Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Sweet Maddie

We had a fantastic trip to Yellowstone for our family reunion- it was so wonderful to be with those we love... I will post pictures of that in a day or two- HOWEVER, I feel the need to write a little post about my sweet little "niece" Maddie:

My mom's sister, Judy has 4 boys in their family. They are all married to AMAZING women and have all started their own families. Jordan is the youngest of the 4 boys and has always been another brother to me. (Heck, I had 4, why not add another?!) He is such a great guy and he and his wife Marlo live in Austin. They are our only TX relatives right now... (hurry up Wendy!) They spent Thanksgiving of '06 with us as Marlo was too pregnant to fly home, it was a great holiday. Just recently, when we blessed Bauer, Jordan, Marlo, and darling Maddie came up from Austin for his blessing. It was so great to see them and spend time with them. During that trip to our home, we all fell instantly in love with Madison Marie Walburger. You just can't help but love this cute girl!!

With more sorrow than I can express with words, Maddie passed away this last Sunday. She accidentally drowned in a pool and they were not able to bring her back. We are heartbroken, we are completely shocked and devastated, we are extremely sorrowful for Jordan, Marlo, and their immediate families. This loss is so huge, so hard, and will be felt forever. Maddie lived such a full life-- I mean, what 18 month old do you know that has gone tubing with her dad?

How about skateboarding?

And isn't she just darling here on Valentine's day? She is definitely the most stylish
toddler I've met!

She looks so much like her dad did at that age, and she acted like him too! Full of life, love, laughter, and mischief!! Jordan and Marlo, we love you, we grieve for you, and we will be there to support you forever. We are so sorry!! It's just not fair, and someday we will all understand it, but right now it's so hard. Maddie, you keep watching over us sweet girl!! Send your mama and daddy bits and pieces of remembrances of you so that they can hold tight to your memories. We love you Maddie, you're the most perfect little angel girl ever!
We will miss you so much!

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

So sad to read this news. We'll say a prayer for their family, and all of you.

Jodee said...

My heart breaks for them... I am so sorry Jules, we are praying for your family... I happen to know that having you close by is probably one of the best things for them, you sure know how to take care of your friends/family when they need you most!

Pamela Becker said...

I am so saddened to hear about Maddie and her family. Our familys thoughts and prayers are with them all. They are so fortunate to have you and your family close by in Texas. I am so sorry for their loss!

Suzanne Plant said...

Oh Julie I am so sorry to hear this news. I hope we all squeeze our little ones a little tighter tonight and realize what a gift these little lives are.

mcwally said...

oh julie.

thank you for posting this. i just can't write about it yet... just posting a picture was hard enough. if it's ok, i may put a link to your posting. friends who don't even know jordan and marlo and praying for them --- and i really want them to know little maddie. if that makes any sense.

i am looking forward to seeing you soon.
love you-mcw

Whitney said...

This is awesome, Julie. Bless that sweet family. It still just brings me to tears thinking of it.

Anne said...

Here is our love to sweet Madi... Send our love to her good parents. God bless this family during this trial. Again Jules so sorry for this sad situation.

Sharlene Enloe said...

Okay Julie- I don't even know your cousin, but I started crying and have been so sad for them this morning.

HalnJess said...

What a sweet heart. We'll keep you and your family in our prayers. It breaks my heart!

Wardell Family said...

Julie, I am so sorry this happened. What a sweet little girl-too perfect to be here on earth. I truly sympathize with Maddie's family and will remember them in our prayers.

Mrs. Haynie said...

hi julie, its sarah wible. my mom told me about jordans blog and i found yours as well. i too feel their loss and am keeping them in my prayers. it was good to find you and see how great your family is doing...
sarah

Jenny said...

We are thinking of you guys and that sweet family. She truly was such a blessing on this earth! What a sweet girl. We are praying for them and send our love their way!

Jules said...

Sarah wible... how dare you comment and not leave your email addy!! Email me w/ your info! I miss you!! pamperedjules@yahoo.com

Beck said...

Jules, thanks for sharing this with us. It's so sad when someone we love so little leaves us. She was adorable and must have a much greater plan somewhere else. We'll keep her family in our prayers!

Emily said...

Julie my heart breaks! Those pictures are precious! I hope you and your family are feeling the comfort you need during this time. Give Jordan and Marlo a hug from our family and know that you are in our prayers!

Lisa said...

Thanks so much for posting this. My heart has just ached for them when I heard about it. And now after reading this and seeing the sweet pictures I mourn with them even more. I never had a chance to meet Maddie. I'm glad they have you close by. Wow, you're right, Maddie was a mini Jordan. Thanks again for sharing.