agra.
a night in
a hotel we’d
been to once before,
just for tea
after a long
day of sightseeing,
but still a memory.
this time
we were actually
staying there.
maddy was a crying mess
when we arrived,
drooling and flailing,
turning the heads
of a giant group
of german tourists.
i recognized a
couple of them
from earlier today,
and realized that they
were part of the
same group of
people who watched
as maddy crawled
across the cold ground
of fatehpur sikri.
and i recognized
her behavior as
the telltale signs
of a teething baby.
couldn’t help but
think things
were going to be
disastrous over the next
few days…
we had a rather
tight schedule,
lots of places to
visit, things to
see, and trying to
do them with a
baby acting the way
madeline was
seemed about as
appealing as puncturing
my eardrums with
a pencil.
but the way that
maddy was screaming,
i figured i’d be
deaf soon
enough anyway.
we got checked in,
and had a nice
dinner during which
madeline was calm,
and for the
first time on
our trip,
she chose rachel’s
lap over mine.
the ladies went
to sleep,
while i caught up
with the family
via video chat,
then wrote until
it was almost time
for us to
start our day.
everyone was up
before sunrise,
and excited for the day.
even madeline,
though she
had no idea
what she was about
to see.
our guide and
our driver
were waiting
for us, and
as i shook the guide’s
hand, i remembered him.
at the same
time he reminded me
that we
had been with him before.
standing there,
just outside the
hotel, i had to tell
him about
liz.
figured that was
better than
him wondering all
day why i was here
with a
liz
clone and a
woman who quite obviously
wasn’t the woman he met
three years earlier.
a moment
i hadn’t anticipated.
we were in
the car for a
few minutes before
arriving at
the drop point.
from that spot
we took a pollution-free
vehicle up to
the gates.
(last time we took a camel)
the two previous
times i’d been here,
once with
liz,
and once with
my mom,
the lines were shorter
than it was that day.
but we were
there to
see the place
at sunrise.
and so was
everyone else in agra.
rachel’s line,
(yeah, one for women and one for men)
moved faster
than ours,
so she was
able to get
a couple of shots
of us getting frisked.
finding no
food items
or weapons on
madeline, they
allowed us in.
having the same
guide ensured that
we started off the
tour in the exact same
way the previous
tours had started
so instead
of listening
to him,
i walked with maddy,
letting her explore
the place.
soon it was
time to
go inside.
when i was here with
liz,
i can still
remember the way
she reacted when
she first saw
the place from here:
we kept walking,
pushing past hoards
of tourists
until we finally
made it inside.
the place is
pretty fucking magnificent
no matter what
time of day
you visit,
but sunrise makes the
building look
almost purple
(so get up early and take in the sunrise).
maddy seemed in
awe of place,
just like her
mom.
we kept pushing,
making it to the front
so our guide
could take a
few proper photos
before turning the
camera over to me.
after the photos
we moved on
to a less
busy part of
the place,
the guide picking up
where he left off
three years earlier.
again, rachel listened
intently while
i wandered with madeline.
the other awesome
thing about our
guide is that
he has us stop
for photos in
the exact same places
each time.
he didn’t have the
same motivations that
i did,
instead he just
has a script in
his head that
includes taking the
same touristy shots
no matter who
he’s with.
more walking,
more photographs.
then a seat
more photos
(my green shirt helps me blend in with the bushes).
then…
time for a
diaper change.
we stopped in
another spot,
the spot where
liz
heard the story,
and said the words
that have inspired
me to do what
i do everyday
(i’ll be discussing my visit here with liz in greater depth in my book).
rachel listened
to that same story
while i walked with
madeline.
i just couldn’t
listen to it.
not this time.
tired of walking,
she decided she
was ready
to go in the backpack,
but she drew
a crowd before i
could get her
on my back.
we kept moving.
maddy tried to
do something about
the pain she
felt in her mouth
while i remembered.
we got close
to the mausoleum
itself, and had
to put on
some shoe covers.
rachel has had
to do a lot
of things she
didn’t anticipate during
this trip,
but i may have
crossed a line with her
this time.
