she would not believe
that the child
she bore seven
weeks before her due date
is as healthy
as you are.
she would not believe that
her child
talks as much as
she once did.
she would not believe
that her child
climbs everything she encounters.
she would not believe
how much you
resemble her
(in almost every way imaginable).
she would be proud of
what you’ve become.
she would be proud of
what i’ve become.
she would not
believe how far
we
have come.
and she would be
proud of this
…
as you slept the
other night,
i read a line
from this book i’ve
been reading…
“no one is truly dead, until they are no longer loved.”
sounds about right.
because there’s so much
love for
your mom,
now and forever.
and because of
our love for her,
we not only exist,
but so does
she.
299 Comments
Thinking of you all today.
Thinking about you and Maddy today, too. I made a donation in Liz’s memory today.
Nothing else to say but beautiful in words and pics.
It’s not fair to make someone cry before noon.
Beautiful post. Congratulations on all you have done with the Liz Logelin Foundation. You have carried on her memory well — both in the foundation and in your beautiful daughter.
It is obvious Liz will never truly be dead. What a beautiful thought.
So much love coming your way today – and always.
(((hugs)))
What a lovely and moving tribute to your wife. She would probably say the same thing about you, “she would be proud of what you’ve become.”
Cheers!
Powerful and perfectly said.
Thinking of you, Madeline and your families today.
So beautiful. She would be so proud.
Absolutely beautiful!
*tears in my eyes*
You and Maddie are in my thoughts today.
Crying at my desk out of sadness for the love that has been lost but also out of happiness for how far you have come and the new love you have found. That quote ““no one is truly dead, until they are no longer loved.” is so simple yet so profound and so incredibly true. You are one of a kind Matt and Maddy is so lucky to have you as her daddy.
Thinking of you today and remembering Liz. You have done a wonderful job keeping her memory alive!
oh Matt.
thinking of you and little Miss Maddy today.
so happy to be a part of your guys’ lives.
I am forever changed because of you and yours.
xoxo
Thinking of you both.
Lovely. Love to you and Maddy.
You’re right, she would be so proud of you both. Thinking of you guys today. extremely proud of
Thinking warm thoughts for you all today.
perfect.
Thinking of all 3 of you today….If you were in MN Id totally hug you…thats a big deal…Im not a hugger…Im a hitter…just sayin…
XOXOX
Keep making your wife proud Matt…you’re doing a fanfuckingtastic job
You both were the first thing I thought of this morning…and will think about you all day!
xoxo
Their profiles are beautifully similar. The women in your life are exceptionally lucky to have you.
Beautifully stated Matt. She is so loved.
Simply beautiful Matt…. Be strong and enjoy your daughter today don’t let her see you sad xoxoxo
I should have waited to put my mascara on this morning. She IS proud of you both. Thinking of you and all the people in Liz’s life on this day and always.
Such a beautiful post – thank you as always for sharing it with us.
Thinking of you and Maddy today
My thoughts are with you and Maddy today. I know Liz would be so proud of her amazing husband and beautiful daughter.
Oh my, I have goose bumps. I am thinking of you both today. And thinking that my problems are pretty small in the whole scheme of things.
Although it is terrible how your foundation came into being, it is great how you are helping these families.
What a beautiful post! Thinking of you all today. You have done such an amazing job keeping Liz’s memory alive. Wishing you all nothing but the best!
You have come so far and I’m sure your wife is looking down on you two smiling because she knew you could do it. Thinking of you today.
Love to Liz, Maddy and you!!!
what a touching post about two wonderful women that you love!! my thoughts and prayers are for you guys today.
You and Maddy and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers today.
You’re right, Liz would be SO proud of her amazing daughter and husband and the wonderufl organization that honors her.
Thank you for sharing this journey. You and Maddy have come so far in the last two years. You never should have had to. But you’ve done it. It’s beyond inspirational.
Absolutely beautiful, Matt. Liz would be so proud of you and Maddie. Sending you a big hug today.
…always in my heart.. all your family is very loved …
Thinking about You and Maddy today, and everyday!
Wow Matt. That has to be the best I have ever read. The pics just gave me chills. You are doing a great job in every direction.
Beautiful.
Thinking of you today. She is proud of you today.
Beautiful…love. No other words to leave.
Just beautiful. I’ve been a long time follower, but never comment. Most of the time I’m just speechless after your posts. Your words touch deep into my soul. I just want you to know that you such an amazing father. Madeline is so lucky to have you in her life. I bet Liz is looking down on you just smiling ear to ear. Also, Happy Birthday Madeline (a day late). Sending peace and happiness your way. (Hugs)
Beautiful post. Beautiful photos. You’re all in my thoughts today.
Thinking you and your family today…
Thinking of you all as well….you have truly made the best out of a horrible event. She certainly would have been proud…we’re all proud. Thanks for sharing all you do.
Such fantastic work that you do!! So proud indeed!
She shines in every penny and every smile that is donated and offered in her name.
Thanks Matt.
Thinking of you and your entire family.
Thinking of you guys today. What am amazing 2 years you’ve given Maddy. Liz is smiling down at you both.
Memories, love – definitely keep the dead here with us.
Thinking of you both.
I donated today in memory of your beautiful wife. This stranger/friend is thinking of you and your little girl today.
So beautiful, so true.
Thinking about you guys today!
Those photos took my breath away. Thinking of you and Maddy today and always.
I have tears reading this. My thoughts are with you and Maddy especially today. May you continue to remember, love, and heal.
What a beautiful post, Matt. Thinking of you and your family today.
Simply beautiful!
