Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Missing Madeline


On Tuesday January 11th our sweet Madey was taken home to her Heavenly Father. She courageously battled cancer, Ewing's Sarcoma, and was and is an inspiration to all of us. We have often felt that Madey was sent to earth to be a difference maker. She has inspired and helped many on this difficult journey and we will be forever grateful that she is our daughter, our sister, and our friend. We are also grateful that life doesn't begin with birth nor end with death.
A viewing is scheduled for Friday January 14th from 6-8 pm at Lindquist Mortuary in Layton, Funeral services will be help Saturday January 15th at 11:00 am at the Fairfield LDS Chapel 380 S. Fairfield rd. There will be a short viewing prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 am.

We wish to express our love and gratitude to all those who have loved and supported Madey with your faith, prayers, and your kindness. We love you.

16 comments:

  1. I am sorry for your loss of Madey. She was a great, fun, and a very inspirational girl. She will be missed dearly. -Sidnie Squires

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  2. I am sadden to hear of the passing of your precious Madeline. I started following your blog a year ago after she was diagnosed. Then we met on the elevator a few months later as I was taking Kristen to clinic and Madey was being admitted. We also participated in "Miles for Madey" of which I proudly wear my t-shirt. My heart is breaking for you as the tears begin to flow as I know too well what you are feeling. I have read many books the past 6 months and would like to share a couple of them with you. I will send them to you shortly. Know that I am praying for you family and I pray that you will feel peace and comfort over the next few days and weeks. I know both Kristen and Madey are very much alive and that they are free from the cancer that they both faught with grace and dignity. I know with all my heart that they are the most noble of our Heavenly Father's children.
    Please let me know if there is anything I can do.
    Polly

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  3. Dear Bro. Slaughter and Family -

    You may or may not remember me.....and with the thousands of students you've had over the years, I won't hold it against you if you don't! My Name is Sarah Burke (Sarah Randle - Davis High '95-'97). You were one of my VERY favorite teachers. I think I even had you a couple of times! You made a big impact on my life for sure! I just happened upon the news article on KSL about your sweet daughter. From there I happened on to your blog and read her story. I am so very sorry for your loss. I wish there were perfect words of comfort, but having lost close family members myself, I know that is not the case. Like you have mentioned on here a few times, what a blessing the gospel is. What comfort it brings during times such as these, and how grateful we all are for Eternal families. I can promise from experience, that you will feel sweet Madey close and thoughts of her will fill your minds daily, even years down the road. The Lord sends many tender mercies along the way to let us know our loved ones are here with us. And as Elder Maxwell said, "The Lord compensates the Faithful for every loss." Thank you for sharing Madey's story and for all of your examples of Faith through trials. May you feel extreme amounts of peace and comfort at this time, and may the Lord carry you through until you are reunited again. With Love, Sarah Randle Burke

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  4. I am sorry for your loss. Your family has been in my prayers this whole time. As with Kristen's mom my prayers are with you for peace and comfort. Madey has been a great example for love and kindness. Please know that if you need anything I am here for you.
    Andrea

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  5. Slaughter family, We're sorry for your loss. Here's a short poem that is one of my favorites.

    The Weaver
    My life is but a weaving
    Between my Lord and me.
    I cannot choose the colors
    He worketh steadily.

    Oftimes he weaveth sorrow
    And I in foolish pride
    Forget He sees the upper
    And I, the underside.

    The dark threads are as needful
    In the Weaver's skillful hand
    As the threads of gold and silver
    In the pattern He has planned.

    Not till the loom is silent
    And the shuttles cease to fly,
    Shall God unroll the canvas
    And explain the reason why.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Brad, Koryn, Morgan Stevens

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  6. Joella Troxel HartshornJanuary 13, 2011 at 5:41 AM

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I pray for blessings of comfort to be with you and your beautiful family. Joella Troxel Hartshorn

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  7. Just when I think I can't cry more tears over your sweet Madey, I prove myself wrong. I am so sorry for all of you and hope you know that I am constantly praying for that "peace of God which passeth understanding." Madey did made a difference. And she will continue to make a difference. As will your whole family. I don't have words to share how she has changed me as a person and for that I will be eternally grateful. With love, Linn

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  8. I, too, am a former student of Brother Slaughter (Christy Smith @ WXHS '97-'00) and have been following Madey's story on KSL and silently been cheering her on and hoping for the best. She seems like such a strong young woman and I know she has a great family to support her. I have two daughters of my own and cannot imagine life without them, but I also know our time here on earth is short and there is a greater purpose. Since high school, both of my brothers have passed away and it has certainly changed the family dynamic. But it has also made us closer and stronger as a family. Of course there are times when I wish they were around and not a day goes by that I don't think of them, but I know they are serving and are happy to be healthy and running freely. I want you and your family to know that my heart and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

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  9. I don't know your family, nor did I know Madey. I found your story on KSL news online. Just know that my love and prayers are with your family. Obviously Madey has been an inspiration to all and is a special daughter of our Heavenly Father. Over two years ago our then 18 month old granddaugther was diagnosed with Medulablastoma, an agressive cancerous brain tumor. Last January of 2010, she finished the last of her chemo treatments and I am happy to report that she is doing great. I know so well the heartache and sorrow of seeing one you love so much go through such terrible things. God bless you all. I know Madey is at peace and happy and will be serving a great mission on the other side.

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  10. Slaughter Family,

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss! Your family is amazing and I admire your faith and courage and know that you will become even stronger during these difficult times. Our family will be out of town this weekend so I will be unable to attend the service which I deeply regret. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

    Sincerely,

    Sherrie Eichmeier

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  11. Thinking of you.
    Our prayers are with you.

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  12. Dear George and Michelle,
    Rob and I were so sorry to hear about Madey's illness and her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful family. There is no doubt that the Lord is mindful of you all and that Madey will continue to be apart of your lives here and in the hereafter.
    Sincerely,
    Lee Ann & Rob Elzey

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  13. I am another one of Bro. Slaughter's many former seminary students that was impacted GREATLY by his testimony. You and your family are in my prayers!

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  14. Slaughter Family,

    I am so sorry for your significant loss. Thank you for sharing Madey's story with us in so many ways. Your whole family is an inspiration to many. Our Father in Heaven is very much aware of your loss. I love your thought that you shared: birth is not the beginning and death is not the end. Thank goodness for Heavenly Father's Plan and His Special Son, Jesus Christ. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  15. we are so sorry to hear about the lose of your daughter its very hard to have to watch our children go tru what they go tru, just remeber famileys will be together for ever some day, That is one of my fav songs we love you and will pray for your family that the spirit will be with you in this time of need. .......The Ketterlings

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  16. As a friendly stranger, I have often dropped in on your blog to read about Madey's journey. My son is also a Ewing's Sarcoma patient, so we know firsthand what a tenacious disease this is. I wish I could think of something helpful to say... but you are in my prayers.

    Through all the trials, he and all the other young people I have met who are coping with cancer share that resolve and steady faith that all will be well. We could learn from them, and remain faithful that we will overcome.

    We know that our children are only on loan to us for a time, but it is still so hard to say goodbye, even if it is just for now. May God bless you and keep your entire family in his care.

    Madey was obviously a special young woman and we know you will miss her dearly.

    Praying for you,
    Marilyn F in Saskatchewan, Canada

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