as always,
more photos
(comparing the old photos to the new ones makes me really happy i bought that wide-angle lens).
madeline loves a
lot of things in
this world.
one of her favorites
is screaming
(mostly with joy).
she especially loves
screaming in places
where she can
hear her screams echo.
as it turns out,
mausoleums are great
echo chambers,
but not the kind
of place where
children should be screaming.
so i rushed
us out of
the place
while rachel spent
some time with
our guide.
of course,
the screaming stopped
once we got outside,
and she wanted
out of the backpack.
we caught up with
rachel and our guide,
and let madeline
play for a while.
then a short rest
for me.
(i’m getting old).
we kept walking,
heading toward the mosque.
before we got
there, madeline stopped
to meet some friends.
we headed in
and did a
little exploring.
i went back outside
for a few more photos
(you can barely see us in the photos, but we’re there).
then i ordered
rachel to remove
my shoe covers.
somewhere along the
way, maddy passed
out in the backpack,
which made
for a great photo op.
then we made our
way to the
exit and headed
to the next place,
a place i visited
with my mom,
but not with
liz.
we drove through
the streets
of agra,
we arrived, but
before going inside
i had to snap
a few photos.
just inside the
gates of the place,
maddy did what
she’s been
doing during much
of the trip…
she enjoyed
the cold ground.
i stayed outside
with madeline.
while rachel walked
through the tomb with
our guide.
while they were
inside, madeline
got a little
too close to a
monkey and screamed
when it hissed
at her.
it was one of the
first times in
her life that
i’ve seen a genuine
look of terror
on her face.
she jumped into
my arms,
then yelled,
“rayel.”
so yeah,
we went looking
for rachel.
we played for
a bit,
(maddy successfully removed one of the hair ties)
then went inside
to check the
place out.
then for some
reason maddy pointed
toward the monkeys,
suggesting that we
go see them again.
not one to torture
my child,
i tried to
explain to her that
monkeys are mean,
but she didn’t
care, and insisted
we go see them.
this time
she stayed in
my arms,
and enjoyed watching
them swing from
tree-to-tree
and run around.
the guide went out
of his way to
demonstrate his child
rearing skills
and madeline demonstrated
that she likes
rachel more than me.
rachel snapped this
gem of a
photo on the way
out of the place.
back in the car,
we drove past
a religious procession.
after a little
shopping, we took
a short walk
around the town.
then it was back
in the car,
and off to our
last site of
the day.
we were here.
it was the same
day that we
visited fatehpur sikri,
and it was
hot as hell.
today, it was
hot, but nothing
like that day.
(tip…visit north india in the winter).
we took a
couple of photos
before heading inside.
maddy was excited
to be running on
her own
but soon wanted
to be back
in my arms
she met some friends
then got shy.
we made our way
into the next room
and some time
playing while
rachel and the guide
continued talking.
the exploring continued…
we stopped in
a spot where
she
once was.
this one was
tough for
me for some reason.
but soon
i was laughing
again as
i performed another
diaper change
in front of another
historical place.
we took a few
more photos
before leaving the place.
happiness.
relief.
nothing more to
see that day,
so we made our
way back to the hotel
for dinner.
maddy and rachel
went to bed
early, anticipating our
early morning car ride
the next day.
i stayed up
late again,
writing about
the memories that this
trip brought
back to life.
at 5:00
the next morning
we were back
in the car,
sleeping our
way toward delhi.
i woke in time
to take a
couple of photos.
6 hours after
leaving agra
we were on
a plane, flying
toward another
country and more memories.
1.5 hours later,
we’d touch down
in kathmandu, nepal,
the place where
i asked
liz
to marry me.
139 Comments
I love the picture of Liz and Maddie in the same spot up close. Beautiful. She looks just like her mother. I’m sure that comforts and pains you at times.
Beautiful pictures….have a safe & hopefully quiet flight home.
Love and Safe Travels.
