you already know about the liz logelin foundation and its mission to help with financial support for widows & widowers with children.
one thing that the foundation is not adept at providing is the kind of emotional support and other non-monetary resources necessary to help these folks. my blog (and the community that has grown around it) has served that purpose to a certain extent, but despite my best efforts, i can’t always answer every e-mail or respond to every comment.
so when michele neff hernandez of the soaring spirits loss foundation contacted me and suggested we work together, i was beyond excited. her organization aims to provide “compassionate community support to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one.” the foundation does this by offering a variety of programs, a great list of resources, and more for those grieving a loss.
then she told me about the national conference on widowhood and i just knew i had to share this info.
the conference is at the marriott hotel and marina in san diego, california – july 17-19, 2009, and it’s purpose is to:
bring together the many wonderful people who are reaching out to grieving people in their communities all over the country. in order to change the way the world sees widowhood, we have to show the world at large: who we are, what we can do, and the ways in which the lessons taught by our grief experience have deeply impacted our lives in positive ways that most people cannot imagine. i certainly couldn’t imagine any positive impact coming from my personal tragedy, but other widows gave me hope that not only was survival possible…it was the far from the best i could do. i see it as my responsibility to inspire others as i was inspired, and this organization is a step towards providing those who will come after us with support, hope, and a network of people they can count on.
there is an entire weekend of events planned, all of which should be pretty interesting.
after sharing all of this great info with me, she then asked me to speak at the conference…
i was a lot surprised and very honored, but i think i responded by saying:
“are you sure? i don’t think this is such a good idea. you know how much i swear, right?”
she laughed at me.
anyway, i agreed to be the least-esteemed of the speakers one of the speakers.
i encourage anyone grieving the loss of a spouse or life partner to check out the conference.
(sign-up here)
(a page devoted to the soaring spirits loss foundation coming soon).
oh…
and here’s a video of maddy playing with her new bubble machine:
133 Comments
As always, Maddie is so cute. I’m surprised she’s not been hired to promote diapers or baby clothes or something!
Good luck at the conference!
good luck w/the conference. i’m sure you’ll do just fine.
and maddie is as cute as ever. what song is that playing w/the video? i love it!
Who is that band? I think I need whatever cd that is. And the bubble machine for Hobo’s first birthday next month. I’m sure you will wow them at the conference. Way to go Maddy’s Daddy.
You are going to do fantastic at the conference. You have a unique situation, a new dad (BRAND NEW) who suddenly realizes the path your family is taken has drastically changed course. I think your frankness would be refreshing, instead of something gelled over and made pretty.
The video is adorable! I hope you snapped some photos with the bubbles all around her. I loved her expression like she was trying to blow the bubbles.
I ordered a new camera and can’t wait to get back on the photography train! You’ve really inspired me. I forgot how much I loved it.
c o n g r a t s
mr. matt
you will rock, undoubtedly
Your story is an encouragement to me. Makes me want to take that step to serve others and reach out. Using a terrible loss to inspire others.
Well done and thanks.
Angie
Congrats Matt! I’m sure you’ll do great at the conference! I love the bubble machine! I don’t know what’s funnier, the fact that Maddy is watching them float away behind her, or that every once in a while she seems to open her mouth and try to eat them! hahaa!
Yay! you are coming to san diego!!! I know you will be super busy, but my husband works at that marriott, i might have to stalk you… You will do great at the conference!!!
Very cool bubble machine! What brand is it?
I would rather hear someone at a confrence that was really speaking to me…then at me. I think you speak to people, and they hear you. You will do fine, but probably sweat buckets!
Your building a very valuable community. How does one truely grasp how many lives they are touching everyday.
Ps… Madeline is adorable!
It’s so awesome – the way she needs to KEEP looking back to know where the hell those bubbles are going!!
Just adorable!
::applauding::
Cool. Good luck with the conference, and the speech, I’m sure you’ll be great.
I’ve actually stayed at that hotel, one of my favourite short city stops. ‘Enjoy’.
The conference sounds like a great thing. You’ll be amazing, no doubt, in your own Matt way!
Great video of course but holy bubbles batman! There were like a thousand bubbles shooting at her head. She looked like she didn’t know what the hell was going on (or she was about to fall asleep).
I love that she was more interested in seeing where the bubbles were going than where they came from. Interesting parallel to life don’t you think.
