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Maddie Spohr — the tiny toddler that took over Twitter — has changed us.
We, who fell in love with her as she giggled on video and who marveled at her stunning blue eyes and unbelievable eye lashes, won’t ever forget little Madeline. A smile and a spirit like Maddie’s is truly unforgettable.
In my latest column at Guideposts, I shared the lesson Maddie taught me.
Thank you Madeline — I just wish so badly you were still here…
Maddie’s Lesson
Perspective makes us better parents…
It is 9:30 p.m. and I am still wrestling my squirming toddler, trying to get her to go to sleep–and it isn’t helping that my seven-year-old son keeps getting out of bed and peeking into her room.
I try to shield Olivia’s eyes and shoo him out, but she spies her big brother out of bed and ready to play. Jackson scrambles back to his room and I snuggle her and hold her tight, kissing her head and singing “Jesus Loves Me” in her ear.
When finally she surrenders to sleep, I slip away and go to my son who still isn’t staying in his bed.
I crawl into bed with him and he lays his head on my shoulder and curls up next to me. It is 10 p.m. and I’m exhausted. But I am not cross with him tonight. I just hold him tight and tell him stories about when he was little. I am tender and sentimental. I am cherishing him, even as my weariness grows…
melanie says
Beautifully written!
Maggie says
Thank you for sharing this, Janice. I know I’ve been hugging my children more and more these days. Even my 17 year old who doesn’t think she needs hugs any more. 🙂
AmyG says
Beautiful post, Janice! Since I’ve been reading blogs & blogging, I’ve heard of so many babies & young children who have touched my hearts, with the things that their little bodies have had to deal with. It definitely makes me hold my girls tighter & closer, because you just never know.
Jenean says
Janice, thank you for posting such a moving story. It is sad that tragedy has to happen in order for us to cherish what we each have, but all the same I’m very glad that lessons are learned. That means that Maddie’s life and death were not in vain.
Upstatemomof3 says
Well, I suppose I needed a good cry. I have not wanted to put either of my kids down since Maddie.
Abbie says
This brought tears to my eyes. Life is truly precious.
AmyL says
Beautifully done, Janice. I hope that Maddie’s legacy continues to grow.