Matt,
Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us. I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing the pictures of Maddy where Liz has been will be for her. The buildings are so breathtaking and I can imagine just how inspiring they have been to you. You are so strong and you are raising one amazing little girl who will feel so much of Liz’s love through your love and stories. It is so great that you have been able to take this trip and give Maddy this life experience. Thank you again for sharing this. Give Maddy a big hug. P.s. My 3 year old who often cuddles on my lap as I read (to my self) and look at the pictures you posts, got a new little blond haired doll this week and has started calling it Maddy..
Beautiful love story and beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing. Maddy is definitely Liz’s clone or “mini me”. I love that you have pics of Maddy in the same spot as you do of Liz. So bittersweet!!
I love your blog. I read every entry. By far my favorite. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. It’s very enlightening, entertaining and endearing.
Thank you for taking us along on your trip. I love seeing the comparison pictures or Maddie and Liz. I melts my heart to see you sharing all of these experiences with Maddie!
As usual, the photos were awesome.
Matt, I have been reading you blog for sometime and I just wanted to say that I think that it is so wonderful that you are doing this for Maddie, Liz and yourself. Good luck to you both and continued safe travels
Great post and wonderful photos. Your blog is an inspiration. I’m sure your book will be the Taj Mahal you build for Liz. Safe travels.
The pictures you are taking on this trip are just fabulous, they tell such a story about what you guys are doing. It must be so hard and yet so wonderful to be reliving these experiences with Maddy that you once shared with Liz.
I can’t to see where your trip takes you next.
Memories, new & old, will live in you forever. Maddy will cherish those memories some day. It’s wonderful that you have so many pictures of all of your adventures. Thank you for sharing it all with us. Be safe.
you are so brave for confronting and sharing all of this, Matt. I’ve got so much admiration for you! Safe travels.
also, I’m really ignorant when it comes to photography, but all of your photos are beautiful, and I’m especially loving the last one in this post. Something about the contrast of the poor and chaotic conditions and the cheerful bright colors…just wow, that one is amazing!
Oh Matt…
The photo of Maddy, (almost half way through), close up looking down the camera lens made me catch my breath. She is so much like her lovely Mama, so bittersweet.
Your “journey” is amazing, you are so generous in sharing it with us. I look forward to every update.
Safe travels dear Matt, Maddy & Rachel.
Beautiful photos, beautiful girl, beautiful memories. This is going to be so important to Madeline when she’s older. Liz would be so proud of you, I’m sure of it.
amazing pictures, amazing memories…
Wonderful photos. Seriously, I cannot wait to read your book! Do you need a proofreader?
Keep having fun and safe travels back home.
Loved these pictures just as much as the others, Another hard yet fun part of your trip to India!
Enjoy your last few days!!
You are building such an incredible lifetime of memories for Maddy. Eagerly awaiting your book.
I’m loving your experiences. Can’t wait to read the book!!!
Wow. The photos are amazing. The memories are amazing. I’m bracing myself for the Nepal post, the memories of your engagement.
Thanks for sharing Matt.
Seriously, you function on less sleep than any other person on the planet!
Thank you for taking us with you on this journey. You could have chose to keep this to yourself and just share with Maddy, but I truely feel grateful for your willingness to share. You readers are better people for the message you send. For me, it’s that life is fleeting; love and hang on with all you’ve got while you’re here. Again, my thanks.
Beautiful Pics. I’d like 17 copies of your book please. =)
just wow. i absolutely can not wait for you book. as always, your little girl is so lucky to have you. the memories you are making for her are priceless. I am amazed by you.
sending you so much love. What you are doing for Maddy is amazing!
Wow. Just amazing pictures. You totally need to get yourself a pair of purple shoes like Maddy has.
Loved the photos matt they are amazing.
Tell Rachel her photo was amazing too. Bet noone else caught that photo….haha
Maddy looks so much like her mother.
Can’t wait for next post!!!!
Crying again…I keep looking at Liz and shaking my head, what a shame, what a terrible shame. So much love there, so much pain.
Little Maddy walking in places halfway around the world where her mother walked not three years ago. Retracing a journey and a memory all in one. Crying again and again…hugs to you.
A true love story for the ages. The gift you are giving Madeline is priceless. Past midnight in Texas, but I never tire of your writing.