PS: You’ll do great at the conference and many people will be inspired by your story.
This is awesome Matt! You will be great just being yourself (swear words and all)! I can’t imagine how many more people you are going to help and inspire. And of course, I hope going to this conference, and hearing the other presenters helps you too.
Very cute video too! Maddy needs some of those edible bubbles it looks like, hehe.
The conference sounds like such an amazing opportunity. It’s so great that you’re able to help others in this way.
wow, what a great idea and it sounds like it will be an incredible experience for you and for others attending. ps – love the video of Madeline!
what a great honor to be asked to speak! you will do great.
i am DYING at that video! she’s like “is this the new bath time dad?” ahah…. love it love it love it!!!!
Well done for signing up to speak, Matt.
What to say? Well, just keep telling it how it is. That’s the single strongest and most valuable message you can ever give.
No saccharine or schmalz required. Because the temptation is to cast this thing as some kind of romantic or heroic tale. Single father loses wife in tragic circumstances. Grows strength, assumes miracle powers, raises cute daughter (ahhh) wonderfully despite inherently comic masculine deficiencies. Cries a few times to soppy music and falls asleep in the office one day before waking up to find new and stronger self. Meets new woman, finds happiness, rides off into sunset leaving readers of women’s magazines everywhere warm and satisfied.
Well, that’s possible, and I’m certain you can make that happen. But it tends to ignore all the fucking miserable bits of existence in between.
So make sure you sock it to them straight, and give them one from me as well. All kind regards from London, and spirits up.
your honesty will likely be refreshing to those in similar situations…not hearing how it “should” be but how it really is. you will have thousands of us supporting you when you speak! you continue to honor liz in such a variety of ways, it is truly inspiring.
and you were not 5 out of 5 in the bloggies, but in the TOP 5 out of all – something to be incredibly proud of! congrats!
What a great idea. The conference sounds like an amazing even for those who need it. I’m sure you’ll do just fine.
And I’m really glad that you showed that machine in action. You mentioned it on your Twitter account and now I can’t wait to run out and pick one up for my 2-year-old. Thanks for the idea!
That’s awesome that she asked you to speak at the conference!! Best of luck with that!
I’m sure you’ll be wonderful, swear words and all! 
Love the video!!! And the music with it! Maddy looked like she was trying to figure out where all the bubbles were going!! She’s getting more beautiful each day!
Thats So Awsome!! You are helping so many people that are in need of support and etc! Its saving someones life to be honest. You will do great at Speaking!! Good Luck~ Maddy so freaken cute with the bubbles!! Love the little dresses she is always in! Good Daddy!!!!!
Hmmm… I’m gonna look into going to that conference. I have a brother in law who lives in San Diego, maybe I could stay with him. Lord knows I could probably use whatever help I can get with the emotional crap! Is there an option for those who can’t fly out? I don’t know if I’ll be ready to leave my kids yet for a trip, and I really don’t want to drag them out there with me for two days… Thank you, Matt.
You will do great at the conference. Wait until Maddy can run after the bubbles and pop them. That is fun stuff.
I like how she keeps looking behind her to see where thew bubbles are going.
Bubbles are awsome, My kids do them all summer long.
http://sprucehill.typepad.com/
For the person who, in your own paraphrased words, “never took care of anything”, you sure are taking care of a hell of a lot these days!! The appeal of your story is that your a “normal” guy faced with extraordinary circumstances. The trick is that these circumstances have also brought out the extraordinary in you (totally cheesy, but true). As was stated previously, there is nothing glossy or contrived about you. That is the appeal…and that is why others will continue to seek you out for advice and information.
Congratulations and good luck (even though you don’t need it)!!!
Congrats on being a speaker – that is great, you will be wonderful. I am LMAO at Maddy and that bubble machine, she looks totally baffled .. WHat the hell are these things.. and where are they going? LOL!!!
She ate a few….but was VERY concerned with where they were going! Too cute.
You will do great at the conference. You have a way with words.
I am sure you will do very well at the conference, salty mouth and all. i will def be donating to that cause when you post a link.
I laughed so hard when I saw your twitpic of the bubble machine….cool hip LA dwelling indy music listening guy who is just a giant DAD!!! It’s a good place to be!
Maddy has gotten so mature, well as mature as a 1 year old can look, over the past few weeks.
