soaring spirits loss foundation
national conference on widowhood
marriott hotel and marina
san diego, california
july 17-19, 2009
i know i’ve mentioned this a few times, but i wanted to talk about it again.
i spoke with michele neff hernandez, the founder of the soaring spirits loss foundation, and discussed a few things…
first, some reasons to attend the conference:
1. it is going to be fun.
2. it is going to be informative
3. this is apparently going to be the largest gathering of widows/widowers ever (some sort of record keeping body may certify this).
second, some of the goals of the conference:
1. by supporting this event we hope to create a larger support network so that other widowed people don’t have to live through this awful experience on their own.
2. programs for the widowed are non-existent in states across the country…we can change that by making some noise in san diego.
3. we want to put a different face on widowhood. widows/widowers are not the stereotype we all think of. some of us are young and few of us spend our days wearing long black veils.
during our discussion, michele asked me if i had prepared my speech (yes, i’ll speaking at the conference). of course i haven’t, but i assured her that i would be ready by july 17th (she sounded worried). she also informed me that, because i am speaking at the event, my entrance fee is taken care of.
that said, i told her that i would pay the entrance fee for another widow/widower so that he/she can take part in the conference.
so…if you are a widow or widower who can make it to san diego for the conference, please send an e-mail to mattandmaddy (at) gmail (dot) com with the subject line, “conference”
let me know why you want to come to the conference, and i’ll consider paying your way.
for those of you who are not widowed, but want to support someone who is, please consider sponsor them to go to the conference by contacting michele at micheleh (at) sslf (dot) org ($300 covers the full event, concert, banquet, workshops, resource expo, etc.)
for sign-up form, a list of speakers, overview of events, hotel accommodations and more, please click here
68 Comments
Matt,
What a great event…. I am sure this will be so informative to so many people. They should do some sort of video conference for those who want to attend but can not.
-Single Mom Paying Off Debt
What a nice gesture, Matt. You’re a great guy! Hope you’re having fun in MN (humid enough for ya?)
You may have to wear that black veil if you really let your beard grow out until the book is done.
This sounds like an amazing event. Will Michelle accept donations of any amount if I can’t swing the whole $300? Let me know.
(((hugs)))
Is any of this going to be online? Streamed or podcasted afterwards?
if i had the $300 i would give it to you in a heart beat to support someone.. such a awesome, supportive conference…
Thats awesome Matt, what a great idea on helping someone else in need ! You never seem to surprise me! Good luck at writing your speech!!!
I think what you are doing is great Matt. Truly. That little girl is very lucky.
It will be great to have you in San Diego, Matt. Maybe we can get a group together for a beer while you are here. It’s very cool of you to offer to pay someone’s way; it sounds like a conference that will help a lot of people.
Hi, I just know about you now …I read about Oprah’s show and…. here I am, reading your blog!……your wife would be so proud of you, you have what it takes… She did right having a baby with you because you are a real dad…you are a mom too….you are her heroe…your daughter will be so proud of you when she sits at her computer one day and read your blog, your books, and see that brown rug you bought and all the pictures you took …..
I am buying your book for sure!. …just keep going…..you are just growing as much as Maddie and teaching a lot of people how to survive through any situation compared to yours and turn a harsh experience into a wonderful one.
God bless you both.
What a great write up of you on the ssfl site !!!
It is so wonderful that you’ll be speaking at this event – I’m sure you will be helping so many others cope. Will there be a place on the interwebs where we can watch your speech after?
such an awesome purpose.
hope all who go learn, enjoy and connect with others.
Matt, I hope your efforts and those of the conference are successful! Best wishes!
I love seeing the photos of Maddy every day on flickr. She’ll really appreciate it when she’s older. I don’t have many photographs of my childhood, and that’s sad!
Matt, I have sent you a e-mail regarding the conference in July. Please consider my brother Jim for this conference. He is in desperate need to be around other families who are in the same situation. As I told you before he was a first time father at a late Age. He just celebrated his 49th Birthday, on Wednesday. NOTHING IS going right for him. He needs help. Help financially but most of all help mentally to cope with his loss. You are so lucky to have all the support and attention you do have. My brother feels all alone in his situation.