Amazing! Now I REALLY want to go to the Taj Mahal… I’m glad you’ve got so many pictures, I bet Maddy will treasure them when she’s bigger…
You take the most amazing photos. I lost count of the number of pictures I would frame and display in my home if I were you…
Truly breathtaking…I just love the pictures of Maddy in the same spots as her mom. I really think these are going to be one of her most prized possessions some day. What a neat connection this will be for her.
Did you have any idea that having an adorable little blond girl with would create such a stir? They are so impressed with her….so cute!
My heart stops when I look at these pics of Maddie, I can only imagine how seeing her in these special places affects you. You are an inspiration, I love seeing India through your eyes.
Keep on keeping on…
My words can’t express my thoughts right now but I will try: there is something so heartbreaking and yet heartwarming about seeing these particular pictures of your trip. I think it has to do with seeing y’all in front of a place built from the love one man had for a woman. And while it is hauntingly beautiful – I think your trip, your book will eclipse the Taj. You honor Liz and the love you shared and we all should strive for that in our lives and be damned lucky when and if we find it.
Once again, another beautiful post that has me teary eyed. One day your little girl will thank you for all of these memories…
Beautiful, beautiful, words and pics,Matt! Maddy looks more & more like her stunningly beautiful Mom each and every day,,,,,,,,,
To see you & Maddy in the same pics, of places, that were taken of you & Liz, just takes one’s breath away,,,,,,,,,,,,,
These will truly be a priceless possession of Maddy’s as she gets older,,,,,,,,,She has the best dad ever!
Thanks for sharing with all of us, Matt. I check your blog every day eagerly waiting for another post to find out where in the world is Matt and Maddy. Even my 18 month old daughter likes to look at all of the pictures of Maddy!
I can. not. wait! for your book. Good luck with the writing and all your travels.
I always have a lump in my throat when I read your blog, but even more with these pix from India. I wish life were as easy as Photoshop…I want to just cut Liz out of all of those pictures from the past and put her in the ones with you and Maddie there now.
You have amazing strength.
great pictures. really! i love the one of you&maddie at the taj mahal (you sitting on the floor)-it looks so peaceful! it must be so hard going through all this! cudos!
and you make me wanna see india even more!
hi matt,
greetings from singapore!
i’ve only been introduced to ur site recently
i really do admire ur strength and all the effort u took to continue with this blog
baby maddy looks so much like liz
i’m sure liz is watching over u and maddy
have a safe trip and take care!
Your book is going to be so awesome. You are a great writer. Maddy will be so darn proud of you when she is old enough to read this book. She will know her mother through you. You should be so proud of what you have accomplished. Cant wait for more.
Is it strange that reading a blog about people I’ve never met can make my heart ache every time? If reading and seeing these pictures affects me like this, I cannot begin to imagine the strength it takes to purposely stand in the same places you went to with Liz. This trip and these pictures are such a gift to Maddy. And I agree with the comment above that the book will be your own Taj Mahal. Thank you for another post with such beautiful pictures.
Amazing
Stunning photos as usual. Looks like a wonderful time full of all good memories. You are creating such a beautiful set of new memories for Maddy. I can’t wait for more.
Amazing photos. I can not wait to read your book.
Beautiful photos, all of them.
Madeline looks so much like Liz, are you sure you had any part in her making. =)
My 3 year old says that Madeline is beautiful!
Thank you so much Matt for sharing such intimate details of your trip. I feel as though I have been there with you every step of the way through your amazing photos and words. For Maddy to have pictures of her in the same place as her Mom is just priceless and she will treasure them when she gets older. Much love and safe travels to you, Maddy, and Rachel as you make your way back to L.A.
I don’t know why but it makes me cry to see that pic of Madeline in the same spot as her mom. I don’t even know her! Gorgeous shots – you are an awesome photog.
Matt,
I loved the pictures. What an amazing gift you are giving yourself and Maddie. While I was looking at the pictures, I could picture Maddie, many years from now, looking just like her Mom, on her own little journey taking those same footsteps and really feeling her mom’s presence. Will make for another great book.