That’s great news! Also congrats on being asked to be a speaker!
That bubbly machine IS awesome! I don’t have kids (yet!) but will be getting one of those for my nephew!
You will do wonderful! Maybe drop the f-bomb just once!!! HA HA HA
Madeline is BEAUTIFUL!
Maddy looks a bit disinterested by those bubbles
Once she learns she can pop them it will be non stop fun.
You will do great at the conference. Good luck and keep being awesome!
Congratulations on the speaking gig. I hope it all goes smoothly, and that the conference also provides some opportunity for personal healing.
*That machine thing is like the assault rifle of bubbles. Did Madeline get away unscathed???
That video is amazing/beautiful/touching/sweet.
Love it!
Yea, Matt! Good news. You’ll be great at the conference.
The bubbles – darling. The song – perfect for this setting.
I just looked it up, the song is One With The Birds by Will Oldham.
I am also wondering who the band is….
It’s a very beautiful video; she will be glad to watch it someday!
Matt, you are absolutely amazing! You will be fabulous at the conference!
Maddy is so precious. She looks so much like her mommy. Love the video! What song/band is that that you are playing. I love it! Same with the song on the video of you feeding Maddy in the desert!
What a wonderful new piece to this puzzle. I am sure that you will be the most popular speaker there!
Congrats Matt! So many people (including me) are looking up to you (and you know one who’s looking down smiling) for your display amazing strength! You will do a great job at the conference.
Maddy is adorable!! That first quick gasp, about 7 or 8 seconds in, when the bubbles first hit her face is priceless and has but a huge smile on my face! Tell me more about the song in the video; I love it!
Thank you so much for sharing your journey.
Good Luck! You will be great at the conference!
I’m sure Maddy will love bubbles for a LONG time! My munchkin is 3.5 and has been through MANY bubble machines and little bubble guns!
You’re just as qualified as any of the other speakers and the younger attendees will appreciate someone who they can relate to rather than some “expert” who has written a book
I’ve been reading your blog for a while as a lurker, never posting a comment. You are an inspiration and I tell everyone I can about your writing. You’re doing a fantastic job and Maddy is precious and beautiful (but you know that!).
just be yourself and the trick i was taught in oral communications is to pick one attendee and picture them naked to relax you!!!!!! it does make you laugh to yourself and at least smile…….doesn’t always work but it’s always worth a try!!!!! good cause for a conference…good luck and you’ll do fine. like amanda said, “you’ll be amazing in your own Matt way!” you were on national tv with rr so you’ll be fine at a conference. have fun.
so glad that the conference had the smarts to ask you!! what a blessing you will be to many!!
such a sweet video. thanks so much for sharing your life with us.
i am a frequent visitor, but not a commenter. just want you to know that i think about you and maddie often and hope that you are finding joy amidst the grief.
what a treat to see maddy and the bubbles.
you’re doing a spectacular job, dad.
I think that’s wonderful that you’ve been asked to speak! You write from the heart and no doubt will speak that way as well. I think your genuiness (?) is what will really speak to people. I’ve presented my dissertation which was on sibling bereavement and the most powerful impact to people was when I shared my story. Your story has already proven to have tremendous power Matt, I’m excited to read how it goes!
You will do great at the conference. You have touched so many lives already…that will just continue through this new opportunity! I was in tears reading your bio for the conference – not really sure why! But just thinking of you guys and know you will do great!!!
Maddy is so adroable, as always!!
Your video of maddy is precious. I love how she watches where the bubbles come from and then turns around to see where they go. What a great Dad you have been to her and to have captured so many priceless moments of her during your own mourning period. What a beautiful gift Liz has left you. Her life lives on through maddy. Keep being the great Dad that you are.
Absolutely precious and adorable as usual, it was cute to see her looking behind her to see where the bubbles went! As for the speech at the conference, you’ll do great, that shows you how many you have impacted and how many have been inspired by you and everything you do for Maddy.A speech is nothing to you at this point, look what you have done with Maddy, I’m so proud of you.
So thakful to know that there are organizations out there to help people, no matter why they need support. That sounds really great! They have certainly chosen a terrific speaker. You will, hopefully, be able to show the type of spirit you have and have found throughout this tragedy. I think that would be so helpful to many people. I know that your feelings and vies of life are something that I would like to be a part of if I were to lose a prescious loved one.
