From Tamara Jeanne:
7 years ago I met her. One of the ones that glow. One of the ones who are nothing but pure joy. My aunt and uncle brought my two cousins and their families to the ranch for the first time and they fell in love with the ranch and I fell in love with all of them. Because before that, I hardly knew them. Boy had I been missing out. So their visits to CO were every bit a gift to us as a vacation for them. Maddie was the youngest and she beamed at the ranch. And I would later hear that it was a constant question as to when the next trip back was— to the point no one was allowed to talk about it haha. (Atta girl Maddie) The week they come is always so anticipated by us as well. Randall always sings “You are my sunshine” just for her. It’s her song. And sunshine is truly what she is. While we were here in Florida visiting with part of the family, Maddie unexpectedly left this life for the next. I’ve been at a loss for words at the devastating turn, but I’m so grateful the ranch gave her to us in a sense and that it gave her such joy as well. There we had the honor to come to know her and love her. And if you know her— you most definitely love her. The world seems already a bit dimmer without her. But I feel a special warmth as we’ve all sat and shared stories about our memories with her precious soul. I’m selfishly grateful I could be here to hug our family during such an unexpectedly difficult time. And in the spring, we’ll find a special place on the ranch to plant and grow something that reminds us of the sunshine Maddie always brought. And may it bring a smile the way she did into the hearts of those who will always love her. My heart has been broken these past few days, but I’m grateful for these pictures I took over the years to bring a little joy. Pure joy. What an angel this angel must be.