i spent the morning working on some paintings for madeline’s room (with a little art direction from liz).
then i took a few photos of liz and her pregnant belly. there are very few photos of her pregnancy, mainly because whenever i pulled out my camera, she would say, “i feel and look like shit.” i never pushed her, until march 2nd. she was feeling a little better so i convinced her to get dressed up and pose for a few shots. she even went so far as to curl her hair (something she rarely did). i got some of my all-time favorite photos that day…and i’m so fucking happy i did. two days later she would be admitted to the hospital.
maddy and i are both home sick today. the photos of her mom that she sees on my computer screen have her absolutely entranced.
they have me in tears.
281 Comments
gorgeous photos. what wonderful moments those must have been. and how lucky you and maddy are to have them now.
Absolutely beautiful pictures. Hope you both feel better very soon.
beautiful pictures…no wonder Maddy was mesmerized.
hope you both feel better soon!
they have me in tears too. she is so beautiful.
beautiful lady!
I have tears for your last comment.
Matt, these pictures are priceless!
Precious photos. I’m so glad you were able to take them too.
Hugs.
Hope you guys feel better. She was looking a little sickypoo yesterday.
Those paintings you did are very cool! You are quite the painter!
March fucking sucks.
So glad that you took those… as painful as they may be, it’s better to have them than not, no?
Hope that you an Maddy get feeling better! I’m sure the pictures of Liz are something that the both of you will treasure forever.
Liz looks breathtakingly beautiful in these shots and so happy. I’m so glad Maddie has a chance to see them. Sorry to hear you guys are sick. I hope you both feel better soon.
Those are amazing pictures. I’m so glad you got to take them.
The photos are beautiful. They seem like her personality really shines through. One day Madeline will be as happy as you are that you took them.
Beautiful mama. Maddy looks just like her. Thanks for sharing these.
Those photos make me miss her even more, and I never had the chance to know her (or you for that matter). Great shots! Maddy will clench those photos for her whole life…they are fabulous photos of her mommy.
Here’s a big warm hug for you and Maddy from snowy Wisconsin.
yup…got me in tears as well. lots of hugs for you both today.
Love the pictures. I am sorry about the tears and the illness. I hope you both are better soon!
She’s beautiful. Those pics are wonderful. Maddy will treasure them dearly. <3
Hope you two are feeling better, I am home with a sick kid too, expect mine is faking – I thnk. Little tip for you – usually when you think they are faking you send them to school and they ralph all over someone, I err on the side of caution now.
I am sure I am not the only would love to see some of your art work lil’ Bob Ross!!! Post some pics of your pics!
Beautiful. I love the one of her pointing to her belly.
I hope you and Madeline feel better soon.
So beautiful. I’m still sometimes shocked how strangers stories on the internet can move me to tears. Yous moves me to tears & smiles.
oh my gosh…she is beautiful.
what a gift to have those photos for madeline.
i’m sure you can feel the dreaded anniversary fast approaching. so so sorry for that. i cannot imagine the mix of emotion when thinking about those 2 days…such joy laces with pure sadness.
thinking about you and sending up many prayers in the days to come.
take care.
They have me in tears, too. Laughing as well, though, because I too absolutely HATED having my picture taken when I was pregnant. (I always said I looked so fat, well, DUH)
As a mother, everytime read your blog, I think of things from Liz’s persepctive, and my heart breaks for her. BUT, and I’ve been meaning to tell you this for a long time, I can tell you as a mother, my biggest fear is not me losing my child, but my child losing me. I worry so much about what would happen to her if I wasn’t here, who would raise her the way I want her to be raised. Who would love her like I love her?? Sadly, I cannot say her father. And it terrifies me. Thank God Liz had you. She didn’t have to have that fear, she knew if something happened to her, Maddy would be in good hands. Maddy would be raised the way she’d want her to be. You might not know it, but more than all the love, more than the missing jewelry…… you raising Maddy the way you are is far and away the greatest gift you could ever give, and have given her.
Hope you had fun at the meet up this weekend!! I so wanted to be there but my daughter and I both have a nasty stomach bug. Wouldn’t want to spread that around!!
Gorgeous pictures. I have not let anyone take pictures of me while I am pregnant and these make me see I am probably being selfish. Glad you and Maddie have these to treasure.
Beautiful post. Don’t know what else to say. I see yo get lots of comments here from sympathetic women, which is never a bad thing, but I like your style and think we may have some things in common. Follow the links and find me on the web. Maybe we can…I don’t know what the fuck do people do on the web.
Why do we write and read each other’s stories, perhaps to find some meaning.
Gorgeous photos, I know you both will treasure them always
These pictures are beautiful! Maddy knows who her momma is- and she always will. I think it’s wonderful she enjoys looking. Thinking of your family and wishing I could take away the pain you feel. Enjoy your baby girl and your beautiful memories of your wife!
Maddie looks so much like her Momma. The pictures are incredible. Liz looks incredibly happy.
The picture of Liz pointing to her belly is the first picture I ever saw of her. I thought she was so beautiful and she looked so perfectly happy. Those photos will be treasured forever. Hope you and Maddy feel better.
She was just absolutely stunning!
I love these pictures of Liz. They make me smile every time I see them. She looks so completely happy.
Take care, both of you…
I can see why Maddie is entranced…we all are. So beautiful, just the kind of beauty that radiates from the inside out. Very rare, and she left you with another absolute beauty. As much as we can all see how great you are taking care of Maddie, I can also see what great care she is taking of you. There is no better team than you two and I am glad you have each other. I’m sure it makes the unbearable days just a little bit better, I have heard that giggle of Maddies on the videos and there is nothing better than that! Such a carefree and happy little girl and she is all yours!
These photos are absolutely gorgeous. You will cherish them for the rest of your life and so will your daughter.
I love the photos of Liz. They are absolutely gorgeous. Sorry to hear that both you and Madeline are at home & feeling sick. Feel Better!!
So I guess I should stop telling my husband I don’t want any pregnancy photos b/c I look like shit? Those are wonderful photos of Liz.
Matt,
My heart breaks for you! I can not even imagine how hard this is for you and I know this month is going to be hell! Please know that you have thousands and thousands of people out in cyber space thinking of you and wishing we could do something to make the pain go away. The pictures are beautiful! Maddy must feel like she is looking at herself in 30 years since she looks so much like Liz. I hope you both feel better! Take care.
I can easily see why Maddy is entranced! Keep pushing through, Matt. You are doing a great job with Maddy, and your writings of late seem a little more hopeful. I wish I were close enough to be a “hands on creep”, but, I’m not. Just know that there are people who have vicariously become family (which I know you know), and that care deeply for you and Maddy. I believe that Liz is witnessing your journey, and that she is way more than please with how you have coped and continue to cope with her loss and with Maddy’s upbringing. Hope that you are both well soon. Blessings from Texas.
