we were somewhere
but i don’t
mean it the
way you think i do.
yeah.
we were in
an auto rickshaw
on some
street in bangalore,
but what i mean
is that you
were somewhere
else in that head
of yours.
like maybe back
in los angeles,
playing your piano,
or throwing
apples into
the street
or at daycare.
me?
i wasn’t
as far out as
you were
at that moment,
but i was
somewhere as well.
i was imagining
where we
we’d be if
things had
worked out differently
for all of us.
but it doesn’t
pay to think
about the
what ifs
and the what
could have beens
when the what
is is
exactly where
she wanted
us to be.
i’m happy,
i really am,
but we’re still
missing that
one person
that would have
had us in
the only somewhere
i really wanted.
also.
i was holding
you tight,
yes, to keep
you from falling
from the auto rickshaw,
but mostly
because i can.
40 Comments
Sweet. That’s what I’m talking about. That deep love.
Oh Matt, I’ve been reading you for months and months and never had the urge to comment, but today, seeing this picture, I was just overcome. To have that kind of love is priceless, we should all be so lucky.
This is really beautiful. What a perfect fit.
ugh…cried a bit when i saw this pic…beautiful!!
Really beautiful and so touching.
{tears} that was beautiful
How beautiful..and you are doing a wonderful job…she is exactly where she needs to be and so are you…Liz would be soo proud!
you guys are so lucky to have each other. this is so beautiful.
Beautiful. Your words and the picture.
Beautiful….you both are so lucky to have each other…and to have a beautiful angel watching over the two of you. You are both right where you need to be…..this post and picture brought tears to my eyes….that is true love right there
Madeline will never have to question how much she is loved by you.
I’ve been following for awhile. Your words seem deeper…India must be just the place you need to be to express what you need to to express. Wishing you well in your writing and travels and in reaching into yourself to share with Maddie and the rest of us. Perfect picture.
Amazing how the picture absolutely captures the essence of your words. This is now one of my favorite post/picture of the both of you. I have been following your blog for quite some time and I just had to say thank you for this post/picture. Beautiful.
There are times in the middle of the night, when I am so exhausted all I want to do is sleep, but I hold my girls a little longer, like you said, because
like you said, because I can.
(Sorry, my daughter helped me press the enter button too soon)
Beautiful!
Wow u really made me cry.
….
We just arrived frome Mexico a week ago, we went there to bury my husband’s brother, he was only 30 years old. I had never lost anyone close to me its so so hard…
So, I really understand what u are talking about here, it really got to me
I wish for you (and for Maddy) that Liz can hold her like you can. I LOVE this pic of the 2 of you.
totally needs to be in a frame!
Yes, you truly are a loving daddy!! Beautiful picture!
awwww how sweet
Like many others, I’ve followed your blog for some time but have never commented. This photo brought out the “commenter” in me. I love the photo and the post in regards to it (can’t read it without tearing up), just because it says what so many parents feel – security, love, peace… all in a simple embrace. Your journey is inspiring, thanks for taking us along for the ride.
Beautiful… Father/ Daughter bond is sooo special. You’re an awesome dad Matt! Keep doing what you’re doing!
Precious…physically & emotionally.
This picture left me speechless.
I’ve been reading your blog since I saw you on the Rachel Ray show somewhere last march. Your blog has brought tears and laughter. Your blog has introduced me to The Spohrs. Which also brough a tremendous amount of tears and laughter. I wish you and beautiful Madeline all the best. My daughter Ava is the same age as Madeline, and it’s hilarious to see how they are learning things at about the same pace. She especially loved the video of Madeline calling daddy about a million and one time. Good Luck in India !
you are doing exactly what liz would want you to do. I don’t know liz, but I know when I see my husband and child like you and maddy are, it makes my heart smile. The life you’re creating….
This is probaby my current favorite picture. To me, it says it all!
Priceless!
stunning words and images…{tears}
I’ve never seen a picture that more captured the love between a parent and child than this one. It’s amazing to capture the while world in your hands isn’t it.
Sooo precious! LOVE her blonde hair. =]
Matt – I’ve been reading your blog for quite some time, ever since I read an article about your story in Parenting magazine. I’ve wanted to comment many times before but, never have. When I saw this picture I had to comment. It left me speechless! It totally sums up the whole reality. The signicance of Liz’s ring on your finger showing that she is there with you and Maddy and your amazing love for your daughter. Wow! Just beautiful! I become overwhelmed with emotion every time I look at it.
Thank you Matt for being an inspiration every day! You have certainly reminded me how much I appreciate every minute with my family!
I think i’ll ditch work early, pick up my daughter & just hold her for a while.
with all the craziness that IS a toddler sometimes i forget how awesome it is just to have her in my arms.
thanks for reminding me.
perfectly worded.
LOVE, love, love this picture.
I love this picture of the two of you.
I have tears. For ALL of it.
Simply gorgeous
its perfect..
Knowing your whole story, I know this sounds like a strange thing to say, but: Madeline is one lucky little girl.
Sending you both blessings.