a few days
ago she found them.
they’d been sitting
in plain view
since before her
mom died.
well, not exactly
in plain view…
they were covered by
a couple of books,
but i could see
them from where i
sat every day,
working on our taj.
it helped
that i knew they
were there,
otherwise i probably
would have looked
past them as well.
but at two years
three months and
six days,
she found them.
i didn’t hesitate
when she said,
“oh! daddy!” in
that voice she
only uses when
she’s excited about something
(and she uses it a lot).
i lifted the books,
and pulled
out the box.
with a little help,
they were soon
liberated from the
plastic and held
tightly in her hands.
no longer did
they look like
choking hazards.
now,
they were gifts her
mom had intended
for her future daughter.
the daughter she
dreamed of
is here,
but she is not.
25 Comments
simply beautiful.
So….what was it? braclets? earrings? don’t leave us hanging…..
What’s the taj you were working on? I tried to think what I bought for my daughter before she was here. I am now loving remembering those sweet days. Thanks
not gonna lie …it hurt my heart a little to read this one
So bittersweet…. more beautiful words from you Matt.
Lovely, but oh so sad. Madeline is a lucky girl.
I’ve once again, been left speechless by your writing Matt. What a bittersweet moment, there will be many more to come I’m sure. You’re an amazing dad!
Was it the French flash cards?! Video of them is adorable.
I can’t wait to read your taj!
A true treasure…for her and for you! Bittersweet, but still a treasure!
(can’t help but wonder what it was, although I respect you if we never find out.)
I’m with Sarah. While I am always sad for you and Maddy and your loss of Liz, I find myself so overwhelmingly sad for Liz. Sad that she isn’t there to see her beautiful girl, hear her say “oh! daddy!” when she’s excited, and give her the gifts she had stored away for her:(
((((HUGS))))
Beautiful! I can only imagine Maddy’s eyes lit up when he found the surprise. (bangels)?
Bittersweet! Hugs for Maddy XX
I feel like her life is going to be dotted with these discoveries, and that all of them collectively will bring her so much joy-and so much closer to her mother.
Beautiful.
Gulp…it takes my breath away, so I can’t imagine how it affects you. hugs
I completely agree w/ Sarah. This one hurt my heart too. I can only imagine how it felt for you for her to find it.
Now I’m really crying.
bangles? i can not wait to read your taj. keep rocking!!
I have to confess, it must be this post that was in the back of my mind when I ended up buying two sets of bangles yesterday.
You have so many posts in your main page that are filled with such happiness these days, which I’m utterly thrilled with…and then these posts tucked away seem to pack a bittersweet wallop.
And they’re all beautiful.
Most of your latest posts have left me with a smile – the stories of Maddy and fun things you are doing and all the special people in your life. This one definitely brought the tears.
You and Maddy are so lucky for so many things that you have in your life, but it doesn’t make up for what is missing. Still, I’m glad to see the ways in which the one who is missing is still there.
And I really want to know what she found!
I wish she had been there to see her face at that moment.
I am glad you were there. And you noticed.
I love this. Simply love it….
Matt, your words have always hit me in different parts of my heart or mind, but this most makes me wonder, did she find the earrings you hinted at when I visited?
so what did she find? I love this part of your blog the best. Ok, after the pictures. You have serious skills there.
Curiosity is killing me!!! what did she find!!!????