Today is a celebration, although not the one we’d all like to be having. Today should be a day of cake and ice cream, of toys that make noise and make parents want to chuck it at the gift giver. (Or re-gift for that person’s birthday the next month. Oh yes, I have.) Today should be a day of hyper toddler squeals and maybe even a sugar induced meltdown or two. Today should be the day a beautiful little girl, named Maddie, turns two. Unfortunately, that day will never come.

Maddie only had one birthday here on earth. Today however a ton of us are giving her the only birthday we can. We are remembering her. On this day, we will remember her. Remind the world of the amazing girl who helped bring a huge community together.

When I was seven years old, I told  my Grandpa that I wished I could have met his mother, my great-grandma Annie, my namesake. She passed a year before I was born. He told me, you can meet her, one day. Until then, you remember her, you just keep remembering her by looking at pictures and telling people the stories I’ve told you about her. It’s how we keep people alive. We remember.

I never had the chance to meet Maddie, although I wish I had. I wish I’d gotten to hear that infectious laugh and seen that beautiful grin, in person. I’d of charmed her, no doubt in my mind. Babies love me. It may be the M&M’s I keep in my pocket at all time, but that could just be a rumor.

No matter, really. I will never forget her. I will always remember this amazing little girl, who lit up the world.

I love this picture. Adore it, is more likely. It’s a funny shot. Babies and cake, gotta love it. But more than that, it reminds me of the amazing faces Maddie always had in photos.  Special thank you to Heather for letting me steal it.

Today is for Maddie Moo. Happy 2nd birthday angel baby. We all love you and miss you.

Tons of love and hugs to Heather and Mike today. You two have my whole heart, today and every day. For Maddie’s birthday, I’m going to donate money for another Support Pack. If you can, will you please join me in this. It really is for a great cause and it helps new NICU parents.

Much love to Meghan at AMomTwoBoys for putting this linky love party. If you did a post about Maddie, please go over and add a link to Meghan’s post. Also, if you want to comment and let me know, I’ll come take a look at it.