How do you tell someone you adore that you’re sorry their precious daughter passed away?  How do you possibly put into words how much she meant to so many people?

A year later and I still can’t answer those questions.

It’s been one year since Madeline Sphor became an angel.

One year seems too long and yet not long enough at the same time.

Sweet precious Maddie, you may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.

Maddie’s parents have set up a wonderful charity in her memory.  The Friends of Maddie works to support parents who have critically ill children in NICU’s.  Speaking from personal experience, it is a vital and necessary charity.

Today, in memory of Maddie, our family will be sponsoring a family support pack through the Friends of Maddie.  I hope others will celebrate Maddie’s life in this way, as well.

You can also get a March for Maddie shirt, (Vista is wearing one in the picture below).  All proceeds support March of Dimes in their fight to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

But now, years later, I’m older and (I hope) wiser.  Oh sure, it would be fascinating to have a conversation with someone brilliant like Einstein, or be inspired by the likes of Mother Teresa.  But if I could spend an evening with anyone, it would be little Madeline Spohr.

Beautiful Maddie, who’s smile has inspired and touched so many people.

Today is Maddie’s second birthday.

(Happy Birthday sweet Maddie)

How I wish I could send her a birthday gift to thank her for everything she has taught me.

To appreciate what I have, rather than taking if for granted.

To put down to phone, computer, work, and focus on what’s important – my family.

To be thankful for Vista’s health, my health, Bil’s health.

To never let a day go by without saying ‘I love you’.

So, if someone asked me tonight, who I would invite for dinner, my answer would be Heather and Mike and their darling Madeline.  What I wouldn’t give to be able to allow them one more evening with their Maddie.

But all the wishing in the world can’t make that happen.

What I can do, though, is tell you about Friends of Maddie, a charity founded in memory of Madeline Spohr.  A charity who’s mission is to provide support to the families of critically ill babies in the NICU.

As the mother of a child who was in a NICU and Special Care Nursery when she was born, I will never underestimate the importance of what the Spohrs are doing.

In celebration of Maddie’s birthday, I am asking each of my readers to consider joining me in donating to the Friends of Maddie.  Even if it’s only $1, it still can make a difference.

Today, Bil, Vista and I will be sponsoring a Family Support Pack as our way of saying “Happy Birthday Maddie.  We will always remember you.  You will always be our hero.”