April 7th - Remembering Maddie. And Waiting on Baby S...

Today is important for two reasons. Two very different reasons.

Today it has been one year since seventeen month old Madeline Spohrs passed from her mother's arm. One whole year. I'm am so sad for Mike and Heather. So sad and so grateful. Heather's blog has taken me on many highs and many lows, and I've appreciated my own children, the little moments, the hard moments so much more because of her words and her raw and honest grief. I've snuggled a little longer. I've loved a little sweeter. I've held on a little tighter. I wasn't going to read Heather's blog this morning before writing this, but I did. And now I'm sitting here in tears because of the sadness she's feeling, and the sadness I'd feel if my two girls were to never know each other. And for the joy that I feel for my healthy children and my happy life. Through Heather's blog, I found Sally, and eventually Margaret...someone who has also become very dear to me. I loved Heather's post today because she knows that Maddie has touched millions of people in her short life time. Maddie has changed lives that she never knew. I hope we can all say that about our lives when they are over.

The second reason today is special is for a happier occasion. It marks the due date for another dear friend, Lynnette. Lynnette and her husband, G, have been praying for a second child since before we started thinking about having Addie. Almost four years now. Their wish to give K a little brother or sister has taken them on a long and winding journey, and they've trusted God and His plan for their family. Lynnette's faith and desire to follow that plan has been a true encouragement to all of us who know her. She is a beautiful wife, mother, friend, and sister. And today, after 4 long years of praying for this child, wanting him/her so much, but deciding to be happy with whatever God chose for them, her son or daughter is due to be born. I'm lucky and blessed to have worked with Lynnette for that past 8 years, we've shared in so many joys of motherhood, working, pumping, venting, laughing, crying together. In some ways she has been my sanity, especially in the early years of new motherhood. She has been a great inspiration to me in many ways to be more selfless, to let go of things that I cannot control, and to ignore things that do not matter. The baby that Lynnette will deliver within the next week (we hope!) is so lucky to be loved and raised by this mother and this father. So much love awaits.

Please join me in praying for a healthy and safe delivery for Lynnette and baby S and a smooth transition as their family of 3 becomes a family of 4. Lynnette and G take on a lot of responsibility caring for other members of the family, and I pray that time, health, and space will allow that they can nurture their own new little family as K becomes a big sis; while they continue to meet the needs of other loved ones.

Please pray for peace for the Spohrs family, as they reflect on this day, let their hearts be filled with the happy memories of Maddie's goodness and sweetness, and let their minds forget the horror etched from the hospital bed a year ago when she took her last breath. Let them feel Maddie's presence, and may they dream of her tonight.

Let us all reflect on the year that has passed. Look forward to the warmer springtime that gives new life and a fresh perspective to all our trials. May we be strong, wise, and positive in our daily roles. I hope you can be joyful in your day and may you find peace in your sorrows. There is so much goodness for us all, don't move so fast that you aren't able to see it. I encourage you as I remind myself.