Yesterday, my son celebrated his 12th birthday, a day more special than most birthdays in our family because it falls on his grandmother's birthday, too. Because he's my youngest and I'm holding on to his milestones with white-knuckled grip, OF COURSE I had to share my thoughts. At his request, instead of a birthday cake I made Chocolate Eclair Dessert, his absolute favorite food in the universe, and he declared HE should get "almost ALL" of the 9 x 12 dish because it was, in fact, his birthday and that should grant him special favor. Had I made it the night before, he could've had it for breakfast for all I cared, because it was his birthday and LIFE IS SHORT SO EAT DESSERT FIRST, right?
In the back of my mind (and in the center of my heart) was thoughts of Angie, one of my Compassion-India team members whom I've not yet met, but whom I know grieves the very date I celebrate; April 7th is the day her daughter Audrey Caroline was born…and died. I sleepily seized opportunity to pray for her at 3:17 in the morning, when insomnia dared me to sleep; yesterday would have been Audrey's first birthday.
Today when I signed onto Twitter, I learned Heather (The Spohrs are Multiplying and a co-editor of mine at Blog Nosh), had unexpectedly lost her precious 17-month-old daughter, Maddie. Twenty-four hours ago, I had seen tweets that explained Maddie was back in the hospital, and though I didn't know her complete story, I sent a message to Heather to let her know I was praying for them.
I had no idea how serious it was :(.
Anyways…
I've watched something special unfold today as I worked from my laptop–the use of social media in the best of ways. Over $13,500 has been raised so far for the March of Dimes because of Maddie, due largely in part to dozens of bloggers tweeting and retweeting the MOD site and Maddie's story. Heather and her husband Mike were planning to march on April 25th in L.A. Many bloggers have been moved to share their remembrances and thoughts, and Amy's site (A Mom Two Boys) is a central spot for linking posts; there, readers can also learn how to donate money to the family's related expenses.
This is one of those times when life doesn't make sense; when I have to trust that this human tragedy came as no surprise to God…and that from His perspective, it has divine purpose. Imagine–Maddie's 17 months of life on this planet, that precious face of hers, is touching thousands of people! The money raised through her story will save lives. What a blessing!
I looked at my kids differently when they returned home from school this afternoon; I don't think they recognized the shift in how I saw them.
And when Stephen wakes up tomorrow…if there's any Chocolate Eclair Dessert left…it's just fine with me if he eats dessert for breakfast.
As they come to mind over the coming days, even if this is the first time you've heard of Maddie, please continue to pray for them. If you're inclined, celebrate Maddie's life with me by adding your own contribution; just click the widget above.
I agree, let them have cake for breakfast :)We should all celebrate everyday like it is our birthday. Life is too short and unexpected not to.
So, you are going to India with Angie, OMG she is such a beautiful writer, her writing gives me goosebumps and moves me to tears. I too was thinking of her late last night and praying. Now Audrey can hold Maddie’s hand and they can walk together in the streets of Heaven.
What a beautiful post… I saw all the tweets about Maddie and my hearts breaks.
About your son… My baby who is 17 “demands” cheesecake and he’ll eat an entire one! Kids are so unique. None of my particular care for cake… Which is fine by me… Makes birthdays more fun and unique and memorable.
Hugs!
I hear you about seeing the kids through a new lens. I couldn’t wait to pick my daughter up from kindergarten today and feel compelled to watch my 11-month sleep all night long. Like I told @kikarose, I was dreading the juggle of springbreak and working from home. Now, it’s the best gift ever that I’ll have my girls all to myself for 10 days to do whatever, whenever I want with them.
Thanks for the html code too.
Happy birthday to Stephen (sorry I’m late with the wishes). I hope he got to eat dessert this morning 🙂
Happy birthday to Stephen.
Birthdays, death and life – reminds me how the wheel keeps turning and each day is precious.
This story will definitely make me hold my 9 month old, 2 year old and 5 year old a little closer tonight. Thanks for the reminder of just how “precious” life truly is.
Once again, Robin this thing made me comment as a client of mine, this is actually Alyssa Avant. can you please remove my comment as “Jennifer” thanks !
What a sweet post, thanks for reminding me to appreciate the good stuff. You always make me feel better.
Oh, what a sweet and poignant reminder that the sweet stuff is to be enjoyed, even if at times it doesn’t seem so sweet. I’m going to stop blogging now and hug my kids a little closer this morning…
Oh and happy belated birthday to your youngest!