December 15, 2013
So do not fear, for I am with you
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God
I will strengthen you and help you
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
Isaiah 41:10
We didn't know when today began that this would be the last day Madeleine would be with us. She was growing weaker - that was very evident. But she hung on to see a few visitors in the morning, and then had a visit from the nurse that lasted until after noon. A few minutes before 2 pm, surrounded by her family and at peace, she breathed her last.
While my heart would have chosen to keep her here, I know that she is now in a place where there is no more pain, fear, or disappointment. I know that she is with God, and that He is taking far better care of her than I ever could.
There is so much I could say about Madeleine and my admiration for her relentless pursuit of life in the midst of a battle she did not choose. Already the posts on Facebook and comments on this blog are saying more than I have the strength to write about tonight.
While I have observed first-hand the evil brought by this disease, I have also seen the mercy of God revealed in the goodness of our community, the kindness of friends and even strangers, and the strength of the love of family. I can only trust that as we go through the days ahead, this same mercy will surround us and help us through.
As always, thank you for your prayers for Madeleine and for her family. We so appreciate your expressions of love and care.
23 comments:
Just Call On Me
By Karl Fuchs
I can’t comprehend just how sad you must feel
For the loss of someone you love.
This sorrowful time must still feel unreal
And you’re looking for strength from above.
I hope, from my heart, that your pain will decrease,
That your spirit will gain strength again,
And I pray that your faith will create inner peace
And that God will send blessings--Amen.
Till then, if you need me to lighten your load,
I’m waiting to come to your aid.
Just call on me, and I’ll walk down that road,
Until the dark times start to fade.
Deep condolences,
The Dooleys
We were all very saddened when we heard the news of Madeleine's passing. Our love and prayers are being sent to you and your family durring this difficult time. She truely was a beautiful and strong lady who touched so many. May we all be at peace knowing she is no longer in pain and now in a better place. We will keep you in our hearts and prayers.
Sincerest Condolences,
The Andersons
Eric, Sandy, Kayla, Ryan and Alyssa
I have been following Madeleine's journey the last two years and found her to be quite the remarkable young lady ... I'm just sorry I never had the opportunity to meet her! As a cancer patient/survivor, I found myself turning to this blog at times for a boost when I was feeling low. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
There is now another angel in Heaven watching over all of us ...
Sincerest condolences,
Lorri Emmerich
co-worker of Christine Bean
Its hard to find any words in this situation as no words seem as though they'd do justice.
Evan, Tanner & I have been following Maddys blog since the beginning. Seeing the positive posts, followed by the challenged ones as well, I was always inspired when hearing how Maddy and her family fought through this battle & always seemed to find the good. I somehow felt her smile and her saying it'll be better tomorrow on those challenged days and felt her happiness with the successful posts. I still see Maddy as the be-bopping cutie in front of the house who'd always stop to say hi... as walking around the neighborhood just being adorable Maddy ... and then as that "incredible tower of strength" standing at Evans graduation sharing her news that both shocked and inspired us all at the same time.
This fight that you all shared with us, as hard as it was to watch, was a gift from Maddy to those around her in how to appreciate everyday we are given in this life... to fight and not give up when adverse situations are dealt your way... how to keep going no matter what ... and to live your life and keep doing what you love always! I was constantly amazed at how she kept doing what she loved... She was living her life no matter what :)
As I've said before, Maddys graduation speech still finds itself as a topic at our dinner table, in our car or wherever we may be. Maddy, you will always be an inspiration for me and my boys... I thank you for that. I am glad you got to see all the love and support that surrounded you as you had an entire army in your corner, both those who knew you and those who fell in love with you through your story, and as hard as it is for those still here, I'm so glad you've found your way to peace and no more pain.
My heart goes out to your family and friends. I send strength, love and prayers for their peace as well. I know Maddy will still be with you ... and Max, she will always be your big sister, give you the support you need and have your back :). Safe journey home Maddy.
Laureen, Evan and Tanner
I started crying immediately as I read this post. I am a stranger, have never posted before and have never met Madeline. I found Madeline's blog about a year ago while waiting on my own biopsy results to return. I found such strength in Madeline's posts. Her beauty, strength and grace always inspired me. As a healthcare worker I KNOW how bad melanoma is and cringe every time I hear the words "it's JUST skin cancer". It may have been naive of me, but I always thought that Madeline would pull through this and defeat the black beast. I thank you all for sharing Madeline's story with everyone and giving us such inspiration. I pray that God will comfort you and give you the grace and strength to get through this devastating time
I saw Madeleine just a couple of weeks ago and what struck me the most about her was the true joy that radiated though out. She brought joy to me in joking around, talking horses and how her mom made me eat Brussels sprouts when I was ill. She was full of peace and joy and that was so evident with her smile. I feel blessed that I had a moment with her before God took her home. She is happy and free today and that I am thankful.