Take care
How wonderful to be able to do this! Your photos are amazing, as I was reading I had to keep reminding myself that Liz wasn’t there with you this time, at least not physically. It is so seamless. I think it is an amazing thing you are doing with your little maddie.
Thank you Matt!
I have enjoyed the trip through your pictures of places I’ll never be able to go. The three of you seen to be having so much fun. Little Maddy is growing too fast.
Thank you for your pictures and I’m waiting for your book.
I don’t usually comment, but I felt compelled to with this entry. Thank you for writing, Matt. This entry was particularly touching.
I can’t wait to read your book. I have a feeling I’m going to need a box a tissues to accompany it.
Madeline is lucky to have you. You’re a great father.
Matt your pictures are amazing! Showing the pictures of Liz in the exact same places was very touching. What a gift for Maddy when she gets old enough to understand. I do have one question though…how much sleep are you surviving on? Take care and I can’t wait to hear more about your journey
I have always thought of the Taj Mahal as a beautiful tribute to a great love, but now I’m starting to think your tribute to Liz is even more breathtaking.
More often than not, I’m moved to tears when I read your words. Maddy is lucky her Daddy is keeping her Mommy’s memory alive (vividly so).
WOW….through tears….what an amazing experience!! I love the pics of Liz in the same places as you and Maddy…..so f**king hard yet awesome!!
the lighting is lovely in these places. Isn’t there a law about diaper changing in historical places? No? Or maybe she’s so cute, you can get away with it.
Thank you for sharing your current travels and your memories of Liz! I love the flashes back and forth between then and now…I knew from all of your previous posts that Maddy was a little clone of her Mom but this certainly brings it front and center! Safe journey, my friend, in all that it encompasses!
Matt ~ I just wanted to say that I really enjoy reading your posts of your travels with your daughter. She is so adorable; she is the spitting image of Liz.
I can’t wait for your book to come out, and to read more stories on your adventures and travels!
Wonderful post. Amazing photos!
When the people in India flock around Maddie, what do they say about her? Are they amazed by her beautiful fair skin, clear blue eyes, or blond hair?
Thank you for sharing your trip and beautiful photographs. Wishing you all pleasant and safe travels home. I can hardly wait to read your book.
I’m really looking forward to hearing an update from the lovely Rachel about her experience in India
All my best to you,Miss Maddy, and of course Miss Rachel!
Looks like an amazing journey for so many reasons. I love seeing the photos of Liz & the ones of little Maddie. There are so many similarities. You are so strong. Thanks for sharing with us
Beautiful writing, beautiful journey.
Whenever I look at the photos and read the blog and see what you’re doing, it really touches me. Madeline is so, so, so lucky to have a father like you and she will love you that much more when she is old enough to realize what you’ve done for her. Much love to you both!
Maddy is soooo beautiful! I CAN’T wait to read your book. If your blog is this good, I can only imagine how good your book will be! Thank you so much for sharing you journey.
Liz and Maddy are both absolutely beautiful in these photos, Matt!!!
Matt, I am so glad you instinctively knew what you needed to do and where you needed to be to face all this – and that you had the courage to do so. Going back both to finish and to rebuild memories for yourself, Maddy, your families – you are a man among men. I thank you for being willing to share your personal and intimate feelings: to share the joy and the gasps, and the tears. I have been ‘with you’ from the beginning and am humbled to be part of your life journey. I am so proud of you Matt. Thank you for the beauty of India shown in your awesome photographs – it is a wonderful and spectacular trip.
On a more serious note (!) I remember Pampers’ gift of diapers for Maddy. I am thinking you might consider a partnership with Kleenex – a box of which could accompany each of your books. Just saying….
Love the pics!! So much to see and so colorful. I love it have a safe trip home.
The last line took my breath away! Thank you for sharing your life and journey with us! I can not wait to read the book! Have you ever said what all of your tattoos say? Just wondering!?!
The Taj Mahal is breathtaking.
But what actually made it hard for me to breath reading this is the juxtaposition of the new pictures with the old.
Liz was there before… but I can’t help believing she’s there with you now too.