Liz was so beautiful, and those pictures are treasures. Impressive artistic ability on your part with the painting, and hope you and Maddy feel better soon!
What awesome pictures. I hope you and little M feel better soon!
Liz was so Beautiful!! I am so happy that you have those pictures too~ Maddy will love them when she gets older!!! Sorry you two are sick! Its so hard to be sick when your little one sick too!! I’ve been there!!!!! Hope you both feel better soon!!
Matt,
Memorial months always hit me like a ton of bricks. The first one is so difficult (not that the rest are a walk in the park or anything).
Each day it is so likely to replay the tapes in your head of where you were exactly a year ago.
I have been dancing around meltdown mode myself a lot lately for different reasons, but grief related ones nonetheless.
I will keep you in my thoughts.
Beautiful photos. Madeline will treasure them as you can see in Liz’s eyes how happy she is.
But I wish she didn’t have to treasure them and had the real thing instead. Madeline deserves to have both of you. I’m sorry she doesn’t.
Absolutely beautiful pictures, Matt. And even though I’ve seen some of them on here before, they got to me today. How special to share those with Maddy today. Thinking of you and praying for your heart and spirit.
And hope you and Maddy feel better soon!
You’re a very strong man, Matt
Madeline looks like an exact clone of Liz it’s amazing. Both are very beautiful.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Liz was beautiful.
It will continue to be hard…reaching “anniversaries” like this will always be tough…but the pain will ease with time. Hang in there – you’ve got the best reason in the world to heal and move forward with your life.
*hugs*
Really great paitings Matt, Maddy will treasue those someday along with the pics of Liz….they had me in tears too.
I am in tears too!
I have become very familiar with these pics.
Who knew they would become so valuable!
Maddy is not only entranced because it’s her mama but maybe also because it’s like looking in a mirror!?
I love your artistic abilities…absolutely beautiful!
Hope ya’ll get to feeling better soon.
It’s March. I know March has a lot of significant dates for you…and I’m sure you may think every day what you were doing a year ago. And perhaps you may think how crazy it is that a year has gone by–at times too fast, at times not fast enough….
You are in my heart, my thoughts, my prayers…today, this month, always….
What a beautiful woman! I’m in tears looking at these. I can see how happy you two were. Madeline is enjoying these photos already and will continue to! *HUGS* hun….
Aww. I love that you’re painting art for Maddie’s room. Liz is smiling down on you. I thought I was reading one of the art blogs I read there for a minute.
What special, beautiful memories you captured that day. I hope that one day your precious little girl will be able to see the delight and excitement in her moms eyes when she looks back at these pictures!
The pictures are beautiful and I’m so glad you have them. Maddy will treasure them and the love Liz had for her shows in those pictures.
They made me cry too.
As hard as it is sometimes to read your entries I’m glad you do. I’m sure you’ve heard it before but it makes me treasure each and everyday with my family and my little girl. She just turned two and my heart breaks to think of what it would be like to have missed everything. You’re both very lucky to have each other though and Maddy will know her mom through you.
Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you as always. I think the pics had a lot of us in tears. Thanks for sharing them Matt.
I think Maddy must be looking at those and thinking “Wow, if I continue looking like Mommy, I’m gonna be a knockout when I grow up”.
Liz looked amazing in those pictures, Matt. I hope they make you smile through your tears…
Those paintings look great. Maybe I need to back track further and see if you have pictures of Madeline’s room; now I’m intrigued. Liz is so beautiful. What wonderful photos.
Matt,
what BEAUTIFUL pics. She was stunning. OMG, can it really be almost a year already??? Big huge hugs to you and Maddy!
I’m in tears too Matt. Fuck. I’m so very sorry. So very very sorry.
I LOVE these beautiful pictures of Liz! It is no surprise that Maddy loves looking at them! Can’t blame you for looking at them through tears. I am sorry you are both sick and I hope you both feel better soon! Big Hugs!
Madeline knows a pretty lady when she sees one; she probably adores the pretty little lady in the mirror, too.
Tears all around. Hope you both feel better soon…in more ways than one.
Hi there! This is my first time posting. I have a request: I was wondering if you could post more pictures of those paintings you did. They’re so cool! And Liz is beautiful. I cannot get over how much Madeline looks like her. Stunning.
Of course she’s entranced. Her mommy is glowing in those pictures.
Liz is absolutely stunning. I understand why Maddy is entraced looking at her mom, she looks just like her.
She really is quite beautiful.
Can I commission you for some toddler artwork? The stuff for Madeline’s room looked tip top.
Wonderful photos, glad that you can share them with your daughter, even if they leave you a little dehydrated. Take care.
Great pics Matt! May they bring a smile to your heart (and Maddy’s as well) through the years.
I hope you both feel better soon!!
Matt, those are really beautiful pictures – thanks for sharing! And how sweet that Maddy responded in that way. You are a wonderful father, hope you two feel better!
It has me asking “why” and I’m a stranger. I’m certain you must ask everyday. What a beautiful gaurdian angel you and Maddy have.
Her beauty is one for the ages. Have not commented lately, lost my job last week. Get well soon and I hope the get together on the 1st was fun!
Thinking of you guys, Matt.
simply gorgeous.
Your pics of Liz are beautiful!!! My heart still breaks for you and Maddy. I’m am so sorry this had to happen to you guys! Sending Big Hugs!
i love the one of her s,4gxwn.k9fg3w8 (that’s smiling to my wonderful 2 year old helper)
Those pictures are amazing and beautiful. Liz’s smile is so contagious.
Thinking of you both and sending healing thoughts your way.
::hugs::
No doubt Maddy is entranced by her Mommy, she was beautiful. Hope you guys are feeling better soon!
Isn’t it amazing how photos can bring about such emotion, and always different for the individual viewing them. Great photos, special memories!
Those are beautiful pictures of Liz, and you and Maddie will cherish them forever. I think it’s cool how enamored she is with them; almost like she knows that’s her mom and that’s her inside her mom.
they have me in tears, too. madeline will probably forever be entranced by beautiful photos and beautiful stories of her beautiful mom. thanks to her wonderful, loving dad.
matt – i am thinking of all the “one year ago todays” you are facing right now. i think people put way too much pressure on the whole “year” thing. you don’t have to all the sudden be “ok”, because a year has gone by. i think if anything – it might be scary….scary that others and you might start to forget (even though I know you won’t…)…….the farther away you get from that day and that pain is also farther away from all the days with liz you had before. i imagine that as hard as those first months were after liz was gone, you might be afraid to leave those behind, and get farther away from liz’s memory. i guess what i’m trying to say is….i hope you don’t feel like everyone expects you to be “better” after this year has gone by….maybe for your days to be somewhat more bearable, but not to be “better”.
