Matt and Liz were high school sweethearts. They married and traveled the world together before buying the house they always dreamed of. They were so happy, and so in love, they decided it was the perfect time to start their family. Soon, they found out they were expecting a baby girl. Liz's pregnancy was difficult and she was hospitalized at 30 weeks for the safety of their baby. After 3 weeks of bedrest, the doctors made the decision that it would be safer for the baby to be born immediately as her heart rate was decreasing. To Matthew and Liz's great delight, she came into the world with a hearty cry - the hallmark of a healthy baby. Due to her prematurity, baby Madeline was taken to the NICU for evaluation, while Liz was taken to her postpartum room.
Because of her surgery, Liz is unable to visit baby Maddy in the NICU, but Matthew brings her pictures. The day after the birth, however, just hours before she is able to go see baby Maddy, Liz's healthy suddenly declines. Within a short amount of time, Liz dies - a clot in her leg has traveled to her lungs and caused a pulmonary embolism.
The shock, grief, and devastation hits Matt like a freight train. The happiest day in his life is followed by the saddest day in his life. His memoir is a detailed account of the grief filled days following the loss of his beloved wife.
This book was so heart wrenching, I was literally bawling through much of the book. At 30 years old, most do not expect a loss such as this, especially in such a vibrant woman. However, Matt, even in his deepest, darkest sadness, determines that he will be the best father he can be to Maddy. And he is. I cannot imagine being in his situation, and I admire him greatly for his bravery and determination.
I highly recommend this book - yes, it is a tearjerker, but it is very inspirational as well.
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