Again, amazing. The last line? tears.
I absolutely love the pictures of Liz interspersed throughout these posts. They are beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
another amazing update…as always!! love the pictures!
Beautiful, as always. I will have to get a box of tissues before I read your next post. I can already predict that my husband will sit next to me and ask why I read things that make me cry. I can’t imagine him doing what you are doing – you truly are amazing.
I don’t know how you are doing this, but Madeline will love you for it. You are a special dad.
Wow…..every time I read your posts, I am brought to tears. You are an amazing, strong person. Maddy is so lucky to have such a great dad. Both Liz and Maddy are absolutely beautiful. I have a 6 month old daughter and it pains me that Liz was not able to know Maddy. I couldn’t imagine…at least Maddy will know her mom through your wonderful stories and pictures.
I just get so sad when I look at the pictures of Liz. I think because they are juxtaposed with the current pictures, I feel like she’s alive and physically part of all you are doing and then I remember no, she’s not, but I so wish she was. I’m sorry to be a bummer, but your writing and pictures evoke strong feelings in me. Enjoy your last few weeks abroad.
Gorgeous pics of Maddie and you in the same spots that you were with Liz!!!
Matt,
Once again I sit here with tears in my eyes. Your words and photographs are beautiful. Liz is just stunning! I can only begin to imagine how difficult it must be to face these places and these feelings. Maddie is so incredibly lucky that your strength and your love have brought you both to this place! Enjoy the remainder of your trip. I can’t wait for the book!
All my best,
Liz
Beautiful. Everything is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing this with all of us.
long-time reader, rare commenter.
i am especially moved by this post for some reason. your photography just gets better and better and that daughter of yours melts my heart.
isn’t parenthood amazing?
safe travels to you all.
You’ve officially made me cry for the one billionth time. I can’t wait to buy your book.
per usual. a few tears, oohing and awing and laughing my ass off at the picture Rachel took. thank you again – from the bottom of my heart.
I am loving how she’s warmed up to Rachel.
Wow, this most is filled with so much mixing of the past and present (in a good way), that it is sometimes hard to tell.
What a treasure these pictures and your blog will be for Maddie! Thanks for sharing your journeys with us.
Matt..anyway ‘Rayul’ could be maddy’s daycare provider when you hit home? They clearly have a bond. It seems like Rachel could provide a beautiful alternative to Maddy’s day care center.Having had kids of my own in daycare over the years, and having been a daycare provider in the past…I think Rachel would be the altimate person in Maddy’s life to give her the richness she diserves.
Continued strength to you.
WOW Matt! This is stunning. The post, the pictures, the juxtaposition of mother and daughter. I think you’re amazingly brave for taking this trip now while the memories are still so fresh for you. But I can’t imagine Liz wanting you to do anything else – but introduce you beautiful daughter to one of your favourite places and a big piece of the history of her parents. The photos are stunning. I have never been, but my parents visited India and I remember being awestruck at the beauty of the buildings and landmarks.
This has got to be incredibly healing and yet so, so painful at the same time. Especially with a mini Liz at your feet, reminding you of her again and again. I wish you nothing but healing and peace on the rest of your journey. Thank you for sharing some of your soul with us. All I know is that Liz is incredibly proud of you and Madeline and is guiding you on your journey.
Blessings to you,
Tricia : )
Oh, these pictures of Maddie and you in the same places you were with Liz just leave a big lump in my throat. I can’t even imagine what it’s like for you….
Oh Matt! this was such a beautiful post. I absolutely loved the photos especially Miss Maddy’s pigtails shot at the very beginning, the series of before and after photos of all you (you, Miss M and Liz) sitting on the same wooden bench in front of the Taj Majal and the before and after shot of Liz (looking away) and Maddy (looking up) towards the end… I lost it with this last one for it seemed as though Liz was there, looking down at her baby and Maddy was looking up at mommy. Thank you so much for sharing this experience with us… much love from Cabo!
That post more than any other shows the veil between the past and present that you are moving through. I’m glad you are taking us with you. It’s a beautiful journey.
