I don’t often add links to my blogroll but this is one blog I think should be bookmarked by anyone gracious enough to come by and visit my own blog. Just a few short weeks ago I stumbled across Matt, Liz and Madeline and was moved to tears in less than a minute. I sat there for what must have been at least 3 hours, reading every post, every comment, and stared at every picture. I cried a lot at first. But I also laughed out loud at Matt’s wit. Aside from the tragedy he and his family suffered he writes humorous tidbits at times that makes you smile for a second as you wipe the tears out of your eyes. Very raw emotion. Very real. You see, Matt and Madeline lost Liz 27 hours after Madeline was born.
His blog is worth following. His journey is changing day by day as his little girl continues to grow and he continues to embrace the changes that he has had to endure without his wife, Liz. You might want to check him out and read through his blog to understand some of the photographs I have posted here.
Matt and his family were visiting the awesome Aunt Deb in the SF last weekend and graciously invited me to hang out with them for a bit. Every single person that was there had wonderful stories to share about Liz and Matt. The love they all have for Madeline is such a treasure. Such a loving, positive great group of people. It gave me a lot to think about in my own life. This is truly one of those times when you don’t sweat the small stuff because everything is the small stuff.
Here’s just a few images I wanted to share.
While Madeline napped, I was offered good food and drink. The Stellas were my present to Matt. I brought Madeline a little outfit.
When Madeline woke up, Matt introduced us. She’s as beautiful as her pictures on his blog. Her eyes are just like his.
This is my favorite image.
Matt asked me if I wanted to hold Madeline. Are you kidding? Absolutely! I gazed into her big blue eyes and she had no problem with a strange person holding her. I even had the pleasure of feeding her. She drank her bottle quietly while those piercing eyes stared back at me.
We lost the light and soon it was very dark. But we continued for awhile with flash. This is Liz’ mom and her sister. You can see where her big smile came from. Both truly lovely women. Dad isn’t pictured here but he was just as friendly and warm.
Lastly, I wanted to show one shot of Matt with his good friend Ken, “The Bastard”. I just report it the way it’s told to me.
Looking forward to meeting you again next time you are in the SF, Matt. You are doing a fantastic job.
July 8th, 2008 at 4:09 am
Oh my, as I sit here wiping the tears from my own eyes, I was totally sucked in to his blog and his story. How sad and unfair. You just never know when your world will be turned upside down. Matt & Madeline will be in my thoughts and prayers.
July 8th, 2008 at 11:40 am
I have read Matt’s blog and it stays with me so, their story. How I wish it were a different story. But in the midst of such sadness and loss there is this little miracle baby, so lovely, such a joy. Their story is really the story of life itself on a very intense level, immense hurt in the face of immense joy. I’m so glad you got to spend time with them and to capture a bit of this bittersweet time for them. Wishing them peace in the days and years to come, Blair.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Lovely images… what a heartbreaking story… and yet Matt’s strength in the face of such tragedy is moving. My heart goes out to Matt, Madeline, and all of Liz’s family and friends.
July 9th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
thank you for sharing this…. peace and love to them…
July 10th, 2008 at 6:23 am
[...] pam b. [...]
July 10th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Pam-I admire the pictures both you and Matt take….but the picture of her sleeping on the bed is precious. Thanks for being there for both of them!!!!
July 10th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Your shots are so clear and beautiful- I really enjoy your pix- thank you for sharing it!
your favorite shot is mine as well- very touching.
July 12th, 2008 at 1:58 am
pam - these are so great! i’m glad you got to meet Matt & Maddy and had such a good time.
jen
July 15th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Your favorite image is also mine…Brought me to tears my friend…you did an awesome job.
July 26th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Pam, here I am reading along on Matt’s blog for the first time after being sent the link, and thinking, gosh he needs one of us….and there you were….and one of my buddies, no doubt. So glad you were able to do this. Beautiful.