Oh yeah, and true to “Matt form”, please make sure that you include one or two “fuck”s in your speech!
Excellent! It’s also going to be a great way to spread the word about the foundation.
Congrats on the speaking gig!
It looks like Maddy was trying to eat those bubbles. Blech, soap mouth!
Congrats on the speaking engagement! I’m sure you’ll do fabulous. Swearing and all.
Where did you get that bubble machine? My daughter would LOVE that!
Wow!!! What an honor to speak at the conference. You will do an ::awesomesauce:: job!!!
We have the same bubble machine! In a couple months, she’ll be attacking those bubbles and chasing after them, giggling the whole time. I can’t wait to see that video!
You will rock the conference and this new mission in support!
from michelle up above:
“cool hip LA dwelling indy music listening guy who is just a giant DAD!!!”
o m g! so, so perfect. you put into words exactly how i think of matt (and i must say it is a very strange thing to feel as if i know someone and they are my friend…but they haven’t a clue who i am…it’s like having a good friend but never getting to talk to him!)
you are just so, so awesome matt!
OMG, this is great. Thanks for sharing. I was curious if there was anything like this available.
Good luck at the conference. I’m sure you’ll do great. You’ll be on my side of town (SD) :O)
Very cute bubble machine! I love that Maddy is trying to figure out what the hell the bubbles are and where they’re going.
What a great opportunity for you and for others. You will do great!
Good luck with your speech. I am not good with that stuff personally. Hate standing in front of crowds. Love the bubble machine! I swear, every time I come on here that girl of yours has grown an inch, and looks more and more like Liz everyday.
Good luck at the conference, I think it’s awesome that there is something like that out there. I also think that you will do great, swear words and all. The swearing is one of my favorite things…part of your charm hahahaha
That bubble machine is fabulous! Maddy looks a bit bewildered being bombarded with all those bubbles but happy nonetheless.
Been thinking about you guys (even more) and just wanted to send a big *HUG* to you both and lots of strength and love. Take care of eachother.
xoxoxoxo,
Tricia and Bella in the So. Cal
Congrats!!
WHO IS THAT BAND?? I like!
Aren’t bubbles great? My kids have have that same bubble machine and LOVE it. It can keep them entertained for long periods of time…great for me!
Congrats on the the conference…what an honor. I am sure you will bring a unique perspective and your insight will be invaluable to all who attend.
It’s wonderful that you are going to be part of the conference. Reaching out to others is so important and it helps with the grieving process.
Maddy is delicious!!
What a great idea! I’m sure you’ll do well at the conference =)
Cool, you’re coming to San Diego! I’m sure you’ll do great at the conference and I’d love to meet you and Maddy while you are here; I have a friend who works at the zoo, I could probably get you a deal. If you stay a couple days later , you’ll be here for Comic Con. Love the video by the way!
Foundation looks incredible, a perfect synergy for the Liz Logelin Foundation.
Good luck at the conference. I’m sure you be great!
The bubbles – wow! So cute. She looks completely overwhelmed, can’t decide if to crawl towards it or to go for the ones that are floating away. Seems like she’s eating a few too.. haha!
Matt – I know you hear it from all over the Globe.. you are a wonderful Father… Maddie is so darn adorable and Liz would br so proud. In honor of MY daughter’s 3rd birthday – we’ll be making a donation to the Liz Logelin Foundation.
Keep up the amazing work.
congrats on the speaking gig. i hope you get as much out of it as you give – i have no doubts that those there will benefit from hearing your insights.
like roads said – just keep telling it like it is. that’s one of your best qualities.
What a sweethheart! She is the cutest!
There you go again, making us all so proud! Congrats! What an amazingly awesome journey that you and Madeline are taking together. Can you record your presentation? It would be cool to see you speak.
Matt, I’m so proud of you!! You’re going to be a great speaker. And I’m sure people tell you all the time how strong you are and what an inspiration you are and you probably don’t feel like that at all. But if you reach even one person by bringing them out of a dark place, well then you truly are an inspiration.
So awesome that you are going to be speaking at this conference! I know you will do great!
We have a bubble machine for my kids and they love it. So does our dog (jack russel). Madeline is too cute for words!
I’m gonna go to the conference just so I can sit in the audience and heckle you. I will also make zany faces.