Well thank you for your consideration and I know that who ever you decided to send to this conference will benefit greatly.
Rosann
Interesting that you posted this today.
I spent last night rolling in bed, crying and hating the grief process. Sunday marks 3 years since my husband died suddenly. Top it off with it being Father’s Day and add to it that we have a Funeral that afternoon and I need a HUGE box of tissues (and a bottle of wine).
Did you know you are the featured headline on MSN.com right now?
How do you and Maddy handle all this fame?
I’m so proud of you. I’ve been reading your blog for a long time. Liz, what a beauty. Madeline, what a doll. Matt, what a trooper. I’ll look forward to seeing you on Oprah today. If you are ever in Massachusetts, I would really like to meet you and Madeline.
By the way, your Oprah ep was on the front page of MSN this morning, with a slide show that summed up your story and the guy with nine kids.
Just wanted to let you know there is a picture of you and Maddy on http://www.msn.com today (6/19) promoting an article about the Oprah episode.
Matt, I saw the coverage of this on msn. I just breifly went through the video and I really don’t know what to say. It just seems that for certain people, when a family is just getting started it is taken away. Either swiftly or painfully slow. My name is Joseph Conway. My wife died of cancer March 18, 2009. Just one year after our son was born we learn that she had cancer. From that moment on was times of ups and downs. I am truly sorry about the passing of your wife. For me I fell that some how my wife is still with me. Even though I can’t she her I just some how just feel her in my presence. Your daughter is very beautiful. I am sure you know that she is the center of your life as is my son. Well I just want to chat. Hope all is well and stays that way.
What a great thing you are doing for someone else.
It’s very kind of you to do that. Thankfully I don’t know of anyone who could benefit from your kindness.
Joseph I’m glad you found Matt’s blog. I’m sure he’s someone who would be great for you to speak to!
Tracy H in the Virginia -
I’m not sure if you read the comments but, I think we work for the same company! Not stalking, just an oddity I noticed when I post after you sometimes.
I have read your blog ever since you developed it. I find it amazing and oddly enough peaceful. When I am having a bad day and complaining about something trivial it brings me back to reality. I am from Minnesota too and the wierd thing is although I have never met you, Maddie or Liz, I feel like I have known you my whole life. I look forward in your posts, I chuckle, smile, cry and every emotion possible. I have no doubt in my mind that your wife is smiling down so proud of you and the wonderful job you are doing with Maddie. I had a son in January, our first one after many years of trying. I could only hope that for some reason God calls upon me that my husband and continue and find the strength to do as wonderful job as you do with Maddie. Your children do become your strength and your world and you do realize what unconditional love is. I want to thank you for keeping it real with us, letting us share in your lives, emotions and especially for letting us share in your beautiful little girls life. You are a special person and may God and Liz continue to watch over you. Happy Fathers Day- you deserve it.
You’ll have to take Maddy to Sea World while in S.D…. Shamu!
comment on her standing by herself at the splash pool- try giving her something to hold and then coax her over to you.
i seen u in the oprah show today and i was in tears you are a wonderful dad , and am glad you are there for her bacause other dad that have the chance to be there there not and you prove everyone wrong that if single mom’s like me can do it man also , thank you so much for ur story,
what a great event and a very generous offer from you!
Happy Father’s Day to you! Thank you for sharing your story. You truly are a blessing to Madeline & all those around you.
If I had $300 in my pocket I’d be there in a heart beat, my guess is you’ll be in downtown San Diego…the streets suck but I’m sure you’ll find a lot of stuff to photograph. I wish you luck at this event Matt
Just saw you on Oprah, and remembered when you blogged about it months ago. How neat.
Hey I seen you on Oprah today, Your little girl is very lucky to have you! Your wife would be proud!!!! I’m proud of you and I don’t even know you. I wish you and your daughter all the best in the years to come, I know you will do amazing. I look forward to following you online and reading about your progress!!
Jennifer from Alberta Canada
You inspire me Matt..There would not be enough room here to give you all of the reasons. I’m very thankful and grateful that I came across the name, Matt Logelin.
HAPPY FATHERS DAY MATT !
