To our precious Madilyn

 To our precious daughter Madilyn:

You were in fact always so precious to us - our firstborn. You paved the way for Patrick and Josie and shaped us into the parents we have become. How? With your soft and gentle spirit? Maybe a little bit of that. But to be direct sweetheart, you forced us to become strong because of your very stubborn and determined personality. We have never encountered such a strong willed little girl.

When we say you paved the way for your younger siblings, we mean that you made parenting them seem easy - like a stroll in the park compared to the battles we had to have with you. Our dear Madilyn, many moments with you were spent in loving frustration as you were just so stubborn in every stage of your young and precious life. 

And yet, even in the midst of your focused and determined ways, your sweet and caring nature shined through. 

Your contagious laugh, beautiful smile and eyes full of wonderful curiosity kept our hearts tender. Your pursuit of fun, games and outdoor adventure kept our inner child alive. Your unyielding and strong-willed character kept our minds sharp. The love for your family, friends and for Jesus kept us inspired.

Even in the midst of your toughest struggles in the last days of your life, you still were diligent in setting an example as a big sister in your meal time prayer. Offering up and sharing your possessions to your younger brother and sister was heart warming to see.

Your crafts and creative mind will live on in our home as Patrick and Josie have already begun to claim ownership of your LEGO sets, homemade jewelry, colouring supplies and other items you already had begun to graciously allow them to use and to have.

The entries we found in your note book made us so proud that you held onto the things we taught you. As you had written “I love God and Jesus so much” and “God and Jesus are stronger than Satan” or even your consciousness about nutrition as you wrote “These look healthy” and below were drawings of fruits and vegetables. However, we don’t think this quite offset your love for all things McDonalds.

The weeks, days and moments spent with you at the Ronald McDonald house were so special to us. We got to know and experience you in ways perhaps not many parents get the chance to with their child. We are so proud of the way you handled the enormous adversities that came your way. Your patience, contentment and joy in the small good moments left us proudly following your example.

Our Madilyn - braver than brave. 

We write this not because you need to be reminded of the ways we adore you. But because it makes us feel warm inside to talk about you sweetheart.

We know you are made perfect again in the Lords kingdom. It would seem selfish to have kept you here with us when we know it is far better for you to be in Heaven were all sickness, pain and tears are no more. You had mentioned many times to us you were so looking forward to the spring and summer - we are happy that you now get to enjoy the warmth of the Heavenly days continuously.

We ask that you save us a spot next to you at the dinner table for when we see you again.

But in the meantime, we will carry on down here strong and determined just as you showed us. We will try to be as brave as you had been as we face this life without you. We promise never to forget your love and to have you live in the warmth of our hearts until we meet again sweetheart. 

Dad and Mom