Matt- You will do wonderful at the conference, your honesty about your tragedy will be greatly appreciated for others going through similar situations. You are very real, which is what draws people to you. And how cute is Maddy with that bubble machine! Looks like it works well, I just may have to buy that for Anna~
Talk to you soon
Stefanie
K8: My house is on the way to the San Diego from yours; I think we should form a creepy caravan and heckle M together.
In all seriousness, Matt, you will be great at this conference, and I’m sure you’ll find a level of support and understanding there that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
Too bad this conference isn’t the “globe-trotting-with-a-small-child-while-wielding-a-camera-and-ipod-loaded-with-awesome-and-often-obscure-indie-rock” conference, though. You’re about the only guy I can think who’d be qualified to deliver that keynote address.
And, um, I’m totally getting myself a bubble machine. And some roller skates. Suffice to say that, thanks to you and Maddy, I will finally be able to fulfill one of my childhood dreams.
“and he does his best to make sure Madelines outfits match everyday”..you’re oding a good job so far
and your videos never work for me for some reason, I am so sad
i think you’ll be a great speaker. the foundation sounds like the perfect partner to yours. as for Maddy: I have to say I cracked up when the first lyrics of the song were “leave me alone” just as the bubbles are getting her right in the face. too funny. bubbles are still my son’s favorite thing in the world. i have the same bubble blower by the way. here’s a tip for it: try not to tip it back or the bubble soap gets into the fan area and makes a mess. i know from experience.
have a great day today.
hugs from NJ,
erica and Landon
I’m in for the conference… =)
LOL at the video – so cute!!
This is awesome. I am so there, I lost one of my dearest friends last year and I think this would be great for his wife – who happens to be another dear friend of mine. You and Maddy must bring the robot too!
My daughter did the exact same thing with her first experiences w/bubbles. Just sat there and tried to eat them and looked at them as if asking “where you guys going?” she looks angelic…
@Juanizzle: We could all go in my Party Van/Land Yacht!!!
@Matthew: I assume you know Bonnie Prince B is playing the El Rey next month???
http://www.theelrey.com/calendar.php?y=2009&m=4
I have been following your blog since I read about you in people magazine your an incredibile inspiration…and I much admire the way you are so REAL….I have a little blonde haired daughter who is 15 months old so your maddy reminds me of her….Take Care
Congratulations on being a speaker at the conference, you will do amazing.
As Always Maddy is adorable, I love the look on her face when the bubbles are streaming in her face.
of course.
i already have tickets.
awesome…looking forward to meeting you.
Congrats on the speaking engagement. I’m sure you will do a fantastic job. This is a great way to get the word out. BTW, Maddy looks adorable as usual, and look forward to more adorable pics. : )
great news for the conference, you will do great. awesome video of Madelyn, love the music!
Goodie! I’m going to the conference with a girlfriend of mine who is also a “young widow”. I’m looking forward to the speakers and a weekend away
What will you be speaking on……….I wonder……………??
Wow! What an awesome opportunity for you, Matt! So many people will benefit greatly from your speech there. And San Diego rocks! I’ll pass along the info. to a few people I know that are also widowed.
The bubble machine video is so fun!
I will be on a plane to Italy on July 19th. I am sure your talk will touch everyone in the room. I will catch your talk when I return, hopefully I will find it on Utube. Very cute video of Maddie’s “not so sure” reaction to your/her new toy. Get the wand that makes one huge bubble and watch her reaction….
congrats and good luck with the conference! you will rock! Maddy is gorgeous as always. love the video…she’s looking behind her as the bubbles pass on…wondering where are they going LOL
Thanks, sincerely, for that moment of Zen.
Good luck at the conference. You’re going to do great. Madeline looks stunning as usual! So cute as she looked back to see where they were going.
Just a heads up about that bubble machine – if (or should I say when) she picks it up and dumps it all over herself (you, the table, the floor, etc) it can fry the motor of the machine since the bubble solution just sort of sloshes around. Not sure there is any way to prevent it with an 11 month old, but just though you may appreciate the warning.
Thanks so much for sharing your life with the world.
Just Cant get over how beautiful Maddy is. Maybe someday my little girls will be able to meet and play with maddy were in the Los angeles Ca 90022 !!!!!!!!
wow. thanks for posting about this. sometimes it feels like i’m the only one…but then it turns out, there’s a whole conference out there.
