September 26: we added pictures (below) from Madison's church, "The Place". They videoed the celebration of Madison on Facebook, you can play it at this link. Madison's mom Colleen, her husband Michael and so many others did a magnificent job with the celebration, all of the splendid food, the magnificent flowers, the venue etc.. beyond words. A sincere thank you from her family to all of the people who put it together... amazing.
On Sunday there was a small gathering of loved ones who congregated in a casual setting, getting to spend time talking with Madison, versus waiting in line at the church to only have a moment with her. Some relatives traveled in for the celebration as well as friends who grew up with Madi. Had we opened the house to everyone who loves her, there wouldn't have been the intimacy needed for family and friends who are in her daily life... so important to spend time quality time with her. Chatting later last night with Madison, she mentioned the words love, celebration, party, and pre-funeral... and asked the question what was it? The genuine love and adoration was so obvious on Saturday at The Place, and on Sunday at the casual gathering.
Hearing people speak on Friday night and the outpouring of love all weekend, I think she has a better understanding of what a true inspiration is to so many people during her journey navigating this complex disease, as well as her enlightened spiritual journey.
From XMO: a beautiful floral arrangement with about 50 notes from people she touched who are either blind athletes or volunteers involved with XMO. Call the weekend events what you may, (I feel) they were her gift to all of us.
On Sunday there was a small gathering of loved ones who congregated in a casual setting, getting to spend time talking with Madison, versus waiting in line at the church to only have a moment with her. Some relatives traveled in for the celebration as well as friends who grew up with Madi. Had we opened the house to everyone who loves her, there wouldn't have been the intimacy needed for family and friends who are in her daily life... so important to spend time quality time with her. Chatting later last night with Madison, she mentioned the words love, celebration, party, and pre-funeral... and asked the question what was it? The genuine love and adoration was so obvious on Saturday at The Place, and on Sunday at the casual gathering.
Hearing people speak on Friday night and the outpouring of love all weekend, I think she has a better understanding of what a true inspiration is to so many people during her journey navigating this complex disease, as well as her enlightened spiritual journey.
From XMO: a beautiful floral arrangement with about 50 notes from people she touched who are either blind athletes or volunteers involved with XMO. Call the weekend events what you may, (I feel) they were her gift to all of us.