Wow, I’m sitting at my desk in tears. Those pictures together are just breathtaking. Thank you Matt for keeping this blog and allowing us a look into your lives. You are just amazing and I can’t even imagine how proud Liz must be.
Your words always bring tears to my eyes.
Absolutely beautiful!
Very touching.
Thinking of you guys today.
Thinking you all today – what a lovely post. Enjoy your time in Paris.
There’s a lot of people proud, Matt. Hope you and Maddie are having a wonderful time!
hearts and souls mending…
Stunning. Thinking of all of you today.
Beautiful post for a beautiful woman. Thinking about you and Maddy today.
my thoughts are with you both today.
much love!!
This is beautiful, just like Liz and just like what has been done for others in her name. Love to you, Maddy, the Goodmans, the Logelins, and everyone else who misses Liz, and to our applicants and recipients, on this shitty, shitty anniversary.
Such amazing words.
You and Maddy have come so far, and so have all of us with you. Thanks for sharing your lives with us.
And congrats on all the great work with the foundation even though it came from such a such a sad beginning. I will be sure to donate again this year.
I’m sure Liz is smileing down at you both, so very proud. I am in awe of your strength.
Give your little one an extra tight hug.
I’m glad to be a stranger/friend of both of you!
Thinking and praying for you all today. Thank you for sharing Liz with us.
Thinking of you all today. You both have grown such a tremendous amount over these last two years, Liz would be so proud of you. Enjoy Paris with your beautiful daughter!
my friend’s mother died today. she just now called to tell me so.
i showed her your blog about 6 months ago, she read it all.
she also said in that call that this post gave her hope for the future, and some comfort.
thanks for helping my friend. and all those other people.
the 25th sucks. and i hope we all make it through this one as happy as we (im)possibly can.
Oh, Matt. Thinking of you and your precious girls.
Made a donation for Liz today, and thinking of both of you. Love that you’re able to celebrate her everyday with that beautiful daughter!
She would be so proud of you both. Thinking of you all today!
Beautiful!!
Thinking of and sending my love to you and Maddy and your extended families today. Liz will always be remembered, always loved.
Thinking of all of you today.
It was so hard to read yesterdays…and then today.
I see a beautiful blend of both of you in Maddie. Especially when she has that same contemplative look you have. The picture of her in the pink hat is a perfect example.
I grieve for all widows and widowers in Liz’s honor.
A strange dichotomy to be both celebrating a birth and mourning a loss. You do it with aplomb. Liz could only be grinning from ear to ear.
Thinking of you all today. I never knew Liz, but I know she would be amazed at the amazing little person Maddy has become.
I have been sitting here for a few minutes trying to compose myself and tell my daughter that I am okay and not wanting to explain the reality of life. I have followed you since I read your story in People. The emotions I have felt are just plain raw. It pisses me off to know that life truly is unfair. I may not “know” you but I feel like I do and I thank you for allowing all of us into your world. I am so proud to see how far you have come and how far you will go. Keep up the great work, Liz would be so proud!! You will be in my thoughts and prayers today, and always!
*Sorry for rambling*
Thinking of you both again today. Yet another post I should have read at home.
You have kept her alive and Maddy keeps her alive each and every day with her beautiful smile and sparkly blue eyes. Thinking of you all today as I am sure it is a very difficult one. Liz would be very very proud, you should be proud of what you have done in her memory, and Maddy will be oh so proud someday. I am with Casey above…thank you for sharing Liz with us.
Beautiful.
So well written and so many emotions.
May you have the strength to get through this day without too much heartache. Liz’s life is celebrated by us and by all of us following Madeline’s life with you. Her wonderful father who does nothing but love her more and more everyday.
Can’t believe it’s been 2 years…
I love that you have the perfect pictures of Liz to go along with your posts. Beautiful.
Maddy is perfect.
I’m sure your wife would be thrilled with how wonderful of a father you have become. Your foundation is an incredible way to honor your wife’s memory. I love your writing style, and look forward to your book.
Okay, I managed to hold back the tears at my desk yesterday but I just couldn’t today. Absolutely beautiful. Thinking of all of you today and always..
Thinking of you and Liz’s family today.
Liz would be so happy with how you have lead the last 2 years of your life and all that you have done in her honor!
Celebrate the life she lead today. Celebrate your love. Celebrate your little Maddy, the life she was able to leave you today.
She wouldn’t want you to live grieving forever. The way you describe her, and the pictures you show us, makes me think she’d want you to be happy and not mourning forever. But, it’s ok to take time to be sad too and let your emotions come forward.
thinking of you guys today and wishes for the warmth of sweet memories to fill your bones.
Okay, you got me crying.
You have had an eventful two years, Matt, and it wonderful to see how good you and Maddy are doing.
Beautiful. Liz would be so proud of you both. Thinking of you today.
Sending you love and light and peace. Love to you, Matt. So much love. Always.
Oh Matt. My heart goes out to you, your family, and Maddie today. Liz would be so proud. She IS proud.
wow.
BTW, have you read *The History of the Dead*? A great read… Your thoughts above reminded me of the book’s plot, in which a city on earth resides with the inhabitants remaining there only due to the memory of someone still living.
http://tinyurl.com/yjydckp
Today I celebrate Liz’s life.
Thinking you and Madeline, Matt.
Thinking of you today with tears in my eyes.You have come along way in the last 2 years
absolutely. beautiful.
Matt,
Recently my sister unexpectedly passed away and my husband and I have now added my niece (14 yrs old) to our family. Your words inspired me today, as I think about my sister and I wanted to thank you. I have been a fan forever, but not the best commenter. Thanks for your words today. I want to show them to my niece, but I am not sure how or when, but someday I hope I can.
