Middle Brick Road

Do you ever just feel, I dunno, lost? Like the day just is not right. Like you’re maybe missing something, but you cannot place it because maybe what you’re missing is a feeling.

Today, I am just feeling like that. It is so hard to describe. While on one hand I am incredibly overwhelmed with my life . . . and happy for some friends who are celebrating their anniversary.

On the other hand I am incredibly heartbroken

A very old friend and her husband had a beautiful baby boy this time last year. His name was Maddox.

He lived to be just over a month old. With no warning or explanation, he died from SIDS and was found in his crib one morning.

The loss of a child is something that no parent should ever have to go through. Parents just are not meant to bury their children. I can not imagine the pain that must pass through the hearts of the Bradshaw family every single day.

There is not a single day that goes by, where I do not think about them. So many of my friends had babies last summer. While it meant that plenty could not make it to our high school reunion, or the wedding – it means that so many of the people I know started or made their families grow last summer. Each and every one of them is so very blessed. Every time I see or hear about one of those little blessings, I think of Maddox.

While sweet Maddox was only in our lives a short time, he will never ever be forgotten. The pain that resonated through the families and networks of friends last year, will never be forgotten.

But more importantly, the happiness that was brought into the world this time last year, even if for just a short time, will always be celebrated and always be remembered.

The tragedy that SIDS brought to the Bradshaw family and their circle of friends is something that we can all stop. We don’t have to let this keep happening, the rates of SIDS deaths in the United States is higher than it should ever have to be. According to data by the national SIDS resource center, in 2005 the United States had the second highest amount of deaths attributed to SIDS, second to New Zealand.

I don’t claim to know what causes SIDS and what doesn’t.

But I do know that we need to find a way to reduce or eliminate the risk of it happening. No one should ever have to go through this tragic experience.

Every year I want to celebrate his life. Every year I will ask you, my readers, to celebrate his life as well.

This year I would like to try to raise $1,000 and give that money in honor of Maddox and his family to First Candle, an organization that promotes research, education and awareness, advocacy and family support.

From today, August 9th, until September 12th, you can give through ChipIn and 100% of the donations will be given to First Candle in honor of baby Maddox and the Bradshaw family on September 13th.

Every child should see their first birthday, and every parent should see their child grow. Click the photo below to give in honor of Maddox.

Source: First Candle web banner

Thanks for stopping by the Middle Brick Road, I hope today’s post didn’t make you cry too much. My name is Kacey and I am really big on health and all things natural – freedom – politics and bringing change by abandoning the boxes we too often put ourselves in. Oh and I love causes, so click the photo above and please, celebrate life.

If you’re new here, please take a look around, follow along and like me on Facebook, so you never miss a beat. =)) Until next time . . .