Man, oh man, oh man, you’re making me want to go to India. You know, when I’m not on a grad student budget anymore.
What a wonderful trip, and a beautiful gift to your daughter AND to her mom, who I’m certain must be so very proud of you.
Oh my gosh! I can’t believe you’re already coming home! For some reason I thought you were going to be there until early December. That went by fast!
Amazing. So beautiful. I can’t wait for the book.
Thanks so much for sharing your journey. So looking forward to your book!
way to make me tear up with that last
“the place where
i asked
liz
to marry me.”
LOVE the pictures. Liz was such a
beautiful person. maddy is just a beautiful.
I know that everyone else said this, but I just love how you are taking these pictures of Madeline where Liz was. It is just so beautiful but yet so sad. Liz was so gorgeous and Madeline possibly may be more beautiful as she gets older. Matt, you are such an inspiration and I hope your life continues to get better with everyday and your pain a little more tolerable. Madeline is going to be so proud to have you as a father as she grows up. Best wishes to a wonderful holiday and new year.
I’ve been showing your twitpics to my 5y old daughter before bed at night. I say “there’s Maddy in India” and “that’s Maddy’s daddy.” She’s enjoying your adventures.
Thank you for sharing so much.
I will echo everyone who says the pics of Liz juxtaposed with the ones of Maddy are amazing. What an amazing, adventurous, marvelous life is in store for your daughter. Thank you for sharing.
I love the words and the pictures. It’s hard to believe that you will be home soon! I hope your trip has been all that you wanted it to be and more. I can’t wait to hear more and read your book!!
I have a girl, just one month younger than Maddie so seeing your pictures and knowing your story really touches my heart and causes a lot mixed feelings. Anyway I just want to say thank you for sharing this with us and opening our eyes to appreciate our families even more.
I can’t wait for your book, when is it going to be available?
I also wanted to send Maddie a Xmas present but I guess she would appreciate it more if I make a donation to the fundation, so count with it
I love the way you keep Liz alive for the benefit of your daughter…even if it is painful for you. This book is the best gift I have ever seen a father give to a daughter. It’s awesome Matt. When Madeline gets back to daycare and sees a picture of an elephant or a monkey it will have more meaning to her than any of her friends will ever know. She actually rode an elephant and that is SO priceless!!
Simply gorgeous!! Hope you three have a wonderful journey back home!! HAPPY THANKSGIVING IN ADANCE!!
so amazingly beautiful…i hope that this journey helps you heal. maddy is so blessed to have you!
Some really amazing photos Matt. Have a safe trip home (hope Maddy sleeps for you on the flights).
I’ve said it before, but you are giving that beautiful daughter of yours the best gift in the world. She will have more life experiences in her life than the majority of people in the world.
It is so neat to see the then/now pictures Matt. What a perfect memory your daughter will have. What good memories for you to have.
Keep on posting…
Your pictures are amazing. This trip must be so bittersweet for you. Thanks for sharing your memories and experiences with the world.
These are fantastic photos. When Maddy grows up she is going to treasure them so much and this whole blog and how it documents not only her life, but the life before her.
I love all the beautiful photos! What an amazing place with beautiful memories!
Liz was so beautiful!! It breaks my heart to think that she should be there with you two. I know you are getting wonderful memories to fill that very anticipated book of yours! I am glad that you are enjoying yourself for the most part…It’s nice to see a good feeling smile on your face!
You are brilliant. I love your blog.
The photos are amazing. Your words take me away to where you are.
Wow…such amazing photos and it’s just so striking how Maddy truly is a “Mini Me” of Liz…so beautiful. I love the before and now photos…what an awesome documentary for your sweet girl. Thanks for sharing this wonderful adventure with us. I can only imagine how painful and joyous it must be all at the same time. I’m so looking foward to your book.
Unrelated to the post, but in case you hadn’t seen this, I thought I should share: http://survivingtheworld.net/Lesson28.html
Wow. Moved to tears…. again.
Liz’s beauty radiates from Madeline. You are blessed to have two such beautiful women in your life.
Thank you for sharing your journey.