Thanks,
Laurie
thank you Matt, for not only keeping Liz alive, but for bringing her to us all..
and in turn brining a new sense of life to many- and no i don’t think that is an exaggeration in the least.
Matt, you have done so much more than others have in your position. You have chose not to sit quietly by, but to start a foundation in Liz’s name and help others. You have also chose to be a wonderful role model to your daughter on how we can all move ahead after a tragedy. Blessings to you today and always.
Beautiful! Liz would definitely be proud of you and Maddy. You’ve come a long way. Thinking of the two of you today!
You are incredible. Sending you lots of love today.
Beautiful. She would be so proud.
Also, fuck you for making me cry at work.
You and Maddy were in my thoughts first thing this morning and yesterday. Liz will forever be loved and her life will continue to be a legacy as she gives to others even in her passing.
Those photos are absolutely breathtaking. Thinking of you!
The last couple of post were just beautiful. And I also love the profile pics of Liz and Maddie. Yes, Maddie is the spitting image of her mom but seeing those pics…wow!
I’ve been following for 2 years now and I also can’t belive these two years have passed so fast.
Thank you for sharing your life with us.
we celebrate her life because of your love for her. wishing you all the best today and always.
thinking of you today.
Sitting at my desk trying not to bawl out loud… how sad that celebrating Maddy’s birth also brings sadness over what was lost a day later. And you’re right… Liz will never be dead… not as long as you and Maddie keep her alive. And dude… you’re doing it every day with the words that you write. Maddie is so incredibly lucky to have you as a father… and Liz… she’s up there watching over the both of you and so proud… so damn proud… of what she’s created. sending so much love and hugs from NJ today.
Liz is loved by so many people, and she lives on through Maddy. I’ll be thinking about you guys all day.
I’d love to see a photo of Liz from age 2 or so. Just a thought.
Simply beautiful! Thinking of you and your family today
Well, so much for a good mascara day.
Somewhere Liz is watching you and Maddy and just beaming with pride.
And she will always live on in the thousands of lives she’s touched through you and your beautiful daughter.
Cheers, to you, to Maddy and most of all to Liz.
Thinking of you guys today.
Thinking of you and everyone Liz loved today. She is definitely proud of both of you and all you have done and become.
I will be thinking of you all today. I will wear my Liz Logelin 5K tee shirt tonight. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Liz lives on in so many ways. She is proud. Feel her love and her smile on you and your family today.
Holy cow. I was doing ok, until that picture of Liz popped up. My breath literally caught in my throat. And I don’t know her, or you…but the lighting…the resemblence…WOW! You are doing amazing things for people who have lost loved ones everywhere. Life must go on…and Liz goes with you. I don’t just mean in mini Liz. In Brooke, in your writing, SHE is in all of it–smiling, in the middle of all of it.
wow, those two photos are hauntingly beautiful. You can see who your daughter is and will become.
Awesome.
It has been a long time since we’ve spoken, since we shared dinner, since my boy made googly faces at your tiny girl. But you two are often in my thoughts and warmest wishes.
Today, I am sending up more thoughts to the universe for you, to you. Wishing you continued peace, happiness, silence, laughter, whatever it is you need most.
What a legacy Liz has left you both. What a great gift to the world she was and continues to be.
xo.
Two years later, and all it takes is a post like this to bring it all back to the surface. Fighting tears over here.
Remembering and celebrating Liz today. Much love and support to you and Madeline.
im sending you love and support.
Tears at work = not cool
beautiful tribute for your beautiful wife. Thinking of you on this very difficult day…peace and happiness, friend.
Thinking of all of you today.
Your words never cease to amaze me, Matt.
Liz will live forever in all of us because of you.
Thinking of you and Maddy today.
God bless you today and always! Its mind blowing how much she looks like Liz! In every aspect!!
Liz will always be with you. Because of your love for Liz, Maddy will know her and you’ve allowed all of us, total strangers, to know her.
My thoughts and prayers are with you today, I know it’s not an easy day.
I prepared myself before visiting the website today, and it still didn’t work. You have said it perfectly (as usual), and I’m in tears. No matter where your life takes you, she will always be a part of it, and always be loved.
Thinking of you and Maddy today.
this makes me cry. i’ve been a reader since i saw the people magazine article about you. this is actually my first comment here. i commend you for being such a strong person. i have recently lost my boyfriend of 6 years just 5 months ago, and let me tell you how lost i am without him. reading your blog gives me hope that someday, i will get through this and be happy once again. keep on writing, matt and i can’t wait to read your book! much love to you and little maddy! happy birthday to her also. =)
no words really.
thinking of you, maddy, liz’s family, and all her loved ones. Her legacy lives on through you, through maddy, her family, and through the LLF. what an incredible blessing you have been to the lives of many. you have given us hope, laughter, tears, and the greatest gift; watching that little beauty grow up right in front of us. Her fabulousness is a testament to her environment. You are doing a wonderful job. It sure was a pleasure meeting you in hawaii. Thank you for what you have done. we all hold our families MUCH tighter because of your story.
you are one incredible human.
(so much for ‘no words’ eh?)
Aloha!
Beautiful words Matt! Thinking of all of you today. Liz would be so proud. Keep up the amazing job you are doing! Enjoy the rest of your trip!!
Thinking about you today and hoping the day brings more happy memories than sad ones.
Thinking of you, Madeline and Liz’s family today.
