This one's for a friend...

Kellie Staats... It's her birthday! Birthdays are supposed to be about LIFE and celebration and smiles and candles on your cake... Kellie's only wish was to share her angel with as many people as possible, so that's what I'm here to do!

Kellie and her husband James lost their beautiful baby girl, Madison, to SIDS a few months ago. In light of this tragic event in their lives, they've gone on to become advocates of SIDS, working hard to spread information to people who may not know what took their daughter. They've been a stellar example of hope in the face of sadness... Kellie alone has been an inspiration to MANY mothers who have followed her blog (http://kandjstaats.blogspot.com)! I, for one, hug my children a little longer because of the story she has shared. They are living proof that we just never know how long we have one another - so make EVERY SECOND COUNT!

This post is for you Kellie... I hope that your day was as special and brilliant as it could possibly be. I have no doubt that if balloons could float DOWN, Maddie would surely have sent you her own special bouquet with a little crayon note attached to it letting you know how much she loves and misses you too! Happy birthday sweet "virtual" friend!