Deanne, David & Max , our thought and prayers are with you always. Please call us if we can be of any help to you during this time or in the future. We love you all.
Del & Joan Starrett and Meridith
I played volleyball with Maddy freshman year, and we had a few classes together in high school. I used to tease her for not really jumping when she went up to block. But from what I've read, she made great leaps. We weren't close, but she had an amazing presence about her. When she walked into rooms you'd feel that she was there. I barely knew her but we could joke around and tease each other. I hated my stats class but she made it brighter. Maddy was a truly inspirational and beautiful person, everyone saw that in her. Winston Churchill said, “We are all worms. But I believe that I am a glow-worm.” Maddy was definitely a glow worm. Her sunny personality stood out wherever she went.
Deep condolences from myself and from my family (who still remember her graduation speech as the best they've ever heard)
Kelly Morris
Dear Dave, Deanne and Max:
Ken and I are so saddened for all of you with the passing of your beautiful daughter. I followed her struggle the last couple of years and know you did all that could be done to save her. Now she is with Jesus and she is healed. The suffering your family has endured and will continue to endure in her absence is beyond my comprehension. I can't imagine losing my daughter. We are praying for comfort, grace and peace to cover you all during this time.
Blessings, Ken and Connie Wiemeyer
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard his call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I've found that peace at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My Life's been full, I savoured much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch,
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.
My Sincerest condolences,
Shannah Ahmed & Family
While I never met your beautiful daughter, I have followed the blog and kept her in my thoughts and prayers..
May you find some peace in knowing that she is in His arms.
Bless you.
We are so very sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Amanda Lee and Eli Petersen <3
We are so saddened to hear about Madeleine. It’s hard to find words to say. Please know that we are thinking of you and praying for peace and comfort for your family. Keep faith that Maddy is again a vibrant young lady in the arms of the Lord. We are so appreciative that you shared her journey with us. She has touched the lives of so many people including ours.
Love,
Monique, Cody and Desiree Walker
Go rest high on that mountain (or deep in that pool) for your amazing work on earth is through. -McCormick's
I never had the opportunity to meet Madeleine, but after crossing paths with David over 20+ years in the legal industry and having the opportunity to meet Deanne and Max at the Little League field, I had an opportunity to get to know a little bit about your lovely family. It broke my heart today to hear about Madeleine and the courageous battle she fought.
My family's thoughts are with you.
With admiration, respect and deep condolences,
Joan Croft
Reading this is hard. I recently had a mole removed that was diagnosed with Melanoma. They went in and took more skin around the area which was cancer free. I am still very afraid of it coming back and continue to remove moles on my body. I pray for her... and know that when you go through something like this family and friends are soooo important.
Madeleine set an example for all of us. Her positive outlook on any curve thrown her was an inspiration. She touched many lives around her....friends, family, even people she never met. She touched them all with her determination, her spirit, her beauty, and her faith. Her influence and impact that she had on so many lives will live on forever.
She truly taught us all to live life to the fullest. Watching her battle over the past two years without ever asking "why me" has inspired me to always look on the bright side and put things in perspective.
We are grateful for the time we had with Madeleine. She was a very special young woman. We love you Maddy! Rest in peace.
p.s. I bet you are the most beautiful angel up there!
Bless you, Deanne and Family. I hold you in my heart.
Sincerely, Joanne Kellar
Deanne , and family,
We have been following Maddie's blog for awhile and are so saddened she has lost her battle with such a horrible disease. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you go through this difficult time. The loss of someone we dearly love can be so painful; hopefully all those who love and care for you can lift you up and help lessen the pain. We will hold you in our hearts and prayers,
Joanne (Seegelken), Sandy and Mashara Munns
Rest in peace sweet Madeleine.
Sending loving thoughts and prayers to all who must endure this great loss - May The Lord bless and keep you.
The McCormick Family,
Cory, Leslie, Grace & Rose
Deepest sympathy to you Bonta Family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. It has been so insightful to follow this blog over the years and watch the love and support from all the people your lives have touched. Thank you for giving us that. Also, how beautiful was the vigor with which you fought this beast, proving to us all how valuable each moment is and to really appreciate our very short time here. We will keep you in our minds forever, as the memory of Madeleine will make us better Mothers, Fathers and children.
God Bless you
The Fogleman Family
Aaron, Vickie, Isabella and baby girl Fogleman
I am so sorry that this awful disease--Melanoma--has claimed another life, another loved one, another young and vibrant soul. Thoughts and prayers go to your family and friends. Many hugs, too.
I am so saddened to hear of the tragic loss to your family. My warmest wishes to all of you during this most difficult time.
Our love to all of you at this time; Madeleine impressed all with her courage and determination....she will never be forgotten.
Judy
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