D x
Thinking of you, Liz, Madeline and your family the last couple days. Your words capture so much emotion and have made so many of us better people for it. I donated to the foundation to honor not only Liz & Madeline but for you as well. You are an outstanding Father, Husband, Writer, and so much more…she indeed would be proud as so many of us are.
Liz would be soo proud of how far you and Maddy have come! Liz’s legacy definitely lives on. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and sweet little Maddy.
so beautiful.
I will have to remember that “No one is truly dead, until they are no longer loved”
You are an awesome dad doing a phenomenal job and I am sure she is looking down at you proudly.
Those images at the end bring everything full circle. Thinking of you today and how everything you lost in Liz was found in Madeline.
Thinking of you guys on this difficult day. (((HUGS)))
She would be very proud. Hugs!
Your words still touch all of us as much today as they did two years ago.
So it is easy for us to understand what you’re saying and what you’re describing.
These kinds of posts are a reminder of what you live with every day.
Woke up remembering this was THAT day. Hardly any of us commenters know you but feel like we do. Liz too, and Maddy. I hope you all get through this day OK and that your wonderful trip to Paris leaves you with happy memories. love from NC!
Making me cry at my desk while I’m at work is not nice! I will be thinking of you and your families today…
Yes Matt, she would be so very proud. I wish so much that you didnt have to had traveled this road, but you have come so very far.
Aahh…you crush me yet again with your words. Your love for Liz is palpable.
I absolutely LOVE those last pictures. Beautiful. My thought are with you guys…always.
Beautiful. Totally made me cry at work. Thinking of you and Maddy and Liz today.
My thoughts are with you, little Maddy, and especially The Goodmans today.
Thinking of the beautiful, amazing, vibrant Liz today. She indeed lives on.
God, that was beautiful. Seriously, what full circle you’ve come. And your writing? It’s amazing. Thank you for such a heartfelt post, such a gorgeous tribute to Liz.
Such a trajedy. =(
Hugs today and everyday.
I wasn’t able to get near a computer yesterday but you’ve both (all?) been in my thoughts & prayers these last few days.
Happy Birthday to Maddie – and (once again) thank you for the beautiful words that you use to express what you’re feeling. These words are a treasure to me and will be a treasure for Maddie when she gets older.
The picture of Maddy under the awning watching the downpour is gorgeous. I can’t think of a word to describe how great a father you are. Extraordianry isn’t quite enough. BUt not only that- you’re a gifted author and photographer. You’re doing great Matt. Without a doubt.
You and Maddy are in my thoughts today. Thanks so much for sharing it with all of us.
Take care,
Debbie
Thinking of you, Maddie and both of your families today. You are such an amazing Dad and an inspiration. Liz would be very proud of both you and Maddie.
Take care
Christine
Matt, I’ve followed you and Maddy from the beginning, wishing that it didn’t have to be so. But it is and I think if it had to be so, which I know we both wish it didn’t, Liz couldn’t have been happier than she would be (perhaps is) to witness the amazing father that you are, the amazing daughter that Maddy is, the amazing team that you make.
With love and hugs and wishes for happiness for you both – plenty of it, in between the moments of grieving and hurt.
Love, Tricia and family. xoxoxo (N. VA)
Liz would be (is) so proud of you for raising such a beautiful little girl, and founding such a wonderful charity in her honor. I lost my sister almost 12 years ago when she was 23 and I was 21, I didn’t know when the hole in my heart would ever heal, but after having my 2 children and seeing her laugh and facial expressions in them from time to time it is an incredible reminder that she is still with us. Reading that Maddy is so much like Liz is really amazing, big hugs to you Matt and Maddy:)
Beautiful message! Maddy will be forever grateful for you for doing this blog. I think everyone would like something like this. Thinking of you and your family!
And you are right she would be very proud of you and Maddy!
Just thinking of you all today. I think I always will since our kids have almost the exact same birth date, and I was the same age as your Liz when she gave birth. Hugs to you and thank you for sharing such strength!
Beautiful words, beautiful photos and a beautiful family.
Thinking of you and Madeline today.
I’m glad I haven’t applied my makeup for the day, yet… as I sit here crying.
Matt, you have done an amazing job. And you and that line from the book are correct. And through your blog, you are helping keep the memories of Liz alive for yourself, your daughter, your family and friends and us.. strangers..
friends..
Thank you.
Off to make a donation to the foundation.
All the best today.
thinking of you today xx
Beautifully said and so true. She would be so proud of you both.
Thinking of you today.
Not sure if it is normal to wake up and after a few small morning thoughts, think about complete strangers and how they are doing on a day like this….. Hoping that it has become a little bit easier for you and your family.
Im sure she would most definitely been proud of you and Maddy! I love that line you quoted from that book
“no one is truly dead, until they are no longer loved.”
very true….
Thinking of you and your family today~
Oh and I LOVE that picture and Maddy and Liz, they look perfect together!! But I am sure you knew that. ;^)
Crying crying crying.
Thank you for sharing Matt – this is a beautiful letter to your wife.
Think and praying for you and your families.
Beautiful tribute to all of your best girls. You are all in my thoughts today. Thanks for sharing your story with us and reminding us of what’s really important in life.
What beautiful last 2 posts… thinking of you these last 2 days… can’t believe it has been 2 years!!!
happy birthday Maddy!
Remembering Liz in Australia today with much love.
Thinking of you and Maddie.
xo
Thinking of you both today Matt, and sending you strength to get through this day.
Sending hugs and love to you today, Matt. So happy that you’re proud of where you are, you certainly deserve to be.
Thinking of your family today ..much love and hugs to you all ,these words are most beautiful,liz will be so proud of how far along you have come .