Made me tear up too…at my new job. God Bless both you and Maddy. That gorgeous woman in those pics is too beautiful for words.
You’re not crying alone…She’s watching over you both…and is SO PROUD.
Awesome pictures! As hard as it is to see… how lucky you and Maddy are you took them. You amaze me everyday you post something. Through the tears you have to know you are doing a wonderful job as a daddy and one day you will see your work that you have truely done and nobody can take that from you or Maddy! Hugs from North Carolina
I always have to have my tissues close by when I read your blog.
I am sorry that you and Maddy are sick.
Your photos of Liz are goregous are.
Hope ya’ll feel better soon.
Those photos are beautiful, Liz was captivating.
These next few weeks will undoubtedly be the hardest on you as Madeline’s birthday approaches. Just know that all of us are here, standing behind you, offering you and Madeline our full support. You are doing a great job and Im sure Liz is watching over you with love and pride in her eyes.
Oh… and those paintings are beautiful. I wish I could have found stuff like that for my son’s room when he was born. You ever think about starting your own nursery decorating business?
feel better soon. I am also so glad you got those photos, they are amazing.
Very beautiful pics. I hope you and Maddy feel better soon. Sounds like alot of cuddling is a good idea for you both today.
I am also impressed by the paintings you did. You never cease to amaze me
gorgeous pics. you were a hands on dad even before Maddy was born.
A BIG hug for you and Maddy!
:::snifff:::
Matt, Liz was beautiful (as I’m sure you already knew). It’s not like I’ve never seen her pictures before, I just wanted to let you know that. I love the picture where she is laughing. That is where you really get see her Liz-sized smile. Of course all of those pictures are priceless, and I am very glad that you were able to convince her to take those shots. She looked absolutely gorgeous in them!! I cannot imagine what you have gone and are going through. I wish you guys all the best!!
Liz is absolutely beautiful. I wish I had taken more pictures and videos of my sister while she was still alive. You’re an amazing, amazing person. I wish I could find the same strength inside of myself that I see in you.
i wish there was something that i, or anyone else, could say… just know that you have a lot of love and support from all of us. you’re in our thoughts & prayers. & thank you for sharing the photos. they’re beautiful
So amazing that you have those beautiful pictures to share with Maddy. You’re absolutely keeping Liz alive for Maddy. It’s going to be a VERY hard month I’m sure, but you guys have each other. Just kiss and hold her more and more right now.
Rosie
Matt,
What beautiful pictures, I am sure your whole family will treasure those forever. Precious, thank you for sharing them. I can’t get over how much Madeline looks like Liz…talk about a mini Liz!
I hope you both feel better soon, I am home with our 2 kids (ages 5 & 2) today…went to the dr this morning and my littlest one has a double ear infection and my oldest has a sore throat and headache. I was just checking your site as my kids sleep and I was pleasantly surprised to see a new posting…but I hope you both feel better soon.
I have a feeling you will make it through this month of March OK, you are such a strong man. Thank you for the inspiration.
Beautiful pictures, of Liz, Matt. Thank you for sharing them and your thoughts with us.
Those are amazing and she is beautiful! I wish I had allowed more than one single shot of my pregnancy since I will not be having another one. Liz has not missed everything. I don’t know how, but she is present. I just know it. If it means anything, I am an Episcopal priest and everything I have ever learned tells me she is present, really and truly.
For everything..turn turn turn
What a lovely legacy. Tears can be healing too.
I agree with Pam O’Shields. I know Liz is witnessing your journey and she is so very, very proud of you. How could she not be? March is going to fucking suck, no doubt. Keep plugging away and know that you are doing an awesome job raising Madeline AND showing her who her mama was and how much she loved (and still loves) you both. You are an inspiration to all of us. I’m just sorry that you had to lose so much to be that inspiration. The pictures of Liz are fabulous and I’m glad, for you, too, that you were able to convince her to let you take them. Thanks for sharing with all of us. I hope you and Maddy feel better soon.
Asalamu Alaykom Mr. Matt,
I’m used to seeing Your Liz sans make-up. She didn’t need any. I know she thought that curling her hair or putting on some color made her more beautiful. She simply didn’t know how beautiful she was. Mashallah.
I’ve been looking at photos of my friend’s daughter who died just days ago. A perfectly healthy young person looking back at you from a photo after they have died is enough to do your head in.
Protect yourself over these days. I’m hoping you remain, “relatively unscathed”. Those words of yours continue to remind me that I don’t have to be doing my personal best. I just have to not totally suck.
She was so very beautiful. It makes the loss seem so much more immediate when you realize the timing of these pics. You are making Liz so proud.
Lotsa hugs to you and Maddy.
I am so glad you were able to get some photos of her while she was pregnant. There is a couple in there I absolutly love the one of her pointing at her belly and the other her sitting in the chair holding and looking at her belly. Just shows how excited she was to have maddy. I am sure Liz is looking down so proud of all you have done do and continue doing in her honor and for your beautiful daughter,
Matt, thanks for sharing those beautiful photos of Liz. Hope you and Maddy get well soon! XO
Liz was utterly beautiful pregnant, she looks so proud and happy. Thinking of you and your lovely little Madeline this month x
My chest became so tight looking at those pictures of Liz and thinking about what should have been for all of you. Your last comment just about put me over the top, if not for my watching toddlers I may have just given in to the emotion. Hope you and Madeline get well soon and that March passes quickly. What a strange month it will be and all to familiar, with celebrations and grieving all mingled together.
I know what you mean about pictures sometimes being scares. I’m so glad you got those great pics too. I never was one for pictures before, now I look back and wish I had taken more pics of everyday things I did with my wife.
I too dread the one year milestone. If it’s similar to the six month marker…I may just sleep all day.
Also, the pictures are great and it’s wonderful that pieces of her Mommy’s influence and personality surround her.
Those pictures are GORGEOUS!!! I’m so happy that you were able to get them
She sure was beautiful!
I hope you and Madeline get better soon! BIG HUGS
I had tears in my eyes also….will be thinking of you and maddy this month.
Those are BEAUTIFUL photos of Liz…how special for Maddy when she’s older. (and special for you too)
Pictures to last a lifetime. And they will. Truly.
The photos are lovely. Hope you and Madeline feel better soon. Thinking of you and sending vibes of peace and hope your way, today and everyday.
Liz looks beautiful. Those pictures and your words have me in tears too.
Those pictures are gorgeous. Liz was so beautiful!
:hugs:
She’s beautiful. And her daughter looks just like her.
I hope you both get well soon. And that the month passes quickly for you.