That sounds wonderful. I’m sure you’ll connect with some great people and open some great dialogue. I had a funny dream last night that my daughter Bridget and Maddy had a playdate together. I guess that’s what happens when I read blogs before bed!
i am so sorry about the loss of your husband. please join us at the conference if at all possible.
I forwarded this to 2 widows of suicide once I was the agenda – I am worried about forwarding it to my sister, who will probably be mean about it. But one of the subjects was about anger and it sounded just like her.
Wish me luck that she doesnt freak out. Am hoping we can get her out there. Between everyone in my family who cant stand to be around her anymore (please dont hit me people, she has reverted to a teenager who relies solely on my parents who are in their 70’s and we want to help, she just seems to wallow and is being completely taken care of just like a 14 year old even though she is 40). I must say that its more for my parents then for her, because I am just about fed up with being treated like crap, and so are my brothers and sisters.
You know when you love someone and totally hate their fucking guts at the same time? Thats where we are with her.
Make that SAW the agenda. I am a doofus.
“oh…
and here’s a video of maddy playing with her new bubble machine:”
Shoulda scratched out “played” and wrote “attacked”.
By the way, you’ll be a great speaker!! If you’re really nervous, don’t forget to envision the audience naked while you’re speaking.
GAH – I have never got that one. Seeing an audience of nekkid people would make me want to run as fast as I could go.
Picture them in bright yellow smiley pants AND SHIRTS!
You will do so awesome!!! Maddy is so smart trying to see where all the bubbles are going!
What an awesome opportunity for you and for the foundation! I’m sure that you will not only be helping others…but that this whole experience will help you also. Thinking of you a lot in the coming days…
I am so sorry that you have the opportunity to speak, but I am glad that you are because I think you have a way of speaking and communicating with people that is comforting, and I know you will do an amazing job!
I am amazed every day at your strength, and I just couldn’t be happier or feel more blessed that I “know” you!
Wow, what an amazing opportunity for you to share your story, help the foundation and meet/talk to other people who have lost loved ones. After following your story for sometime now I truly believe Liz’s love for you lives on and is guiding, guarding, and governing you.
Thank you for sharing your Madeline moments with your blog followers. Love the viedo!
P.S. If you are looking to be wowed by bubbles and want to wander into Orange County, the Discovery Science Center is having an event called Bubblefest. I believe it will be here until the end of April.
Matt, I know after someone dies people offer their own advice about coping. Well I’m not sure if you are a reader or not but there is this book out there that reminds me of you, Love Is A Mixed Tape. It was written by Rob Sheffield the great writer for Rolling Stone. His wife died of a pulmoary embolism and he writes about their life and his grief- all while putting the tracks of mixed tapes which were the soundtrack of their life.
Since you have such awesome taste in music you would know and get a kick out of all the songs.
Wanted to tell you about it for a while. It was given to me in a bad time and wanted to pay it forward!
Matt, You are truly an inspiration to me… I admire how far you’ve come & love to watch your posts/videos… it makes my heart move everytime I see Maddy. You are a wonderful person for creating this blog… I just read about the story in People a few weeks ago & have had you on my mind every since.
That video, it brought me to tears. I think it’s the first time in a long time that I’ve felt that punch-in-the-gut sadness (as an onlooker, stranger) knowing that Liz is not there with you guys and just everything that goes along with all of that, up until now and into the future. It’s just so incredibly effing not fair. It’s just not fair. And I’m sitting here as a complete stranger and I’m aching about that. It’s so easy to get caught up in the ‘they’re going to be fine, they are going to have a great life, Maddy is so adorable and you’re such a cool Dad’ and then I watch this video and it really hit home.
Y’know, a lot of cool things have happened for you and will continue to happen but I know there’s so much more to it than that. I don’t know why, I just wanted to express that here.
What a great conference! I just e-mailed Michele to see if I can offer my assistance with the next one. I help set up hotel and meeting rooms for organizations and non-profits all over the place. I’d love to be able to give back to a great organization!
You will do an outstanding job! I can’t believe Madeline will be one soon! Remember, my Chase was born on the 25th…I found your blog almost a year ago and the 25th has two special meanings now! Keep up the great work Matt!!
