!
I do believe that is my favorite picture on the entire site!! So kewl! You continue to amaze me each day.
As always, thank you. Your postings are so moving.
No Matt – THANK YOU!
For sharing your story with all of us.
For reminding us all to cherish our loved ones.
For being an amazing dad for the next generation.
For having such a big heart.
For taking your own pain and turning it into something wonderful for the world.
You’re amazing!
I am all choked up. Great cause. I looked everywhere to see if I could help assemble or pass out bags in the MN. Looks like you have to live in the CA to do that. I am going to have fun picking out items for the bag. I love the choice encouraging creativity. The weather looks so nice in the CA! Freezing ass cold and getting colder in the MN…. I feel like movin….
That’s a great cause!!!
But I couldn’t help wondering–is this the end of your blog?
Pure ::awesomesauce:: Can’t wait to go shopping and I am going to have my kids help make some blankets to send.
I just happened to stumble across your blog the other day and I am so glad I did…you are incredible! This is such a great cause and I am so in for doing my part…and that picture of you and Madeline is awesome!
Why must Dads always hang their children upside down? Jason does the same with the boys. Just be prepared, the days lie ahead soon when “again, again!” will be all you hear, and tears follow when you get tired of hanging that adorable girl by her toes!
You both look great in sunny CA.
Take care!
Beki & all
Hi Matt and Maddie~
I have been following your blog for months. I am from MN, also, only waaaay NORTH of the Twin Cities, and also a 4′ 11″ er! (yup, I have heard all the short jokes!)
Even though it feels as though I cannot adequatly express my thoughts and feelings, I just had to tell you how absolutly AWED I am by you. You never cease to amaze me with your gut wrenching words, your beautiful, funky pictures and the way you honor your wife with your whole being. You are an inspiration and you have a whole lot of people who admire you and love you to pieces!!!
YOur charity is inspiring..i am a better person reading your blog.
i have a question, someone i know recently lost his wife and I want to do something for him but i don’t know what?
I have just given you an award, check it out on my blog http://lookingoutabrokenwindow.blogspot.com/
What an amazing charity! Children have always been very sacred to me and I would love to do more on my part. I am going to share this with all of my friends and family. I am going to see if I can get my kids Brownie/Boyscouts or 4-h groups involved. We usually make boxes for other causes but I feel I “need” to get some “My Stuff Bags” out to these kids or maybe we can make the blankets. I knit hats for the preemies/newborns at our hospital and was just about to make some blankets for Project Linus!! Chelsea was given a blanket from this organization when she was undergoing alot of her medical treatment/investigation and it really helped ease the anxiety and insecurity the doctors put on her!! Thanks so much for being such an amazing soul and making a difference! You are the best!!
you are awesome, i look forward to donating.
I added the link to my site. I think this is a great charity and I think you’ve picked the perfect way to help those in need.
This is a great charity. The cool thing about you picking this charity that Michael Reagan is the spokesperson for, is that it goes to show how MANY OF US have different political views, yet often share the same heart for worthy causes. Even though you and I don’t share the same political views, and probably have very little in common (except that we are both parents in CA), I still am drawn to your blog, and to some amazing qualities about you. Politics are not everything!
You are awesome! We all love you!
i hope that this wasn’t a “last” entry or something because i might die without seeing maddi pics taken by daddy. its been too long without an update and i am suffering from withdrawl!
Matt– You are just truly amazing. I don’t know what else to say. Thank you for letting us into your life.
Come on Matt give us some blog love!
we miss you.
just looked at your flickr. looks like you’ve been in sf! the skywalker ranch, awesome. i’ve always wanted to go there…well mostly work there or with films related to…well, you know. there aren’t tons of big budget freelance options in sf. wondering if you were there for work…
anyway, lucky you:)
It’s so nice to see how you’ve decided to give back. I miss your updates, but I hope the slowing in posts means that you’re easing into an everyday life with Madeline and starting to develop a good routine. Even if it’s sporadic, I hope you continue to update us on your adorable, growing baby girl.
Of course, props to ya for bringing such a great charity to the fore! Now I know where I can send blankies when the craft bug hits. But about the pic: I have never seen such a relaxed, nonplussed little one. She looks so at home that I think it’s a trick photo, and SHE is right-side up, and YOU are upside down!
What a wonderful thing for you to do! You will be helping so many.
I keep checking for my Maddy fix…I’m going through withdrawl!
Matt..oh Matt..where art thou?
I don’t think I’ve commented on your blog, but I have read most of it and I continue to return to see what’s going on in Matt and Maddy’s life.
Thank you for sharing your story and your life with us.
~ Chrysti
oh, come back Matt! … missing the beautiful pics and love story you’re telling….waiting for a new post is like waiting for the next book in a series to come out. (ok, maybe not a whole new book, but it definitely seems like a new chapter has started. hope it’s a good one)
Matt, I want to tell you about a friend of mine who just lost her husband in a tragic accident at work. Her name is Andrea and she lives near Buffalo, NY. She has two children ages 4 and 17 months. She is going through a really rough time right now. We belong to an Internet group of women, the majority of us are moms and we are all like sisters. Several members of the group are flying and driving in to be with her for the funeral this week and many of us have planned trips to visit her over the coming weeks and months. Andrea is displaying amazing strength during this time. Because you have been in a similar situation maybe you could be a comfort to her in the coming days and weeks. I don’t want to post her contact information here, but her name is Andrea Row, and if you email me I can give you her email address, etc. Thanks Matt.
Hope all is well! Are the fires near you?
Where have you gone? I hope you’re both ok.
Hey, hope everything is ok. I assume you’re just busy because you’re still reveiwing comments. H ope you had a good week. Give Madeline hugs from all the creeps.
hugs from NJ,
erica and Landon
still checking obsessively to see if you’ve updated. part of me thinks you’re done with us and part of me thinks you couldn’t just leave us hanging without a goodbye. i just can’t imagine not knowing what is going on with you but i would understand if you decided to hang up the blog..or well, i wouldn’t understand but really who gives a shit about that
Ditto Lisa… I hope you’re not done with us!
I too feel that was a farewell post. I know life is busier for you now, but are you done?
Working full time and being a full time Daddy of course you won’t be updating as frequently as before. Hope all is going well.
I’m lonely….need an M&M fix…
Heidi,
I saw your posting about Andrea Row. I work with her at The Gow School. I went to the funeral this morning and I bet you were there too. It is just such a tragic loss. It amazes me how strong Andrea is right now. I think she can use Matt L. as an example and see that she will survive and life will go on for her and the kids. It’s so sad though.
Hi Matt,
I got turned on to your blog from reading Chrissy’s over at Storked! Just a note to say that I think it’s a great thing you’re doing here, and while politically, I’m probably right there with you on the leader of the My Stuff thing, it is a terrific cause. I didn’t know Liz, but if I saw my guy carrying on with life and teaching my sons the way you are Madeline, I would be touched and proud beyond words.
You are an inspiration to us all. Check out this amazing story.
http://nieniedialogues.com/
Maddy is beautiful like her mommy.
Matt -
Your are the best brother that a sister could ask for. You are my rock. I can’t believe how strong you continue to be. Even though I am your big sister, you influence me more then words could ever say. I love you and Maddy so much.