Madeline Alice Spohr

November 11, 2007 – April 7, 2009

One year, One Lifetime

One year ago today an awesome little girl was taken from this world too soon.

Her parents were left with empty arms, broken hearts and a lifetime without her.

One year ago today Maddie was called home to heaven.

April 7th will never be the same again.

This day will always be filled with thoughts of a beautiful little girl.

A little girl I never had the pleasure of meeting but who touched my heart.

Today I think about Heather and Mike and hold them in my heart and wish them peace.

Today I think about Maddie’s contagious smile.

Today I think about sweet baby Annie and the fact she’ll never get to meet her

big sister and give her a giant hug and bother her like every

little sister is supposed to do with their big sister.

Today I think about Maddie and wonder what would have been.

Today I think about Heather and Mike and wonder how they do it,

how they make it through each day.

Today I wonder how something like this happens, how a toddler, a baby is allowed

to leave this world so much before her time.

I look at this picture of Maddie and I see light, life, happiness and beauty.  I see inspiration.

I see a little girl who did amazing things while she was here and will continue

to do amazing things as long as there are people out there that remember her,

talk about her, and share her story.

Today, in honor of Maddie, Maya and I will wear purple.

We will remember her and talk about her

and love her and hold her family in our hearts and thoughts.

We love you and miss you Maddie.  You will never be forgotten.

(photos borrowed from Heather’s flickr stream)