Madeline. When the story first broke that little Maddie had passed, I quickly donated what I could to the March of Dimes. I needed to do something. Something about this inconceivable tragedy touched me so deeply that the need to connect with her was more than I have ever experienced.

Heather (Maddie’s mother) has recounted the days after Maddie’s passing. Her words tore at my heart. Then I watched her and her husband’s video tribute to Maddie:

The Tribute to Our Madeline from Mike and Heather on Vimeo.

I was weepy but when I saw the little close-ups of little Maddie’s toes, her eyelashes, I broke into sobs. I couldn’t regain my composure. When I did, the only thing I could do was walk into my Cara’s bedroom and hold her.

This morning I am still so very affected. I have unrest in my heart. I am not sure what that means exactly. I do not quite know what to do with these feelings. I do not even completely understand why I am so affected.

I speak of perspectives. That sometimes when I’m drowning in my own personally created sea of drama, all it takes is a healthy dose of perspective to snap me out of it. This is different though. Normally I am well practiced in the art of sticking my head in the sand. I hear of a heartbreaking story long enough to confirm it is terrible and then immediately divert my attention to anything that would allow me to continue living in my self-made personal bubble where I enjoy my rainbows and my pet unicorns.

There is something in the beautiful face of little Maddie that would not allow me to look away. I feel myself needing to understand, to connect with her story. Perhaps it’s those beautiful blue eyes of an old soul looking at me demanding that her short life, all her struggles, not be in vain. Her life purpose is being fulfilled each time she touches someone like me and she feels convicted to take notice and do something.

Won’t you take notice too? Read this family’s story: Heather and Mike. Allow yourself to be touched. Do what you can, even if it is just to simply spread the word. The point is we can all do something. What will you do?

Designed by Maddie’s mother and father in honor of their beautiful little girl, Maddie, you can purchase a “Maddie’s Monster” for $25. All proceeds to go to the March of Dimes. Their sweet little girl lives on through the people her passing continues to touch. Please let her touch you too. Purchase your “Maddie Monster” here: http://www.curlyqcuties.com/maddie

Would you like to learn how to make a ShrinkyDink Ring?
(Brought to you by PlanetJune.com)

I am just featuring three of the projects for which this site offers instructions (with patterns)! Oooh… Aaah…
(Brought to you by KaiserCraft.net)

Yes, I know Christmas is over. However, if you are like me, you’ll need every bit of the next eight-plus months to get your holiday projects completed.
(Brought to you by EddieRoss.com)

In truth, I could go on with this list for days but I have work to do. This is at least a good place to start.