Friday 13 January 2017

Yes, I'm Maddie's Dad and I Couldn't Be More Proud

Yes, I'm Maddie's Dad!




Today's the four-month mark since Maddie's death.  Barely an hour goes by without Maddie crossing my mind, but this time of the month in particular rains pretty heavy on me emotionally.  For her brothers and her Mom, I know the emotion runs high as well.  
I've been at the cottage with the boys for the last week.  I love this place, but there's an obvious void, and something will always be missing.  Maddie's 14-year cousin, Emma, is up here.  This is where Emma and Maddie's friendship and closeness developed.  There is still lots of laughter, but something will always be missing for all of us; our trips to the cottage will forevermore be changed.  Maddie and Emma were ringleaders in crime, co-conspirators of mischief and a primary source of evening entertainment.

There's always a slight pause in the activity.  We rarely acknowledge it, but we all know there's a very conspicuous absence and that absence is Maddie.  Whether it being her contagious laughter, inappropriate comments (that she got from me) or desire to do something completely different than the norm; this was her stomping ground and where she felt at ease.  She was very fortunate to have two family cottages; one on Stoney Lake and one on Baptiste Lake but visits to both will always be different for everyone.




This past weekend, the boys and I went down to Stoney Lake (Maddie's Mom's cottage) for the Stoney Sprint.  This was where we spent a lot of time as a family and where the kids spent a lot of time post-separation.  It was the first time I'd been back on Stoney Lake since 2010.  Stoney is rich in tradition, and many families have been on Stoney for generations.  There were many familiar faces that I recognized from past years.  This year's Stoney Sprint took on a different feel.  There was an air of spirited participation for the run and a sombre feel because Maddie had been an active participant in the Sprint, past regattas, Mile Swims and several other activities around the lake.  Stoney had lost one of its children, and everyone knew it.

 A raffle had been set up to support The Maddie Project.  People on Stoney Lake and within the community had donated incredible prizes and people purchased the tickets in droves.  Everyone felt attached to the cause because Maddie's death has touched so many of us.  When Maddie's Mom, Nicole, spoke so passionately about the Maddie Project at the Stoney Sprint, few people can say they weren't affected by her words.  Because many of the people knew Maddie and the German family and because many of us have been touched by someone who has suffered from teenage mental illness and depression.  The Stoney Sprint raffle has raised more than $12,000 for the Maddie Project.
To date, the Maddie Project has raised more than $150,000 to help bring awareness and access for families with teens suffering from depression and mental illness.  Conversations are starting to occur between friends, families and mental health professionals and we are aware of no less than ten teens that have put up their hands and say they need help to deal with life's challenges.

The Stoney Sprint is one initiative, and there are several others underway.  We are making a difference, and themaddieproject.cacreating awareness and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness has a profound impact.

A few weeks ago, I was coming home from a long, sweaty mountain bike ride and at my doorstep was a volunteer canvassing for CAMH.  CAMH is an amazing organization that helps thousands of Canadians dealing with mental health issues.  Upon my arrival I saw his name tag and that he was with CAMH and I expressed that I'm a supporter of CAMH and know several people that have had their lives profoundly affected by the services of CAMH.  Our conversation continued, and I expressed how we had recently lost our daughter to depression and that we had created a Foundation on her behalf.  He asked what our foundation was called and I said "the Maddie Project".  He looked at me in disbelief.  He said, "You're Maddie's Dad?!"  He extended his hand and shook my hand vigorously.  He said," You guys are doing an amazing job.  We are huge fans of what you're doing."
Most of the credit should go to Maddie's Mom, Maddie's friends and parents who have embraced the cause with such passion and vigour.

Anyone who feels that we are not making a difference should look at the kids who have raised their hands for help, that passion that has embraced the Maddie Project cause and the number of funds that are continually being raised to support such an incredible cause.

Yes, I'm Maddie's Dad, and I couldn't be more proud to have a daughter that has inspired so many!

Please share and let people know how we're making a difference!

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