Thinking of you all today. Amazing words. I’m sure you already know how many lives you have touched and changed through this site- but I really do feel like I try to live my life in a different way now…more present in the moment, less sweating the small stuff, more hugs, kisses and I love yous. Thank you and blessings to you all~
I was lying in bed last night thinking about my problems and then I realised that today was 2 years since Liz left you and that my problems are nothing when compared to yours. You seem like such a wonderful loving man and the fact that you lost Liz breaks my heart. Maddy will be proud of you in the years to come for being the most amazing father to her. Hope the three of you are having an amazing time in Paris.
Beautiful selection of the two pictures. I woke up this morning thinking about you, Maddy & Liz and thinking about how when I started following this blog, Maddy was only a few weeks old…. Look how far you’ve come. She is a beautiful little girl who is as beautiful as her mother. Loved the post yesterday as well.
I really like that saying “No one is truly dead, until they are no longer loved” So Liz will live on for a LOOOOOONG LOOOOONNNNG time!! Bitter Sweet Day, but I know that Liz is looking down on you and Maddy and smiling. She knew what she was doing when she married you. You are a great father and from what you have told us a great husband. Enjoy the rest of your vacation.
Rosann
for the love of liz..
thinking of logelins today…
many thoughts are with you Matt. Happy birthday to Maddy also.
xxoo
Damn, Matt – back-to-back posts that made me cry.
Tears of sorrow, tears of joy.
Normally I’m able to express myself very easily, but you take my words away.
I can only say that you are the fucking awesome, period.
Happy (belated) birthday to your beautiful Mads!!!!!
I hate that today is THAT day, but know that Liz will always be with you and Maddy. And yes, she’d be SO fucking proud of you, as we all are.
Those pictures made me cry. Beautiful post, thankyou
a big kiss (with tears) for you.
you’r near me (I’m in Portugal)
big hug 2 Maddy
“no one is truly dead, until they are no longer loved.”
well, then Liz will live forever in many people’s hearts
Beautiful post Matt. As always you & your family are in my thoughts today.
Off to dontate in honor of Liz….
Thinking about you and Maddy today. Thanks for sharing your life with us and allowing us be a part of it. Many hugs to you both.
She is so proud of you and Maddie and all you have accomplished!
Thinking of you and Maddy today! You have come so far in 2 years. I bet looking back you never thought you would have made it this far and actually survived these 2 years without Liz but you have and you have done such an incredible job raising Madeline that I bet Liz is looking down and smiling at you both!
You’re both in my thoughts and prayers, Matt.
Thank you for this lovely post.
Janine
Of course I’m typing through tears. I am so sorry for your pain; thank you for sharing the beauty. God bless your family.
Thinking of all three of you today.
Beautiful Matt. Thinking of you, Maddy & Liz today and everyday. Hugs to you all.
Maddy, I’m Alexa’s mommy, and the thought of your mom missing out on you growing up breaks my heart. I’m not a very religious person, but sometimes it’s good to belive in something if it means that it will give us hope, and help us through our day/week/year/life. Your mom left you in the best hands possible, and her nurturing spirit, and motherly instincts are still here, they live through all of us who so wish we could cuddle you, and nurture you, because we know what it’s like to need your child, we know that if she could see you now, she would want to hold you more than anything. I hope that you continue to be the happy, beautiful child that you are. That every day you look more and more like your mom, and when you see your reflection in the mirror 20 years from now, you see her.
Thanks for letting us inside your heart today, Matt. You are a very, very, special man,,,,,,,,,,,,,We are all so much richer for knowing you.
Think of You both today. YES indeed she would be proud.
Been thinking about you guys all day. xoxoxoxoxo
I’m sorry.
thinking of you, Maddy and your families, and as proud of you as one stranger can be of another for what you have done in Liz’s name, and how wonderfully you’re raising your daughter.
Beautiful post, Matt. Thinking of you today.
Thinking so much of Liz today.
Peace be to you all.
beautiful. so very beautiful.
thinking about you three yesterday and today…
Wow, seeing those two pictures side by side leaves a lump in my throat. Liz will always live on, not only in Maddy but in all the memories and pictures you continue to share with everyone. I think as Maddy gets older she will love the fact that she looks exactly like her beautiful Mom. To this day when people tell me I remind them of my Mom who passed away it makes me so happy. Thinking of both you and Maddy and all of your families today and always. Much love and peace to both of you and Brooke. Enjoy your wonderful trip!
I loved Liz like a little sister. She was awesome. I miss her terribly.
Sending you love and light.
Beautiful.
Just beautiful. I think of you two so often. Reading your blog helps me appreciate my husband more.
Thinking of you all today. Be well *hugs*
So beautifully written. I held it together until I got to the pictures….then, I lost it!!
Waterworks.
Waterworks.
Waterworks.
Rarely does photography move me to tears and just now in that moment….it happened!
Thinking of you with warm, comforting thoughts.
Happy late Birthday to beautiful little Madeline
)
in my thoughts and heart today and each day.
Thinking of you and your families!
Breathtaking post that brought tears to my eyes. I think the quote is spot on. Thank you for sharing yourself, Liz, and precious Maddy with the world. We’re all the better for knowing your story.
Matt, you have kept Liz alive and loved in so many ways- one being this blog. For many of us, we are just readers of your journey and story. Liz (obviously) plays a major role in this story we read and follow.
It is hard for me, an anonymous reader, to believe that she is gone. She will never be forgotten, by those that loved her, and those that know her through your words. Thank you for sharing your story, your journey, and Liz’s amazing life with us. She would, most definitely, be proud.