Liz looks beautiful. I can imagine your pain. I know by reading how much you loved her and how much you miss her…
Hope you 2 feel better soon.
these pictures are gorgeous. of course maddy is entranced
what a pretty momma. Oh how I wish she could have held that beautiful baby of hers.
get well soon
Matt,
The pictures of Liz are beautiful. I too never wanted my picture taken while I was pregnant with my last daughter the year before. Wish I had. I know these next few weeks will be extremely hard for you, and I have no words of wisdom, but just know that you and Maddy are in my thoughts and prayers as always. Hope you two feel better soon!
Lots of hugs,
Debbie
I love the one with her head thrown back. Love it. And I understand the pain. I was sorting through some books on Saturday and I found one lodged into a book. And I sat on the floor and cried for about an hour. It’s the times I have not prepared myself for the images that are harder to recover from. When I KNOW I’m going to see pictures of him, I somehow steel my heart against it. It’s all very confusing.
Maybe it’s just my imagination, but I feel like I can hear the weight of the coming anniversary bearing down on you in your words. Actually, I guess what I’m hearing is that you’ve entered a period where everything is a memorable “one year ago today, I know we were here…”, “one year ago today, I remember we were doing this…” as Liz’s pregnancy neared its end, hammering home (as though you need anything to), just how far from all those plans and dreams you find yourself today.
FUCKITY-FUCK-FUCK-FUCK!!! You’ve come so far, but I’m sure a stretch like this can make you feel like you’ve barely left the NICU.
Ultimately, they’re all just days, just dates — even THE day. In the grand scheme of things, nothing’s going to hurt less (or more) on Day 365 than on Day 360 or Day 370, though expectations can make it seem otherwise. All of them will entail just doing what you’ve been doing — breathe in, breathe out, get out of bed for your baby, muddle through, and find laughter and joy where you can. There’s no more getting around that today than there was 11 months ago, even though you’ve now got an army of people rooting for you. At the end of the day, it’s still all on you, and I’m so sorry nothing can really change that.
But also at the end of the day, you can rest assured knowing that you’ve gone another day without breaking her — and savor and celebrate how far you’ve come from thinking that might happen any minute!!
Today, Day 61 of a healing 2009, you are an amazing, accomplished, and loving father, and so so much more. That’s a milestone also worth marking, too, and I hope that you do.
Take care, get well…and get through another one as best you can. xo
yowza! that came out way longer than i intended. sorry!
Okay.
Now I’m crying.
Matt, I’m so so sorry you’ll have to live this March. Although I’m sure you’ll endure it — and you will! — it just breaks my heart. Please please be well.
Beautiful photos! While you’re decorating Maddy’s room you should add a little wallpaper . http://www.cookiemag.com/magazine/blogs/nesting/2009/03/wallpaper-by-ai.html
Nothing like robot wall paper! Hang in there, you’re doing a great job.
I love those pictures, they are beautiful and even through the tears, I know you do too. Pictures/memories have a tendency to bitch slap you right across the face…fuckers.
So sorry to hear that you guys are sick…it’s def. going around..no wonder Maddy seemed a bit out of sorts yesterday. I hope you both feel better soon. Lots of rest, liquids and soup!
Sending lots of hugs, good thoughts and strength your way.
xoxoxoxo,
Tricia and Bella in the So.Cal
ps. that’s some mighty fine art work friend
pps. Of course Maddy Darling is entranced, who wouldn’t be? <3
What beautiful pictures, what beautiful memories. You are truly lucky to have such a beautiful daughter although you had to pay a steep price. You are a wonderful father.
Sending positive thoughts your way. No doubt that this is going to be a tough month, but hold that little girl tight and hopefully it will help ease the pain.
me too, I am crying. tears to my eyes.
sending love to you both from the OH.
I can not get over how much Maddie looks like her mom. What a blessing you have a living reminder of how beautiful she was. The photos are gorgeous. Hang in there, you are doing a GREAT job, and I’m sure Liz is so proud of you.
she is
absolutely captivating.
Oh, Matt. She’s so beautiful. The one with her head thrown back in laughter should be enlarged.
And they had me in tears, too.
she is stunning…
The pictures had me in tears, too. Madeline looks so much like her. Beautiful.
My heart breaks for you and Maddy. The ending of your post had me in tears. I am so sorry that this happened to your family.
I think EM summed up what I wanted to say, so I second that.
Madeline will grow up knowing how much her mother loved her and what a great person she was.
Nothing any of us say will truly seem right. Everyone grieves in their own way. You are doing an awesome job as a father, and not letting the grief stop you guys from living the life that Liz would have wanted. I know she is proud of you.
Hope you guys feel better soon
I’m so glad you have these pics. Your wife was so beautiful but you do not need me to tell you that. I’m glad your daughter is just a great resemblance (I think… I’m sure it could be a burden some days).
For me, I’m really sad I don’t have more pictures of Roger from the month before. Just didn’t take as many as normal.
Ugh…
Amazing photos. And I love the paintings you did. We love things like that in our kids rooms (or any room for that matter)
sorry you are sick. love love love you both!
maddie knows true beauty when she sees it.
you do, too, matt.
peace to you today.
*
Matt, you are really lucky to have those photos. Liz looks so happy and so beautiful. Soon it will be 1 year since Liz is gone, it’s weriod because you won’t be able to go back and say last year at this time she was doing……. The one year mark changes everything. Maddy’s Birthday is not far away. What are you going to do to celebrate her special day? We are thinking about Sophia’s birthday which is still 3 months away. It’s hard because her birthday is the exacate same date as her mother’s death. Maddy has her own day which is alot better. I always think about Jackie (Sophia’s Mother) and think back to when she had a 100 days left before her due date. I use to count down the days for her. I think back now and I was counting down the days she had left to live. This is such a fucked up situation. I think of you and Maddy all the time and know that we are not alone. You are doing a great job keep it up.
Rosann
Such pretty pictures – the one of her laughing is priceless.
I learned about your blog from an appearance you made on a talk show. I was amazed by your strength and character. Your precious daughter resembles her mom so much and Maddy is lucky to have you as a dad and she has her beautiful mom watching over her all of the time…Until you both see her again someday. Take care and know there are many well wishes being sent out your way from New York City….
Bless your hearts for what you are going thru. I have been reading your blog since AOL did their story last month.
Today I read another heartbreaking blog about a family who lost their infant daughter to cancer.
http://www.etsy.com/storque/craftivism/love-is-a-movement-the-cora-project-3450/
It made me think of the worst grief possible and would I have the strength to turn such sadness into hope? I sure hope I never have to find out.
