Please forgive me with this article. Usually I like to write uplifting stories that inspire us to be our best, do our best and be grateful for all that we have. Certainly, there is enough sadness in our world everyday, to remind us all, that many others are worse off. As I sit down to write I couldn’t help but remember the very sad story of Madonna Badger. This amazing, courageous woman lost her three beautiful young girls, to a tragic house fire, on Christmas morning, and to add even more grief and heartache, she also lost both of her parents who were spending the night, after a day of baking their Grandmother’s special apple pies.
I listened to her story and couldn’t stop the tears from gushing out, my heart ached for this mother. How do you get out of bed the next day…I wondered, and then she answered that same question….”You can’t just think about it, you have to physically do it, get yourself out of bed.” She talked about the important things in life that she would have done differently…we all know hindsight is wisdom learned, so therefore, the experiences we go through, teach us our true values. Hers were a few simple, but important reminders. She mentioned she should not have been so concerned about always feeding her children organic everything, and that it wouldn’t be the end of the world if they ate something else. Also she mentioned her work, and missing a school event, and how important all those simple, ordinary things truly matters.
Any mother listening to her talk about her girls, her loving parents, her love for family and finding the strength to live another day, should come away from this, completely inspired. When she was asked about faith and beliefs, she said at first I blamed God, because of the pain, the grief, the hurt, the great loss, but then she spoke of how she knows now, the God she believes in wouldn’t hurt children and cause this pain. This mother was even institutionalized for awhile, until a wise doctor told everyone she’s not crazy, she is just very sad. A loving friend took her in and gave her the space and love to grieve, though she will never heal from the loss, but she is learning how to move forward in her life. She remarried a wonderful supportive, loving man and she enjoys the job she has always loved, and now celebrates Christmas totally different than before.
Her story, her love to live on is what I want to celebrate today. Heroes like Madonna Badger, will never have that opportunity to cuddle, hug, brush her daughter’s hair, or hear their silly giggles and laughter.
As we approach Thanksgiving, I hope this story inspires you, especially as a single mother, that no matter what our burdens, our weakness, or fears are, embrace your children and know this in your heart, you are loved, they are loved, and you get a tomorrow with them. With Grateful Thanks and Love for all You Hard Working, Courageous Mothers…Happy Thanksgiving!
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