I have been reading your blog from the beginning. On the 21st, I lost my mom….Although i have prayed for you I now know the pain of loosing a mommy. I’m so sorry madeline. *hug*
We are sending our love to the two of you! You are in our thoughts and fill us with awe!
Beautiful words, you really have a way with them. Happy belated to Maddy!
thoughts of you, Maddy and all those you have helped! you have truly honored Liz in a lovely and amazing way!
peace and goodness
My thoughts are with you.
I just watched the LLF videos that you linked and then donated. It’s such a small thing for me to do, and the videos reiterated the impact.
Thank you, and everyone behind the scenes who have also been touched by Liz, for spreading this good. She’s left a legacy and (not that it matters what I think, but) I think she would be so proud of you both.
I can’t believe 2 years has gone by since Maddie was born. She is trully a beautiful little girl who looks exactly like her mother. Everytime I go to this website I can not help myself to cry, to see what a wonderful father you are and how you have raised Maddie all by yourself. You should be very proud of yourself! GOD BLESS you both all the time!
Hi Matt,
We wanted you to know that we are sending our thoughts and support to you today on Liz’s anniversary. Thinking of her with fond memories.
Cara, Jamie, and the kids!
Thinking of you all.
In tears again
She would be SO proud of you both!
Thought of you numerous times today, Matt.
and you know matt, she exists in all of us too and that makes her eternal. thank you for sharing liz with us. you have helped remind me of so many important things in life. i wish you & maddie – many, many blessings. and an abundance of love.
You have are truly amazing! Maddie is such a beautiful child with an amazing father! Beautiful words! You have done well! Liz is defniately proud!
No words — the photos in the end, in particular — take my breath away. Wishing peace for you — today and always.
I love the quote, and my thoughts are with you both as they always are! Have a great time in Paris!!
Liz certainly knew what she was doing because she picked the perfect Daddy for Maddy! Hugs to all!
Simply beautiful! Great quote, so true.
On a lighter note, would she have reacted to Maddy’s bangs the same way she reacted to the robot purchase?
Thinking of you guys today – What you wrote is just beautiful, your an amazing man!
a beautiful tribute to an amazing mommy
Thinking of you, Madeline and your family today, Matt. Thank you for sharing with all of us.
Perfectly said. Perfectly photographed & illustrated. Perfectly topped with hundreds of expressions of love, agreement and support for you… I’m pleased to throw in with this crowd. I’m proud to know you & be connected even in this small interwebs way, proud of what you’ve done with what you were dealt, and so proud of that precious, amazing little girl, who I feel I know almost as closely as my own child because you’ve been so generous in sharing her with us, both through your words and your art. This community, this little virtual village, is lucky to have you as a piece of it.
Cheers & love, today and all days,
-Kristen
been thinking of you both all day! she would be oh so proud.
bravo matt
tears…. the tears are coming. so beautiful…. she would be so proud of what you have accomplished Matt…. I know I am!
I’ve had the weight of the world on my shoulders all day, thinking of you, Liz, Maddy, Jackie and her kids, all the family and friends affected, and everyone else who has lost a spouse (myself included). Wish I had something more profound to offer. ((((HUGS)))) and love.
Talk of Liz brings a breath of fresh air.
I was wondering where her piece was on Maddy’s birthday.
wow. just wow. you are loved.
She would indeed be very proud.
Asalamu Alaykom,
This world is not where we end. We began long before and will continue long after. In the middle, where we are now, is always hard but often rewarding.
Alhumdulillah for the quietness which you have found—past the swearing, past the blaring music, past the hordes of people. You, at your core, have peace with Maddy…and with Your Liz. Whatever else happens to you in this part of our existence, you can be proud of this moment. You survived and THRIVED.
Your presence on this earth is worthy of praise.
May you continue to welcome in that which helps you heal and grow.
I can see Liz in Maddy all the time. Beautiful pictures.
Oh Matt, that was beautiful. Liz will live forever in your love for her, in Maddy and in the endless number of families that you will aid in her name. Tons of hugs today, and every day.
I drove to work this morning thinking about what your post would be like. I kept it together until the pictures.
Beautiful,
Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Peace
I spent a great deal of yesterday thinking of you, and hugging my daughter. Thank you once again for sharing your story, you have made a difference in so many lives.
I don’t know what else to say, but you are a wonderful father. Good job in keeping Liz’s memory alive for Maddy. She is one lucky girl.
Been thinking about all of you and Liz’s family the last couple days, such joy one day brought and tragedy the next. You are doing a great job though and I’m sure Liz is smiling down on you all. XOXO
Another internet stalker thinking of you, Maddy and your family/friends today.
I hope you take solace in all the great things you’ve accomplished…
Hugs.
She would have to be proud of both of you. How could she not be?
Profound. Beautiful. Heart-touching.
thanks.
Someone I know who also reads your blog asked me “Don’t you feel like you knew Liz?” and I had to agree that I do feel like I knew her. That is a tribute you, Matt, for sharing her with all of us.
Lots of love to you guys on your Paris adventure.
xoxo
Matt, I’ve never posted here but I’ve read your entire blog and therefore feel like I know you, Liz, and Maddy well. (That whole stranger/friend thing.) Thank you for sharing your life with us….I find myself reflecting on your situation quite frequently, especially over the last few days. Knowing how quickly and irreversibly things can change makes you appreciate what you have all that much more.
I ran across a Robert Frost poem today that made me think of you (sorry if you’ve already seen it)–”Happiness Makes up in Height for What it Lacks in Length.” Your time with Liz was so short but boy was your happiness tall. Wishing you and Maddy much more happiness in your future.