Matt: I read thru all of the comments so I thought I would comment again. Like someone above already said that day will be like any other of the 364 days that already passed. You will get thru that day. You will relieve every minute of that day, every word you said to Liz everything comes back to your mind but you will get thru the Day. For me when my Dad died from West Nile Virus two years ago after the day passed it seemed to click for me that he really was gone and I needed to go on with my life, move forward and not concentrate on the fact that he was gone but on all the good things I had in my life with him. I know for you things are much different because you now have a child to take care of. You are doing such a great job raising her. Like someone also said above a mother’s greatest fear is to die and leave their child. Your wife is probably so proud of you. I know that you say you don’t believe in the after life but I do and it makes me happy to think that my dad will be athere waiting for his family when Ithey join him. Like I said before you ARE A STRONG PERSON. That day will bring back many feelings but you will be able to move forward.
Wow – I haven’t cried while reading your blog in a months but those pictures took my breath away. I’m sad for Liz that she isn’t here to hold that beautiful girl but so glad you have such great pictures of Liz to share with Madeline.
Wow…Liz was so beautiful! Thank you for sharing those photos with us!
OMG…..she’s so beautiful inside and out…In every single picture she just radiates…AJ is right she is like a supernova. You’re awesome for all that you do.
I adore the picture of her pointing at her belly. She was the cutest! I’m glad you got the pictures, too. She’s beautiful, Matt. Maddy is lucky to have all of those photos you took.
I hope you’re both feeling better! There’s so much junk floating around out there.
What beautiful and amazing pictures you have to remember Liz and remind yourself and Madeline of what love looks like. I have an 18 month old little boy and I couldn’t imagine going through what you are or having my husband in your shoes. Your story is inspiring and on those days when I take for granted the time I have with my son, your blog and your story serve as a reminder of how thankful I must be each day. Thank you for sharing your photos, your story and your life with Madeline. It truly is beautiful.
It is amazing how quickly a year goes by. I am sure those moments are etched in your memory and will be cherished always. I think it is so amazing that Maddy is mezmerized by her gorgeous mommy…and it sounds like her daddy always was. She is with you watching over you both. Oh, how I am sure you would give all this up if only she could be here with you again.
P.S. Great work on the art for Maddy’s room too!! You are good!!
Those are beautiful pictures.
My favourite is the one where she is pointing to her stomach and grinning like crazy. Absolutely breathtaking.
this is a big month…so many people are rooting for you, don’t forget that!!
trying to blink away the tears in my eyes. thanks for sharing the beautiful phots.
Amazing photos….heartbreaking post. Hope the two of you feel better soon.
She was so beautiful!! Thank you for sharing these pictures with us. Hang in there! We are ALL here for you and Maddy!
No wonder she’s entranced…it’s her beautiful Mom.
I’m so glad you convinced her to take some photos.
hello matt, today you, liz and madeline made me think of part of a poem i take comfort in:
“i carry your heart with me ( i carry it in my heart) i am never without it (anywhere i go you go, my dear: and whatever is done by only me is your doing my darling.
i carry your heart ( i carry it in my heart)”
keep hanging on my friend, madeline is amazing, margaret
WOW, Matt. The glow on liz’s face is incredible. I can see both why Madeline would be entranced and why you would be in tears. Thinking of you every day. I have to say, matt, I read this post twice today. It was so moving.
i am loving the Liz pictures! it is because of you that i have agreed to be more accepting of pictures…you just never know when people may want to look back on them. i am soo glad you took these as they will be such a great thing for you and maddy to have.
Tomorrow my little girl Paige turns 12. Not so little anymore. Of course her birthday is always a day when I think of her daddy, and wishing he was here. I know the tears only too well. Tomorrow will also mark my father’s 3rd month passing.
Shit, I have to have a good fake smile tomorrow.
Maddy should be entranced. Liz is a beautiful woman.
P.S. I think I like the one of her laughing best. No, the one with you, her, and Maddy is also best.
she’s beautiful.
our losses are fairly close together. i lost my twin boys on march 7th and 8th….and just a few weeks later i found your blog.
so sorry about your liz. i’m sure you cant beleive its almost been a year. me either.
Absolutely gorgeous. Feel better.
The photos of Liz inspired me to get a little spruced up while 9 months pregnant and have some photos taken of me outside with my husband. Thank you Liz and Matt for the inspiration.
@ the post
Me too.
Matt…..i sit here crying looking at your beautiful wife and the only conclusion I can come to is that life sometimes is just not fair. I hope you know how truly amazing you are and that you are so much stronger than alot of us would be. My son will be one year on March 16th and I had to take blood thinners through a shot in my belly all throughout my pregnancy due to a blood clotting condition. What happened to liz was my worst fear. My heart hurts everyday for the simple fact that she is not there with you guys…..that you are not doing this together as a team. You had mentioned before that you are afraid you are going to forget the memories when Maddy asks about her mother. Well……they are all here…..in this blog and in your pictures. I never had the pleasure of meeting liz but I feel like she was a friend. The way you write about her and the pictures I see leaves no doubt in my mind that she was an absolutely amazing person and Maddy will know her mother because of you. Maddy will not be able the thank you enough when she is older for what you have done here on this blog and for being such an amazing daddy. I think about you guys everyday and I hope this month is not to horribly bad for you. I hope you are able to celebrate the life of that beautiful baby girl without to much sadness. I know….easier said than done. Did not mean to wright a novel….just wanted you to know you are thought about and that you are amazing!
Melissa
wow, you blog is fucking great.
also sad, i might say…but your baby has got an excellent daddy! I’m sure she’ll be exrtemally proud of you when she gets older!
And the pictures are so perfect! They have me in tears also!
Love from Brazil!
She was so beautiful… So is Maddy… Stay Strong.
Amy
Maddy looks just like her beautiful Momma…
Get better soon.
You’re not crying alone.
Oh, I wish I didn’t know you through this blog. I wish I had never heard of you and you and Maddie still had Liz.
I hope you both feel better soon.
{{Hugs}}
Z
The photos are gorgeous, of course
She’s with you everyday, through Maddy and just on your side helping you along.
Your post made me tear up as well
thinking of you both
Sometimes the camera comes in handy, doesn’t it?! It certainly did for me when Eric was ill with cancer..looking back, I’m glad I bought a SLR and a decent lens. Can’t wait to share the photos with Ethan (our two year old son). Thanks for sharing! She looks like a happy “mom”. -Christine M.
Wow, a great photographer AND artist?! Is there anything you can’t do?? Thanks for sharing and hope you guys feel better very soon!
Aw, that’s beautiful. Though I’m sure that memory hurts, it’s wonderful to have those pictures. Thanks for sharing with us.
Is there some sort of limit on how many times a person can tell you how sorry they are for your loss before you just want to punch them in the stomach? I ache for you and Maddy. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
I remember seeing those photos shortly after the Star Tribune article. Back then my response was that she was a very pretty woman.
Having followed your story over the past year I know have quite a different response. The depth of joy, love and togetherness you’ve written about have infused these photos with increased luminosity and color. I’ve never met you or your family, but my heart aches to know that your light is no longer a physical presence in your life. I really wish people didn’t have to experience such sadness and grief.
