{Originally posted on Joy Unexpected}

I can’t sleep.

My friend’s baby died today.

Her baby died.

I had read that she has been taken to hospital by ambulance. I was worried, so this afternoon I sent her an email.

Just catching up on what’s going on with your baby girl. I’ve been so busy and wrapped up in my stupid little world.If you need ANYTHING, please don’t hesitate to call me. I’m only an hour-ish away.

Thinking of you all.

She wrote back and said she was worried. Maddie was breathing really hard and the doctors didn’t know why. She was scared, but glad she was being monitored so closely.

I remember feeling worried, but thinking they would figure out what was wrong and she would get better. She had to get better.

Then, tonight, I clicked over to her blog and read this.

My husband was sitting here on the couch with me when I read it. I threw my laptop down and just shouted “NO! NO!!”

I started to shake. I was in shock.

I then called a couple of friends who are also friends with Heather and we sobbed together in disbelieve.

It’s unreal. I still can’t believe it.

Every time I close my eyes to try to sleep, I think of Heather. I think of the last time I saw her– we were at the LA food bank, volunteering our time. She was so kind and wonderful to be around. Towards the end of the day, she got a phone call from her babysitter. Maddie had a fever. I saw the worry instantly sweep over her face. I told her it was okay if she needed to leave. I could just feel the love she had for her baby girl in that moment.

I keep thinking of the way she spoke of her daughter. I keep thinking of her sweet smile.

And then… I think of how her world just fell apart today. How she no longer has her baby girl to kiss or hug. I think of in the blink of an eye,everything changed. I can’t even begin to wrap my mind around the devastation she feels. The heartache. I hurt for her. For her husband. And for that beautiful baby Madeline who left this earth way too soon.

I don’t understand. I can’t make sense of it at all.

Please pray for Heather and her husband. They’re going to need all of the love and support we have to offer to help carry them through this horrible time in their lives.

Editor’s pick by Jennifer from Playgroups are no place for children:   Yvonne’s post was the first I read, learning of Maddie’s passing and her words conveyed my own feelings,  “My friend’s baby died today.  Her baby died…I started to shake. I was in shock…I think of how her world just fell apart today.”    A typical visit to Yvonne’s blog, I often feel that she can express something that I’ve been feeling, both making laugh and unfortunately in this case, cry.  Please visit Joy Unexpected and subscribe.

Maddie Spohr passed away on April 7, 2009. Maddie’s mom’s blog, The Spohrs Are Multiplying, may be up and down this week due to high traffic demands. Fellow bloggers are helping to stabilize the site, but keep checking back.

In lieu of flowers, the Spohrs ask that you please show your support by donating to the March of Dimes.  You may also support the family directly via PayPal sent to the email address: formaddie@hotmomreviews.com