Love Lives On

It has been two years since Maddy passed away.  I think of her often.  I think of her when I see or hear stories about her children.  I remember her as a little girl when her spirited daughter, Ella, hops in my lap for a hug and a kiss despite the fact that we haven't seen each other in months.  I think about the legacy of love she left when I hear stories of her inquisitive and sensitive son, Matthew, and the deep and thoughtful questions he asks.  Although her children were very young when she passed away her love lives on in them. 

Today, two years later, Madeleine's friends and family are still inspired by her life and deeply affected by her death.  Maddy inspired me to create urbanmoms.ca, a community bringing moms from across Canada together.  The bond of motherhood connects us and Maddy's generous spirit lives throughout these pages. 

Here is a poem written from Matthew and Ella to their mom:

Madeleine (Little) Joiner
1973-2004

Oh Mummy,
We did not know you long enough!
Why can’t we see you anymore?
Feel your hugs and snuggles.

You gave us life,
Our first loving touches,
Sustenance and support,
Smiles and laughter.

Your confident love
Set the foundation of who we are,
Of who we will be,
We so wish you had been able to stay to share the rest.

You did not get to see us off to school,
Teach us to play the sports you so loved.
Take us to the field, rink, or pool,
Share our triumphs and disappointments.

Remember when we were sick or impossible,
You didn’t flinch; you were always there,
Present, with care, laughter, worry or action,
Just being you.

What spirit you gave us!
It is in our hearts
In our eyes
The way we move and speak.

Why can’t we take an airplane to Heaven?
To see you once again,
To be with you again,
Just because we miss you so.

All our lives we will be searching
For that ticket to Heaven.

From Matthew and Ella
With a little help

Have you been inspired by someone?  Send a 300-500 word story to email@urbanmoms.ca along with a relevant picture and we'll publish it.