I imagine March will throw you an endless barrage of punches to the gut (and heart). Here’s a toast to simply getting through each day.
Take care of yourself (and your beautiful child)
Beautiful pictures Matt! They also have me in tears! Thank you for sharing these pictures!
Oh…also to say sorry to Lori for the loss of her job…sigh.
Sorry you’re home sick today. Hope you both feel better soon. I don’t blame her for being entranced. Her mother was beautiful.
Matt these pictures are fabulous. It is clear that Liz was a beautiful soul inside and out, and your gorgeous daughter allows that true beauty to live on. And now Liz’s beauty lives on through all of us… Thanks again for sharing. Best wishes to you and Maddy for a speedy recovery.
every time i visit you here it seems a giant lump visits my throat as well. and everytime, i try to think of something to say. something empathetic, insightful, hopeful, comforting….
there are no words.
Beautiful photos!
Matt, if nothing else your post today reminds the rest of us to really do our best to treasure the time we have right now. Take that picture…remember that memory…enjoy the moment.
Liz was a glowingly beautiful woman. And your amazing pictures do her tremendous justice.
Matt,
I have tried to comment on your blog several times since I started reading a little over a month ago. I keep coming back, even though it makes me sob.
On Feb. 14, 2008 my husband and I lost our oldest son. He was two. Our situation is totally different from yours, and one person’s grief has no comparison to another’s…but I have just been through this whole anniversary. It’s so hard…to miss someone and not be able to control when the memories come and go.
Your wife is so beautiful, as is your daughter. You are doing something very good and very profound by sharing on this blog.
I want you to know that you aren’t alone…even though I am sure that sometimes it feels that way. Thank you so much for this site…for letting others know that we aren’t alone either.
Got tears myself
, gotta go up and kiss my sleeping baby girl now…. much love and hope you and Maddy are feeling better
My heart is breaking all over again.
Thinking of you both, and how proud Liz would be of the fantastic father that you are.
**hugs**
These are beautiful, Matt. Beautiful.
March. I woke up yesterday morning, and immediately thought of you and the cruelty that this month may bring. I can only hope that you both feel better soon, and that the love you and Maddy share can carry you through this sad time.
How wonderful that you have so many photographs of your beautiful wife. While it may seem to make things more difficult sometimes, you will always cherish these and Maddy will be so thankful to have these in the future. While her life was far too short, you were able to chronicle and now memorialize it in such a beautiful way that your daughter will be able to share in the joy of it.
May we all find ourselves so lucky and blessed as to be loved by someone as fiercely as she was by you. Stay strong Matt.
maddy was likely mesmerized by the photos because she could sense how emotionally tied you were to them, and because she knows that the gorgeous woman on the screen is someone who radiates love for her. what a blessing it is for her to have these pictures.
i have no words that will be able to lessen the pain of what you are going through, but know that you have so many stranger friends out here who are keeping you and maddy in our thoughts. take care
Oh Matt, she is beautiful! Prayers heading your way.
Beautiful pictures you have to go along with the great memories. Ive been following along since the rachel ray show. You are an amazingly strong awesome father. I hope that you feel better soon!
hugs to the both of you!
They have me in tears…….I can’t really look at Andrea’s photo’s from when she was pregnant.
The photos are beautiful, I hope you both feel better soon. Take Care…
words can’t even begin to describe how your blog has touched my life. every day i send good thoughts yours and maddy’s way. i can’t even imagine what you’re going thru but thank you for sharing your life with us. you’re a very inspiring person. i wish you and maddy nothing but love and happiness.
You will see that radiant smile and happiness again. How can you not when Maddy is following in her mother’s footsteps and walking down the path you are paving with Liz’s memories?
Your life is bittersweet, but hopefully you can concentrate on the sweet side of it cause Madeline is the Princess of Sweetness. I bet being around her helps all that bitterness fade into the background.
Hugs from here to there and hope you’re both feeling better!
My prayers are with you during this really tough month, mine comes in May. I know how you feel about looking at the pics and then the wonderful memory comes and immediately follows that memory is the death and loss of the loved one.
I loved these pics of your beautiful wife,especially the 2nd one, she looks so relaxed and lovely.
I hope you and Maddy get well soon.
Take care
Teresa
Wow… she seems so peaceful and happy…
Hope you’re feeling better…
Beautiful pics!! So glad you got those shots! Hope you and Maddie feel better soon!!
Love, Mere
Beautiful photos. You will be in my thoughts this month.
I don’t know if you have seen this yet, but you should definitely bookmark this for when Maddy is ready for some arts and crafts.
http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2009/03/find-me.html
Cool Robot!
This is going to be a hard month, Matt. Just the anticipation of the day can make it unbearable. I’m so glad you have those pictures of your beautiful, beautiful Liz. You are an inspiration to your daughter and to many. Be well.
Thinking of you both, and wishing so hard it really didn’t have to be this way.
The pictures are beautiful and such tangible documentation of the love for Madeline before she even arrived in the world. I’m so glad that you have them to share with her. This month if probably going to be an uphill climb (the understatement of the year) but you can do it. We are all here for you.
Wonderful pictures!! I hope you and Maddy get to feeling better soon!
Thinking of you guys during this difficult month. Liz was beautiful and Madeline is going to be every bit as gorgeous as her mom. I’d put one of those pictures in Madeline’s room. Give the STB birthday girl big kisses from Chicago!!
A picture that you had of Madeline’s room, I looked at the paintings and thought about how neat they looked and where they came from, now I know. You truly have an artistic eye.
The photos are very beautiful, and I am very happy that Maddy loves them so much..she probably thinks that they’re of herself
Liz is beautiful, and Maddy looks so much like her.
Hugs and prayers from here to you and your daughter.
Feel better soon!
Beautiful photos!
The pictures are beautiful. She is just glowing. Thank you for sharing these, I hope you and Maddy feel better soon.
I am so sorry Matt. I know it must be the hardest thing in the world to look back and think, “this time last year.” I wish there was something I could say to put right everything that is so fucking wrong. She was so beautiful and she loved you so much. Like those beautiful pictures that never changes.
Sending you lots of hugs today, the get well kind and the supportive, I’m here for you kind. And Gracie sends a giant smooch. Both of your girls are stunningly beautiful; you are a lucky man.
Hope you two are feeling better tomorrow.
Wow … Liz looks absolutely beautiful in those pictures. Sending up a couple of prayers for Liz, Maddie and you and wiping away my tears. Hope you and Maddie feel better very soon.
My thoughts are with you this month……With regard to the pictures, there is no doubt how much Liz loved Madeline and Maddy will always have those photos to SEE how her mother loved her! They are both so beautiful!!!
it will never stop amazing me just how much Maddy looks like Liz. So beautiful.