Thank you for sharing Liz, Maddie, and yourself with us for the past two years.
You might want to get the Velveteen Rabbit for Maddie. It talks about being real and being loved. Wonderful book. Thinking of you and Maddie today. Liz is proud, I’m certain of it.
those photos…wow…and your words…beautiful.
Liz would be so proud of both of you. It is wonderful how you have helped so many, I have tears in my eyes reading what you write and then reading about the families you have helped it really is touching.
Through your love of Liz and Maddie you bring a lot of love to the world. Thank you.
I just love how you take pictures of her in the exact same spots or locations as you did in your travels with Liz.
Cherish these moments Matt, as I know you will.
Enjoy my dear
And thanks for the tips.
we will NEVER forget beautiful liz, maddie’s mommy. keep up the great work! she is with you guys everyday.
As always, you bring me to tears. You are an amazing dad and Maddie is so very blessed to have these amazing memories that you share with her. Thank you for opening your lives to us.
That line is so true “no one is truly dead so long as your loved”..well, paraphrasing there…
I hope your day went as well as it could…safe travels and happy thoughts going to Paris to the three of you!
I’ve sat here with my laptop in front of me for about 20 minutes…trying to find the perfect words to say to express how my heart breaks for you and Maddy. There are no words…just tears. Liz is so proud of you for being the father that everyone in the world only wishes they could be. She’s around you everywhere, but most of all, each moment you look at Madeline…a constant reminder that Liz is not truly gone. Thoughts and prayers are with you…always.
All I can say is How Beautiful !!!!!!!
Yes she would be proud, and also grateful I suspect. There is so much beauty here, it’s why I love to come. It makes me cry but it also makes me smile and see life through fresh eyes.
thinking of you today – how wonderful for liz that she is loved still as much today as 2 years ago…
Prayers for you and your beautiful girls today Matt! Blessings, Megan
Truly, as CP said…Hearts and souls mending… Thank you for sharing your life with me. For going on. For living. For growing. You are teaching little Maddy how to become a lovely woman. You are a very special man Matt and I am thankful to know you. Enjoy Paris as only you can with your sensitivity and humor. Safe travels.
Beautiful Matt! You’ve got me sobbing first thing in the morning, your way with words is simply mindblowing. Hugs and happy thoughts coming your way! You’re doing a great job, Liz would be so proud!
I think she would believe it Matt. You all have come so far, but I’m sure Liz has been watching, trusting that you would. Maddie is absolutely beautiful and she is all that and more because of the amazing love surrounding her!
You’ve done an amazing job – what a tribute to Liz…
Beautifully said. I have no doubt that Liz is so proud of you and Maddie, where ever she is. Thinking of all of you.
This is the first time I’ve visited you on the recommendation of Single Parent Dad and I’m reduced to tears by your writing. She sounds like a wonderful woman and the love that lives on for her is beautiful.
MD x
Liz lives on in Madeline. What joy and torture to look at her and see your beautiful wife. I was thinking that if your daughter reaches that age and wants and needs to know her mom, it will be easy – she can come her and read your memories – how awesome is that?
This is beautiful- I can only hope I am this loved
I also LOVE the picture of you on the carosel horse (I guess you can claim it was for Maddie, c she is in fact on the horse with you, i’m not arguing you there; but, she’s asleep so its leads me to believe you are the one wo wanted the ride- ha!
I lost my own mother two years ago yesterday (the 24th). I know exactly how you and Maddy feel. I pray that the coming year brings more peace and understanding for all of us. Thank you for sharing your experiences…you are an inspiration.
Amazing.
That was a beautiful post, and a beautiful tribute.
much love and peace in your hearts
Beautiful memory and post…Amazing <3
I can’t remember how I found your page, I think I was searching for a classmate in Google that had posted something. But I have a daughter that turned 2 a month before yours and I have one due May 1, but if things keep up, it will be any time now. You are an inspiration, and since reading things here, it has stimulated me to plan some back country trips with just my daughter and me this summer and I wanted to thank you for maybe making me a little more adventurous in our pursuits. While sometimes it makes me nervous when I read your site, having one on the way, I keep coming back to see your latest adventures. It is a marvelous time that our girls are at, they know so much and want to know so much more. Thanks for helping push me to fill her with experiences.
I was taking a look at your flickr photos of Paris and I got some thoughts.
I’m happy as hell for and your little one and Brooke and all but looking at those pictures it got me thinking and as someone with no knowledge about any of this I just started wandering; how is Maddy going to get to “know” her mom and have her as an important person in her lfe if there’s nothing missing?
If I grew up having my dad and his girlfriend raising me, even knowing she’s not my mom, she would fill in that role, no matter her trying not to or you trying to keep thing separate. It’s just how I think things would happen, again, not knowing shit about it. And also, not that’s good to have something missing but I don’t know.
She needs female influences in her life, I get it, and so do you. But as I saw some of those pictures I couldn’t help but to be broken hearted. I miss hearing you talking about Liz in that loving way, and I know you love her, I do, but it just sucks.
I don’t mean to be slaughtered here as I know I might be and I don’t mean to upset you in any way, you’re an amazing father and person and so must be Brooke and you deserve the best but that’s something I honestly wonder about.
Matt – Maddy is beautiful just like Liz. Although I never had an opportunity to meet Liz her smile lives on in Maddy. I heard once after my son passed that people never really die as long as they live in your heart. For some reason that phrase has lived with me for the last 11 years.