Happy father’s day to you, I just seen u in the oprah too, and search about your Blog …
I wish you and maddy always Happy…,
Hi Matt,
I just learned about your unbelievable journey on the Oprah show and had to send you some really good wishes. It is amazing how full your heart is after everything you have endured. You really are an inspiration. Liz must be so, so proud. Congratulations on the book. I’ll be sure to read it when it comes out. And make sure to post when you’re in NYC again. I’d love to meet you and Madeline in person.
All the best,
Amy
i just saw you on oprah and i am speechless. and in tears. i guess you never know how courageous you are until you’re faced with the unthinkable.
i admire your strength and thank you for sharing your story. one more reason to never take anything for granted.
i wish you, maddy and the rest of your family the very best and pray for your peace. happy father’s day; liz is smiling down on you and maddie.
God bless.
I just saw you on Oprah, WOW is all I can say. You are such an amazing person, Maddie is lucky to have you as her father. Know there is a beautiful angel in heaven that is very proud of you. God bless you & Happy Fathers Day!!
Fathers Count! Your immense strengths discovered so far, pass to Maddy and to each of us whose lives you touch in your sharing. Happy Father’s Day – you are magnificient like all committed dads. There are millions of you in the world who light our way.
Matt,
i seen you on opah today. What a great thing you are doing!! Widowers helping widowers. I want to help also, with my fundraisng program. I too am a widower single mom and know just what you are going though. Please help me help others too. God bless you!!! Happy Fathers Day!!!
Very cool, again, that you’re speaking. You’ve touched so many lives already and I know that you’ll be touching even more because of this conference and your book.
Matt: So many cool things going on for you between this, your book (which I will definitely buy) and oprah today. I’ve been following for a long time (with my hubby and 2 girls) and still often don’t know how to feel…seeing you and madeline accomplish so many things together is so heartwarming and then i think about liz and i get sad…it’s bittersweet. you have really done an amazing job in keeping her memory alive. i almost feel as though i knew her. If you’re ever in the Naples, Fl area, would love to take you and your sweet girl to lunch.
I know your speech will be amazing, and moving!
Looking forward to pics, and you thoughtful account of the conference!
I thought I might be the first person to write that I saw you on Oprah but it want fast enough even though your interview just ended!! I dont cry often for things but your story has tears just rolling down my face as I type this. Its beautiful what your doing and I’ve looked through some of your posts and I admire every bit of your humor and how your carrying on. Please know i’m routing for you along with the rest of the world. Thanks for your heart.
-M
*rooting…oops
ps: I know they filmed it who knows how long ago, but still they just aired it and I still wasnt first
.
I watched you on Oprah, AGAIN…
I told my ten month old son to sshh because Matt & Maddy were on! He laughed. 
Anyway, I think it’s great you are going to pay for someone else to go adn have this experience. You truly are amazing 
Hi I saw you on Oprah today and you are an AMAZING DAD! Your daughter has such a blessing in you! I read a bit of your blog and learning the word “s(h)pit” was so funny”, I’ll be back. I am so sorry for your loss, but your beautiful loving wife gave you such a gift and she looks a lot like her mom from the pictures! The huge beautiful blue eyes!
I saw the thing on the widow(er) conference, is it just for young people or can older people go? My father died in 03 and I think it might be nice for my mom-she’s 69 but spry. Please let me know I saw its in San Diego so she can stay with me in Carlsbad. Thank you and I hope you have a fabulous Fathers Day!
Hey!! Just so you can connect names and faces, we follow each other on twitter too. (mere728) I am always sure to leave a comment because I believe that it takes the blog author time to write the post, and readers should be courteous to comment. I have a blog too…obviously not as many readers as you though. haha.
I will pray for this confrence because it sounds like it will be an amazing experience for all involved and touched. Still praying for you!!
Love, Mere
I went to the same college as your wife. I graduated 5 years before, but I had a baby around the same time so I feel sorta kinda connected to you all. Your daughter is gorgeous. Your bringing attention to this whole issue of early widow hood is very needed. Thank you for all of the good work you are doing.
Matt – Just saw you on Oprah. You are a true inspiration. I can’t wait to follow your blog and watch your amazing story unfold.