She is so beautiful. I’m glad you got those pictures of her too.
Those pictures speak a thousand words! It is not fair that she is not here, but her love for both you and Maddie definitely shows. My heart goes out to you.
I love these photos…it took me a long time to decide what photos to put on Maddy’s quilt because you have so many gorgeous photos of her. She was such a natural beauty. Madeline is lucky to have that beauty as well…she’s gonna be a heartbreaker, Daddy!
Hope you’re both feeling better soon. Give your girl some extra hugs and you’ll both feel better.
She is BEAUTIFUL!
Matt, the photos are beautiful. You and Madeline both are so blessed to have them. Maddy is turning into the beauty that her mother was.
Hi Matt, I havent been to your blog in a while..not because i didnt want to but because i have been busy.
Im glad i visited today though because those pictures are just beautiful. *Hugs* Take care and i hope you and Maddy are feeling better soon.
The photos are BEAUTIFUL!! Madeline looks so much like Liz!
Get well soon!
Matt,
Those are indeed beautiful photos of pregnant Liz. Maddy will treasure them.
One of the things that I started to do as an adult was to celebrate by doing something my dad would have loved the day before his birthday (the day he died) and then having a cupcake on his birthday. It really helped a lot to focus on the idea that I’m going to do a fun thing that he’d have chosen so we can ’spend some time together’. The time that he would have wanted. It’s been 31 years since he passed away, and I still look forward to planning our special day ‘together’ each year.
Stay strong this month. No doubt this will be a bittersweet month for you.
Those are some beautiful photos, Maddy is sure to treasure them when she’s older. It’s so easy to see the love that you all shared in every photo you post.
My thoughts are with you, keep fighting the good fight!
Beautiful pictures and beautiful post!
They have me in tears, too. Liz was an absolutely beautiful pregnant person…but like, Liz, I always thought I looked like shit, too…
Beautiful! Get well soon guys.
I’m shedding some tears with you. March was always kinda of a blah holiday month. March forever will be pretty crappy for m now too. I hope you have a good sick day and some rest…
What amazing photos! Your story is so moving. I cry ever time I read a post of yours. I sometimes wonder if I had not made it last year after I gave birth to my daughter if my husband would have been able to go on.
You are a strong man and you are doing a great job being a father. I hope if anything were to happen to me that my husband be strong like you.
I wish you and your daughter all the best. This month is sure to be one of the sweetest and hardest.
And like everyone else, I’m in tears too. Beautiful pictures…Liz is glowing. Thank you for sharing.
Christine D.
hey matt-
I don’t know where to start with this blog, but I just want to let you know that I was in the audience when you spoke on the Rachel Ray show and was extremely inspired by your story. It made me want to go out there and change the world!! I review your blogs everyday, hope to hear from you at some point and would love to have your email address to help out with the liz logelin fund. Hope you’re having a wonderful day!! Thanks for the inspiration
she looks stunning!
I can not imagine what looking at those photos does, but you will always treasure them!!!
hugs Matt
get the 2 of you better soon!
Liz was absolutely beautiful, and you can tell from your photos it was not only from the outside, but radiated from the inside as well. Her smile is incredibly contageous and i cannot help but smile each time you share photos of her with the world. Wishing you and Madeline to both feel better soon, cuddle up and relax..and enjoy the day.
I rarely comment, but feel the need to today. She was beautiful! I am glad you got those pictures.
She is beautiful. Keep on keeping on. You are loved.
Oh, Matt. I am so glad that you and Madeline have those pictures. I’m sure Maddy will cherish them when she is older.
Hi Matt and Madeline I hope you feel better
Liz is an angel watching over you. I love the pictures of her.
Love,
Emma
age 8
Matt~Gorgeous pictures of Liz . I love the one of her looking up and laughing. Especially the one of her pointing to her pregnant belly. So sweet. Sorry you guys are sick, that blows. Hang in there. I know this will be an emotional month for you. Give me a holler if you want. I would love to reconnect.
J~
dear friend, you captured such beautiful moments of incapsulated joy that she felt that day, posing for you. looking at her, looking at that camera… you can see she is looking at you, smiling at you, rejoicing at you and the child that the two of you created. what a gift those shots are.
Liz was so tiny- it is really hard to believe Madeline was born so soon after these were snapped.
I look at that tiny belly- and than your almost year old healthy child- and feel so grateful.
for all the tragedies that soon followed these images- it is easy to forget the miracle.. her sweet smiling face- hard to associate her with that tiny preemie.
It is sad so many women feel so low when pregnant- because generally speaking- they look stunning.. Liz sure did.
Liz must have been a powerhouse to stand her ground- my husband is a photographer.. i know first hand what it is like to be pregnant and have a husband with a camera in his hand.
Wow, Matt, Liz looks absolutely perfect and beautiful in these photos! Looks like your little Madeline is a mini-Liz, too. March will have some awful memories for you, and I am praying that you will weather them OK. Are you making some plans for little Madeline’s birthday? 52/52? Hope you guys are feeling all better very soon.
Absolutely amazing pictures of Liz. I can totally see why Maddy is entranced. The pregnancy glow is beautiful. I can’t believe Maddy will be one very soon. Hope everyone gets well soon.
“the photos of her mom that she sees on my computer screen have her absolutely entranced.
they have me in tears.”
Me, too.
I Have tears for you two also. But I also have smiles. I did not know Liz. I only see her through YOUR photos and words. That my friend has shown me the type of person, the love, the joy, the wife, the mother to be she was. If I can see that from way over here in MN, Your darling girl sees that and more through living every day.
Hugs. You are doing wonderful job of showing Maddy how beautiful a person her mother was.
She’s beautiful. I hope you and Maddy get rid of the “sick” soon.
Beautiful. That one word sums her up completely.
Can you take those photos of her and put them in little frames on a ribbon and attach them to Maddy’s wall?
Maddy is going to be every bit as beautiful as her mom, and Liz’s beauty, and love of life will somehow live on through your precious child that you created together, out of love.
:::wiping tears away:::
What poignant – and absolutely beautiful- pictures! Through your lenses, eyes, and words, Maddy will know her Mom and know Liz’s love for her.
Beautiful pictures… Maddy is soooooo blessed to have such a wonderful daddy like you… Liz is so proud of you
Much love and blessing to you both!
Hi Matt,
No words of wisdom (as if that’s a new thing). Just wanted you to know that you and the little blonde one are in my thoughts.
xxxxxxxx
i’m so late to this, but wow matt, just wow. little maddy looks so much like her beautiful mummy. these pics are simply radiant. you and maddy will treasure them for the rest of your days.
Today is a milestone and my thoughts are with you. Such a testament to life and to love. Thank you for being.
My biggest, gentlest of hugs coming your way Matt!