I know people say this all the time but Liz would be so proud of you…and of Maddy.
Precious.
Oh wow, I just LOVE that quote. It is so true. Those we still and always will love are very much here with us.
Thinking of you and your Maddy.
a beautiful tribute.
i thought of you and maddy last week and sent a little prayer your way.
thank you for sharing the last 2 years with all of us.
you are truly an inspiration.
Beautiful.
matt, i would love to say that i’ve been praying for you… but that would be a lie. god (God) and i have a love/hate relationship. that being said, you have been in my thoughts, and i have offered much light and love in your name, maddy’s name, and liz’s. you continue to amaze me and i have a feeling that will never cease… which makes me excited to see what is to come with this beautiful life you have created and continue to create with each passing day.
you are truly a survivor and i am happy for the life you have made out of the tragedy you have endured. your strength is overwhelming and i KNOW in my heart of hearts that you, maddy, liz, extended family and friends, new and old are all so very proud of you.
~ beautiful ~
To Iris, you have valid thoughts. having lost my mom and my dad remarried, I can say that we have all kept my mom’s memory alive for me and now my children. My mom was a wonderful lady and so is my stepmom. I couldn’t ask for a better one…she loves my dad, me, and my kids. We remember her with love and laughter and tears and pictures.There are pics of her and dad around the house and there are pics of my stepmom and dad also. I am not attacking you in any way, just trying to explain that it can be done and done in a loving way.
To matt, I know you can keep Liz’s memory alive for Maddie…whether you’re single or do get remarried. You have done a beautiful job of remembering Liz in all you do. Whomever you marry and whenever you marry, it will be a very special person to step in and keep Liz’s memory alive. My family is living proof that it works.
Thank you for sharing your journey so far. You have a way with words and writing. All of your families (including Brooke) are in our thoughts and prayers.
Beautiful thoughts and memories of Liz, Matt! All tied together with beautiful silhouettes of Liz and Madeline.
We love you all!
A really long time ago, I read on your blog that Liz refused to move back to Minnesota until the Twins had a new stadium. Sooo, when can we expect you back???
Hey Matt,
I still draw my strength from you and your devistating loss and your gradual healing. I love this: “no one is truly dead, until they are no longer loved.”
You probably don’t remember me, Marlene from North Carolina, my 3 children and I lost our dad, husband on December 22, 2009, suddenly. I sent you a comment on your blog, (I think I was number 893), and you emailed me and gave me your home phone number and told me to call you anytime. And I did. You answered, and I called you two times! That meant the world to me. You have no idea. You were exactly what I needed. You don’t even know me and listened to me thru my tears and let me know you really cared. You are the genuine, caring person we read about on your blog, and reached out to me and guided me to The Soaring Spirits Loss Foundation website. I did email you to let you know they guided me to another recent widow who lost her husband the same day as I lost mine, shes the same age as me and we have a daughter the same age. I just wanted to let you know we are still leaning on each other and totally understand each other. (Her husband died suddenly, with no warning also).
I just wanted to tell you Thank you once again. And big thanks to Michele with Soring Spirits. Hope to see you in August at Camp Widow!
I’ve read this post 300 times since you wrote it; I cry every time. I lost my aunt (mom to Hunter, age four) over a year ago. Your words are spot on.
Beautiful.
“she would be proud of what you’ve become. she would be proud of what i’ve become. she would not believe how far we have come.”
Thank you. Sincerely, thank you, for what you do. You give me hope.
Two beautiful girls. You’ve turned a tragedy into something incredible, and because of that your wife will never really be gone.
Heard of your website through a support group for women who had hysterectomies to save our lives following birth…
had to say… in my dark moments… i wonder what if… what if I hadn’t made it.
i am a photo geek… and one of the more childish things that crosses my mind is my son wouldn’t have the 3 gazillion photos that i have taken of him in the past 3 1/2 years….
the picture of the two of them together is beautiful… i have a similar photo that reminds me of the importance of it all..
what you are doing is awesome and while i do not know you nor had the privilege of knowing your wife… any mother would be touched by what you have done for your child in the preservation of their memories!
Read a quote the other day that made me think of you guys. “Where there is love, there is life.” Liz would be so proud.
matt, i would love to say that i’ve been praying for you… but that would be a lie. god (God) and i have a love/hate relationship. that being said, you have been in my thoughts, and i have offered much light and love in your name, maddy’s name, and liz’s. you continue to amaze me and i have a feeling that will never cease… which makes me excited to see what is to come with this beautiful life you have created and continue to create with each passing day.
you are truly a survivor and i am happy for the life you have made out of the tragedy you have endured. your strength is overwhelming and i KNOW in my heart of hearts that you, maddy, liz, extended family and friends, new and old are all so very proud of you.
Those profiles…. so exactly the same in every way… Tears are in my eyes. Thank you for sharing Liz and Madeline.
to me, this is your most beutiful post. Your daughter is SO lucky to have a father like you. I talked about you and your blog on my tumblr and I gotta say… congratulations, because you have so much love to give to your daughter that I know, and probably so do you, that when maddy grow up she’ll be proud of her father and will give you back, even stronger, all the love you’re giving her now.
Matt,
Wow, I just discovered your website and read quite a bit. God bless you! There but for the grace of God go I. My son was delivered 8 weeks early due to a hemorage from placenta previa. I always say that 100 years ago neither of us would have made it. I took for granted that in today’s day and age everyone survives. Today you made me a little more grateful and a lot less, what would be the right word, entitled maybe. I am so sorry for your loss, but thank you for reminding me not to take it for granted.
wow. life.
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