Matt,
The video is amazing! My hope is that all those little bubbles are filled with joy, peace, happiness and light…
You are such an amazing father and I am so proud of you!
My toughts will be with you next week and remember if you need us we will be here for you; helping you walk through the moments of greif.
Enjoy Maddy’s 1st Birthday and your time in Mexico…
Michellej
Denver
Matt- I am so pleased for you to have this opportunity. You have much to share and a winning way of doing so. You speak from your heart… as in, *Being there, Doing that!* At this one-on-one level, you can offer direct truth and understanding from a male viewpoint that I think will be truly effective. Have fun on the platform, enjoy your moment, and remember you really have something special to say! So proud of you – along with Liz, Maddy ,your families, and all your other creeps! Hug Maddy for me and take care.
I could watch that video forever.
I bought Anna that bubble machine, hope she enjoys it as well! Hopefully we will continue to have warm temps here in MN so I can take her outside to play with it! Great pics of Maddy~
Stefanie from CSB
Good luck, Maddie is beautiful.
too adorable!
It’s a kind thought. Not everyone looks for monetary support alone. Most of them under enormous stressful conditions look to be emotionally supported. We hardly realize the importance of reaching out to grieving people.
Matt: I was just looking at some pictures you uploaded. I love the one (in AWE) you take the most beautiful pictures I have ever seen of course Maddy makes that easy for you. I also love the video of her talking to the birds. When do you leave for your trip? I hope that the next few days go by fast for you, you have many people thinking of you and maddy and wishing you both nothing but the best. Things in Chicago have not been the greatest. Seems like one thing goes wrong then everything seems to go wrong. Well take care my internet friend.
Rosann
Love the bubble video! Love whatever song is playing in the background. Love the desert pic below (too lazy to comment down there) where the sky seems to come to a point at the tree and maddy’s on the ground.
You are doing a great job with Madeline, she is adorable.
Good luck at the conference. Not that its needed, you will do great. I think its a very good thing.
Thank you Matt!! You have answered the question of what to get my soon to be 1 year old girl. We have a lot of stuff prome my 2 older children but we do not have a bubble machine!
See now all us “experienced” mums are counting on YOU for advice.
hola matt and maddy. hope you are feeling some peace in mexico…..
i was at target on sat. and saw the bubble machine (for 8.88!) and said to my family, “hey look! it’s the bubble machine maddy has.”……..they of course wondered, “who is maddy?”…..and how could i explain…a sweet little girl i “know and love”…but have never met before? well, we bought one and when i watch my boys having so much fun with it…i also think of maddy, her daddy, and her mommy. <3
I hope you are having a wonderful time in Mexico. What a great video too. I hope Maddy has a super happy 1st birthday tomorrow, although I am sure she will!! Yes, Wednesday will probably be a bitch, but we’re all here thinking about you and keeping you both in our hearts too.
Happy 1st Birthday, Madeline! (It’s already the 24th here, not sure about Mexico) I hope y’all are having a good trip. You both are in our thoughts and prayers.
Happy birthday Madeline! I hope it’s a wonderful day for Madeline and your entire family. Enjoy the day!!!!
Happy Birthday Miss Madeline!
Happy Birthday, dear Madeline!
Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Miss. Madeline…Happy Birthday to you!!!! Sending all our love from Albertville, MN! Jodi & Karter Gruenwald
Happy Birthday to Maddy!!! I can’t believe she is one.
Sending positive, peaceful thoughts your way. Maddy looks beautiful in your twitter pics, as usual!!!
Happy Birthday Maddy!
Thank you so much for posting the info about the conference. MIght see ya there.
i hope so.
I am a mother of five who recently was able to afford a computer and have started reading your site. My daughter liked this video, it reminded her to tell me that she wanted to play with her bubbles. Although we are still doing it the old fashioned way, we need to invest in a bubble machine. I learned about your site from my friend, who I am sure has read ever word you have written and hung on every picture with tears in her eyes as well as the rest of us. I was in an accident while I was 7 months pregnant. I broke my neck, miraclously my son and I both survived due to the wonderful works of GOD, all the nurses, doctors, family and freinds who helped us. Your site makes me think how lucky I am to still be here and how much sorrow I hold for those who are not. I know your daughter will love this when she is old enough to see it. I wish you and your family all the best. Happy Belated Birthday Madeline.