I think of you, Maddie and your story daily. You have thought me SO much during your time of grief.
It is amazing to me how one man’s tragedy can help others to remember to stop and cherish the days they DO have with their family. To stop screaming at the kids for a messy room or not eating their pea’s… to not get in arguments with their husband over a maxed out credit card. You have, and continue to help me become a better mom and wife. I will forever be grateful to you for THAT while offering you a simple hug from Canada!
I’m sorry I’m late to this post, and I don’t have any new words or new ideas or new ways to undo the past and bring her back for you. I wish I did.
The picture of the two of you is lovely. It is quite apparent that you made her very happy; I hope you can find solace in that.
She was beautiful. Radiant. Pregnancy definitely looked good on her, even if it didn’t agree w/her too well. I can understand why you’d be in tears. She was a beautiful woman. She truly was. And I love all the pictures. I’m glad that Maddy has them. And I’m glad she’s enjoying them. Maybe in her own little way she kinda knows who she is. I know without a doubt that Liz is watching over the both of you, always. She can’t be far. *gentle hugs* All the ‘-versaries” are going to be hard. I do that to myself too. Dates are torture for me, sometimes. Just know that you have a lot of people that love and care about you and your precious little girl. *smiles*
I was wondering if I could possibly get an address so I can send Maddy a card for her birthday. Hers is 11 days after mine.
love these photos of liz and her baby bump. what a happy time that was for you two. i’m so happy that you have these pictures. happy that you have little maddy now.
my heart wanted to cry when i saw them at first, but what a gift for maddy when one day she will carry a child. she will cherish these photos, and this blog so much.
Those are beautiful pics of her!
I’m sure it must be hard to look at them and remember–but I’m so glad you have them!
A very beautiful post Matt…….Liz looks absolutely stunning in those priceless pictures….thank you for sharing~
Hey man….just wanted you to know that you are awesome…i read about your story in a magazine and wanted to learn more…im 19 and you just amaze me…Im very sorry for your loss I couldnt imagine that but I look up to you and hope that someday I can be as good of a father as you. Keep it up and God bless you both!
Liz is beautiful. So is Maddy. You are also a beautiful person and a wonderful father. Maddy will know her mama through you. Great job.
She looks stunning. So happy and so proud. These are such wonderful photos for Madeline to have. Even though you never planned on raising Madeline alone, you are doing an amazing job
I don’t know you at all, but found your blog. You have inspired me to keep truckin’ and get up everyday and live for life’s simple pleasures and the present. Most importantly, you have blessed me in knowing my life is worth living. Thank you.
Matt I have been debating if I should tell you this for a couple weeks now. On February 22nd of this year I was hit by a car while crossing the street. I was so extremely blessed that my injuries were ONLY 4 fractures in my pelvis. Like most people I don’t LOVE needles. Well after surgery and two weeks of rehab I have been sent home with 10 days worth of shots to prevent pulmonary embolisms. I have to give the shots myself which I wasn’t going to do and then I remembered Liz. I sucked it up like a champ, shot myself with that needle. I thought this was a stupid story to tell but I guess you never know the little ways your blog has inspired people. I hope this was an ok thing to share with you.
Such beautiful pictures of Liz. She looks so happy. Your daughter looks just like her mom!
Matt & Maddy, I have read your blog for several months now. My computer has been down, and I haven’t been able to read you for a week or so. I can’t even imagine your pain.
Thank you so much for sharing your story Matt, your beautiful wife with us and your beautiful daughter,
God bless and keep the both of you.
God Bless you, Matt. She is so beautiful.
So in tears; I have been following you for a while. Today is just…
*No word*
With all my heart, from Montreal,
Karinaxxxxx
My god…I’m bawling again…LOL! Maddy is just so gorgeous…as was Liz. You guys are doing so awesome. When I’m having a shitty day, I come and read your blog and I instantly get inspired. You’re a wonderful Dad!! And you’re a beautiful family. All the best from Northern BC, Canada
I read your blog and am so amazed by you. I am crying for everything that you have lost and for everything that Maddy will not experience first hand with Liz.
Liz was beautiful and it is so hard to believe she could look terrible when she was glowing so much! You are doing an amazing job… your daughter is beautiful and healthy and vibrant! Your daughter is lucky to have you keeping the spirit of her mother alive. It is through us that our loved ones live on…
i’m not sure of your beliefs and I don’t mean to disrespect you if they are different, but I know when you see Liz again someday she will greet you with “Job well done daddy”!! she is/will be proud of the great job your doing with the precious gift she left you. Maddy is one lucky little girl!
hi
iam Basma from egypt ,
i love ur story ,it has touched me personally ,i’ve lost my mother when she was giving birth of my brother “Ahmed” ,i was 4 and i still remember my father’s tears and the feeling the everything was lost .
my dad “MAHMOUD and my new mum “my beloved mum : HALA” struggled to raise us in most perfect way .
never to worry about ur daughter she will be ok and more than ok
u know my brother now is studying medicine ,and me :an instructor in college !! u believe it , that is what love does. it brings what is best in every one of us
thank u for letting us to comment and to share u those amaaazing photos
u will never forget her ,,as we never forgot my mum “EMAN ”
bye bye
hi matt, i’m ridwan from surabaya-indonesia
i knew ur story from one of weekly magazine in my city
i have one daughter too her name is angela. she is 1 year old now.
i just wanna say
MATT, KAMU AYAH YANG HEBAT!!!
(matt, u r a great father)
say hi to maddy
she is very cute
I’m usually a quiet reader, but wanted to send some internet love and support. You are an AMAZING father. Liz’s pregnancy pictures are stunning.
Matt,
I have kept up with you ad maddy. I live in Colorado, and have known Nancy and Vince Lee for some time now. I work at the physical therapy clinic where Nancy has been going since her horse accident. You are truly an inspiration! And Maddy is by far the luckiest baby girl on this earth! What you have done to let Liz live on is amazing! Through all your pain, you have empowered a strength that no MAN will EVER know or have….but You have overcome! Keep up the wonderful days of being a dad, they grow so fast, mine is graduating college this year…and it seems like yesterday she as a baby in my arms. You are truly a HERO in my heart and eyes! Hope to meet you guys if yall ever come to Collorado to visit Nancy and Vince! God Bless you and Maddy!
I have chills reading the last line, feeling your pain all at once. You are stronger than I could ever imagine to be, and it’s so beautiful to see you so happy with your daughter. You have definitely been one more person or moment to help me through the harder times and enjoy the beauty of motherhood. Thanks for having/helping/healing us.
Hope Maddy has a happy b-day she’s come a long way matt! Ps. SHE IS SO CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! P.S.S Buy Her like a litttle Book Or Elmo toy or something Or since it’s going 2 be summer soon buy her Water-wings
Beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing your journey with the rest of us…
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