If you’ve never met Matt, you might want to read his story first, on his site.
(Note: When I asked Matt to write my guest blog for Single Mom Seeking, he wrote back that he was having a “tough day.” His third wedding anniversary would have been on August 13.)
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12 years, 58 days.
that’s how long my forever lasted.
that forever ended for me on march 25, 2008, the day after our newest forever started.
march 24, 2008.
the happiest day of our lives.
madeline elizabeth.
born small,
but huge in so many ways.
excitement, happiness, certainty.
27 hours later,
my wife,
her mother,
was gone.
they saw each other once.
she never held her.
she was never held by her.
how will we do this without her?
4+ months since
liz died and i’m doing my best.
my only focus?
our daughter.
madeline is thriving in every way.
the tears still come daily,
but more often than not,
these days,
the tears are followed
by smiles.
big ones.
madeline smiling at me,
me smiling right back at her.
the pain will forever be present,
but the future,
it looks bright.
Matt & Madeline in NYC from Lauren Farmer on Vimeo.
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{ 34 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve read Matt’s story before but each and every time I hear about Mat & Madeline and I am awed.
His blog is honest and real — He is doing a fantastic job as a father to darling Madeline.
Thanks for introducing him here…
My heart goes out to you, Matt. I can’t imagine how tough it is for you emotionally, and also physically day to day raising your daughter solo. I’m a single dad, but only half time and my kids are older. Plus, the pain of divorce is not like the death of a loved one. I’m in awe. Your daughter is extremely cute – her eyes sparkle.
Gosh!!!! I just read his story! How terrible heartbreaking for everyone!!!
Both mom and baby are beautiful!!!
I’ve followed Matt’s blog for months now and every time I see that picture of Liz seeing Maddie for the first time, I tear up. Matt’s an unbelievable father and will do Liz proud–already has I am sure.
Liz was beautiful and Madeline is following nicely in her footsteps of beauty.
You are doing a fabulous job Matt and keep writing!!!
Cheers!
good job matt…. I have only met matt on a few occassions, but I do call him a friend and what you see is what you get.. real..
~g
Regular reader of Matt’s blog. He is an amazing person. If I ever write my own dictionary, I’ll be putting a picture of Matt next to the word “devotion”. Seeing it is beautiful.
We love our Matt & Madeline. While nobody can ever take Liz’s place in either of their hearts, there are thousands of us faithful blog readers who have collectively wrapped our arms around these two, and let them into ours.
More beautiful words were never spoken, err typed. Your devotion to Madeline is a testimony to the love shared between you & Liz.
My thoughts, my prayers, my hope for your futures, are with you both always.
Matt, I told you awhile back, that I always knew you would be an excellent father, and you are proving me right! Every day, the first thing I do is read your blog, and hope that you have posted pics of Madeline, along with all your other awsome pics! She is sooooo cute! The pic of her on your lap is precious. Keep up the good work!
Nothing like a good cry to start the day. I hope someday I will meet my forever someone too!I love reading your blog, Matt. Thanks for sharing your life (and photography!) with us. Liz is keeping a close watch over you and Maddie.
In my eyes, mom, baby, *and dad* are beautiful.
I check your blog each day and love reading the updates. I don’t usually comment but just read that your wedding anniversary is August 13th. My son turned 1, yesterday, August 13th. This has been the best and hardest year of my life and I didn’t have to do it grieving my soul mate. I think of you often and wish you the best of luck. Happy Anniversary!
Matt the world is an ironic place. August 13th is the anniversarry of Stacy’s accident…
Wow Matt, you continue to amaze me no matter who it is you are writing for. This was really beautiful. The pics that Gina has taken are just great, can’t wait to see the rest of them. As always thinking of you and sending you hugs from the MN….
rachel thanks for having matt over! as many other readers can attest, not only is his story is touching, but the words and pictures he puts out there to illustrate it are mighty awesome.
have fun in nyc!
That is simply the most divine picture of Maddy n’Daddy.
Recently found Matt and Madeline, what a story. And another great, honest, heartfelt post from him.
Love the video Matt, especially where you stroke Maddy’s face/eyes and she drifts off
xoxo
This was beautifully written and touching. Thank you for sharing.
Yes.
Matt, thanks for sharing your life and photos with us. Liz is keeping a close eye on you two, every day! I love reading your blog.
Crap, got me crying again. I love the simplicity of your writing, it is beautiful. Just like your wife and daughter.
Thank you Matt for sharing your love of Liz and your little mini love Madeline with us. You have made a lot of people open their eyes to cherish each and every day. Keep lovin that little bundle.
Ok, this is not at all what I was expecting from a male guest blogger. I was expecting jokes and other male stuff, but this was incredible. A deeply touching story that almost moved me to tears.
Matt, as others have said, your daughter is beautiful and you are doing an awesome job of raising her. I can see my ex giving our daughter to his mom or my parents if something were to happen to me, but of course you are two entirely different men and you are to be commended.
I look forward to reading more from you.
Beautiful~ linked through Blogher. Beyond words. Sending all the love in the world to Matt and his beautiful baby
Am an avid Matt blog reader… I love how he writes. And it always sticks with me. He’s such a good father..
As always, I love reading Matt’s tales of his and Madeline’s daily journeys. And it always makes me cry and say a prayer for Liz and those she left behind. Matt is an unbelievable father and I can’t imagine what pain he’s enduring and I hope that Maddie continues to help brighten every day a little more for him.
Wow, an anniversary. I’m sorry that you two couldn’t celebrate it together.
Your love for her shines through your writing. Your love for Madeline shines through your writing and the video.
well crap. I read Matt’s blog daily and know his story already…yet this still made me cry. I don’t think I can blame my post-pregnancy hormones anymore…it’s just a sad, yet inspirational situation that Matt writes beautifully about.
I’m crying again. I am already a reader of Matt’s blog and I continue to be awed and amazed by his ability to put his heart into words.
Matt – you are truly one of a kind. I am sorry you couldn’t continue your ‘forver’ with Liz…but am positive that your ‘forver’ with Madeline is a ‘special’ worthy of the record books. Keeping you both in my prayers.