Causes
I’ve always been…how should I put this? A bit of a bleeding heart.
Or, really, I’m a BIG, HUGE bleeding heart. Stray puppies on the street melt me. Starving children on T.V. make me cry. People suffering injustice? I’m a puddle of goo.
Along these lines, I’ve always had a cause. In high school I was determined to be an AIDS activist. In college I was the co-coordinator of the Students Stopping Rape/Rape Prevention Education Program. I also volunteered as a Rape Crisis Advocate at the local rape crisis center. I was passionate. I was dedicated. I was removed.
Because none of it was ME. None of it, thankfully, had ever truly, personally effected me. They were just things I felt passionately about. Things I embraced, because they moved me.
Until that awful day a little over three months ago when the world turned upside down. I’m still reeling. It still takes my breath away. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about that little girl a thousand times. Not a day goes by that I don’t ache for her parents.
And not a day has gone by that I haven’t tried to think of ways to honor her life.
And now the day has come that I’m a part of something that honors her. Something that honors her by supporting families with babies in the NICU. Something that honors her by doing something in her name.
Something amazing.
I’m a Friend of Maddie. Are you?
Related posts:
Karen (@agentninety9) on 16 Jul 2009 at 10:03 am #
Couldn’t agree with you more! This is a great cause I can’t wait to support with a donation and of course promoted to anyone who’ll listen.
Karen (@agentninety9)s last blog post..Purple Lupines
[Reply]
pamela on 16 Jul 2009 at 10:05 am #
wow that is amazing. where do i get a button?
pamelas last blog post..So adorable!
[Reply]
melissa on 16 Jul 2009 at 10:07 am #
I know I don’t know you personally, but the greatness of your heart moves me.
melissas last blog post..bostonmama79: @heartmychloe poor little thing. I’m just trying to think of a suggestion to help. My Rory had mucousy looking poo while she was teething.
[Reply]
Becca on 16 Jul 2009 at 10:08 am #
I love this! I was so excited to read about it on Heather’s blog today. I’m for sure a friend of Maddie’s and have added a button to my blog sidebar.
Beccas last blog post..Pretty in pink
[Reply]
Trisha Vargas on 16 Jul 2009 at 10:09 am #
I’ve never met you or the Spohrs in real life. But I wish I had just one friend like you in my life. Amazing, truly amazing.
[Reply]
Jennifer on 16 Jul 2009 at 10:55 am #
This is so wonderful. I, too, am moved by your passionate dedication to Maddie, her Mommy, and such an important and beautiful cause.
Jennifers last blog post..BlogHer fashion panic…
[Reply]
Insta-Mom on 16 Jul 2009 at 12:11 pm #
Such a bittersweet thing to wake up to this morning. I’m so happy to see this established, but still so heartbroken about the story behind it.
You know I’m here, for anything you all need. ANYTHING.
Insta-Moms last blog post..Things I learned yesterday
[Reply]
Your other aunt on 16 Jul 2009 at 12:42 pm #
I’m so proud of you! You have such a big heart!
[Reply]
papa-oomau-al on 16 Jul 2009 at 2:07 pm #
You’re amazing — this is important work and I’m very proud of you for being a part of it. Love ya.
[Reply]
shannanb aka mommy bits on 16 Jul 2009 at 2:27 pm #
I am so inspired by you. You are such an amazing person.
shannanb aka mommy bitss last blog post..Wordless Wednesday – Thirst Quenching
[Reply]
denise on 16 Jul 2009 at 5:08 pm #
I second that emotion! I’m a friend of Maddie and I wish I could do more.
I did buy tickets – but i would donate anyway.
Seriously, if there is anything I can do – all ya’ll need to do is ask.
Many, many big hugs to ya!
[Reply]
AmazingGreis on 16 Jul 2009 at 7:28 pm #
What an amazing way to honor an AMAZING little girl.
I’m here to help in any capacity that I can, just say the word. I’ll start the Houston Chapter of the organization. : )
You are an AMAZING woman. Heather and Mike are so lucky to have a friend like you.
See you soon.
XOXO
AmazingGreiss last blog post..Supporting an AMAZING cause…
[Reply]
Kesler Crew on 16 Jul 2009 at 8:58 pm #
This is wonderful! What a great job you have all done getting this together. Such a wonderful thing! You really are an amazing person. I know how much Maddie and her family mean to you. This such a powerful, positive thing that you are all doing to honor their precious little girl.
Kesler Crews last blog post..Our garden
[Reply]
La Petite Belle on 17 Jul 2009 at 4:26 am #
I understand. I also volunteer for different non-profits, currently our local AIDS chapter, since my brother was diagnosed with HIV last year. I’m a pile of mush too… but I think that can be a good thing. I’m definitely going to become a part of Friends for Maddie. Oh and I loved the pictures Megan posted on her blog with everyone shopping. I *think* you were one of them, right?
[Reply]
MommyGeek on 17 Jul 2009 at 5:30 am #
I am. It’s a WONDERFUL cause, and I am so glad that the Spohrs were able to create this wonderful organization!
MommyGeeks last blog post..GTT – What Turns Me On?
[Reply]
Vixen on 18 Jul 2009 at 5:34 am #
I wish I had a friend as compassionate, caring, giving, loving and loyal as you.
BTW, I was following the surgery on twitter, but when I got to where I was going I had no internet. And when I got home, well let’s just say I was indisposed. So although its late, I wanted you to know how glad I am that everything went so well and so smoothly. I know you were worried and my heart ached for you.
Much love. Vix
Vixens last blog post..Pa, can I ride Bunny into town instead of riding in the wagon?
[Reply]
Madge on 18 Jul 2009 at 6:00 am #
thanks so much for doing this. can’t wait to donate.
Madges last blog post..Vacation recap. OK I’m ranting
[Reply]
nic @mybottlesup on 20 Jul 2009 at 9:46 am #
kindred spirits, you and i….
nic @mybottlesups last blog post..perspective
[Reply]