love today, and always, Maddie

Today is Madeline Spohr’s second birthday.

Birthdays should be full of joy. It shatters me that for Mike and Heather, November 11th will always be a reminder of what should have been.

Today I will celebrate the mornings I opened my browser and clicked over to The Spohrs Are Multiplying and grinned and giggled over stories of Maddie and photos of Maddie. I will celebrate all her milestones and her love and strength. I will celebrate the impact she made on thousands of people. I will celebrate the everlasting love her parents have for her.

I think of Maddie every day. I think of her parents and the grace with which they have honored their daughter every day.

Today I celebrate the life of Madeline Alice Spohr. Will you light a candle, or eat a cream puff, or wear purple or simply love with all your heart today, for Maddie?