Okay, no big head tonight.. enjoy those that love you, and know your heart. Family is what will substain you when we are all gone. Have a wonderful trip, and I am so glad madeline has time with grandparents, we are the best!
Very nice of you to offer to pay someone’s way like that, you guys are doing such impressive work with such tragedy. Liz is PROUD.
I haven’t seen Oprah yet as I’m in Australia & it hasn’t aired yet, but I’m looking forward to it!!!
It is a wonderful thing you are doing sponsoring someone to go to the conference. If I had the money I would do the same thing.
Maddie as always is beautiful & you are a wonderful Daddy for her. I know Liz would think the same.
Helen
Matt,
Just like many others I saw you and Maddy on Oprah and to my surprise went ” I know that guy” and the thoughts of London and SJU came flooding back. Without even seeing Liz’s picture her smile was the first thing I remembered. She was amazing and it sounds like she passed on not only her good looks but her smile and beautiful personality to little Madeline. I wish you and Maddy many great times and reasons to smile. I will definitely be checking every now and then. Let me know if your travels ever bring you near Pensacola, Florida. Take care of yourself and Little Miss Maddie.
Hugs,
Marcia
I’ve been following along on Twitter and away from an actual computer so I haven’t had a chance to read and note you! I’m all caught up now. Madeline takes my breath away with how beautiful she is. I love your videos and how spunky and full of life that little girl is.
I cannot believe she is so well traveled!!! I only wish my parents had carted me on a plane when I was younger. At least then I wouldn’t be so afraid of it.
You’re the best dad EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hi. i read about you & your cute daughter on magazine People. you are cool & you ere doing wonderful jobs. i am proud with you. God bless you both.
I would definitely go if I was on the west coast. Best of luck with your endeavors and the cause absolutely deserves more attention.
Okay this has nothing to do with your post, which I think is amazing by the way, what a great thing! But I just wanted to wish you a Happy Father’s Day tomorrow! I love watching to see what you have to say and what little Maddie is up to!
Happy Father’s Day. I rarely comment, but have been reading for over a year. I’m waiting for the Matt and Maddy playlist! We have lots in common including Midwestern roots, a healthy appreciation for cursing and I went to school with Sonja. I think the one thing I am reminded of everytime I visit, is to appreciate every minute I have with my hubs…even when he “buys a fucking robot!!”
Happy Father’s Day Matt! Hope you’re having a great time in MN w/ Maddy and the family!
Happy Fathers Day, Matt! You continue to amaze me and your followers with all the wonderful things you do. Congratulations on the book…how exactly will we be able to aquire a SIGNED copy of such book =) .WOW…soooo exciting! Have a wonderful time in MPLS!
See you there.
Hi Matt, Just wanted to say Happy Fathers Day! You are one Hell of a Father.
My husband comes from three generations of widowed young parents. My dad also lost his mom – all of them for health related issues. I love how you are making the most of the life you have and moving forward with your daughter. I do think that with life expectancy being longer and mortality rates being low, widows are forgotten. I’ve seen how hard life was for my husband’s mother when she lost her husband and had a 18 month old son. People make a lot of assumptions.
Your daughter is beautiful! What a gift. Thank you for writing about your experiences.
I wish I could go, I feel this would be so good for me this year. As I just lost my husband in January when our sonw as 18 months old. But I cannot leave my obligations here in NY to go so far away……..Wish it was closer, I also cannot imagine leaving my little man and would need to bring someone with me to watch him while I attended……Regardless I think its a great thing you are doing. I also hope and pray some day I get to publish a book and tell my husbands amazing story……
Hi Matt,
A bit off topic, but I just saw you on Oprah and your story touched my heart. You are doing such an amazing job. I couldn’t bare to think of how I would cope if I were to lose my husband.
I wish you so many happy moments in the future, your little girl is a gem.
Best Wishes from Australia.
I will be there next year for sure.
I can’t believe that I belong to this “club” that I never thought I would belong to. I wish I could hear you speak, but I hear you speak through your blog all the time, so hopefully it will have to do for now. I will be in Calif. in July though (all the way from the Canada)……!!!! Any lower cost meet-ups in parks??