What you are doing to express your love for your wife and daughter is nothing short of perfection. Thank you for letting us tag along your journey.
What an amazing journey. Heart breaking and Heart warming at the same time. What a beautiful thing to have pictures of Liz and Madeline in the same place, if not together. Wow.
That Palace is beautiful! Love the pictures as always. Keep your head up with your visit to kathmandu, nepal. It is a great memory
Be blessed!
you truly are a hero. my heart aches for you – but i hope you get joy out of looking at your daughter’s beautiful face. i so wish that liz could be in those pictures with you and maddy. thank you for sharing your life with us; i’m sure it can not be easy, but i’m also sure that you have helped so many people. your photos are beautiful; keep it up, and remember how loved you are.
matt and maddy. keep on keeping on.
After the pics of Maddie playing, there is a pic of Liz and then right below it a picture of you holding Maddie and her reaching up…Just as I scrolled through, it looked like she was reaching for Liz and Liz was smiling back down on her. It just really hit me. Wondered if you noticed…
Matt, I’ve read your blog pretty often for a while now. This is the first time that I have cried. The pictures of Madeline in the same spots as Liz and knowing that the next installment is going to be where you asked Liz to marry you. You most definitely have brought tears to my eyes. I can’t wait for your book to come out.
How do you do it?
absolutely stunning pictures. Madeline is a little rockstar with her purple shoes.
WOW!! I love all your Pictures. I look at them in eyes that i know i will never get to go there so i am seeing it through your Photos. It has to be so painfull and exciting to show your daughter. Be safe and keep up the shareing. Thanks so much.
Wow. The way you intertwined the pictures of Liz throughout this post was absolutely beautiful. Absolutely, gut wrenchingly beautiful.
Holy crap. Another great post and fabulous pictures.
Hello from Portugal!
I’m watching you on Ophra right now. It may be an old programme, but through it I googled your and Madelaine’s name and I found your blog.
Congratulations! And all the best for your future with your beautiful little girl
I think I have said this before….but Maddy is going to have one hell of a time meeting a man who will ever measure up to her Daddy. You are such an amazing father, and the gift you are giving to both Maddy and yourself takes incredible strength. As painful as some of the moments have been I can also imagine how healing. Liz would be beyond proud and she obviously knew what she was doing when she chose you as her partner in life and father of her most precious gift. I am so captivated by your journey, particularly since you started this chapter. I can hardly wait for the book!
Another great picture journey through India. It has been such a pleasure. I will miss them! But, I am so happy you are all home safely. Welcome Home. And Happy Thanksgiving!
Peace.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Maddy! Safe travels, and enjoy the time with friends and family. You are amazing, and I’m thankful for the gift of your blog!
It’s a strange pain… the pictures are pointing to what is gone but also acknowledging the timeless importance of what was. That land is magic. What you need.
beautiful & touching as always..
have you considered doing a photography-related book? you have a way of eyeing interesting things.
I have been reading your blog for a long time and never posted, I am shy like that. But my sister lost her husband on Nov. 10th and I just realized maybe I should send her the link to it, to give her some inspiration that things will be ok.
Very cool, Matt. (We exchanged e-mails about a year ago after the People article. My mother died during childbirth as well.) LOVE the pics of your wife and daughter standing in the same places – she will love knowing that she did that as soon as she’s old enough to understand. There aren’t many places where I can do that anymore (after 32 years, most family members have moved from houses and such where she would have been), but I do teach in the same school building where she was working as a secretary when she died, so I can feel her presence everyday that way. Very cool. I continue to check in with you every few months or so…it does something for me to see that sweet little girl and connect to her and know that she will be okay…because of you. Good luck to you, Matt.
You have courage to inspire us all. Good luck to you and Maddy on your journey through this beautiful life.
The closing lines made me cry.
These photos are beautiful. Maddy will love them when she is old enough to enjoy them. You’ve heard it before, but you seem like an amazing father.
Wow. What a tribute and an honor. One of your best posts yet. You are a gifted photographer.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures. I loved the photos of Liz interspersed throughout this post. You are an absolutely amazing father, Matt!