Last night, I received a text from Jennifer Petite, the grandmother of 19-month-old Harrison. She shared with me that Harrison, her sweet grandson, would be trick-or-treating that evening dressed as Woody from Toy Story. It was a small detail, but it made me smile. I could picture him toddling around in his costume, his innocent face lighting up with excitement as he experienced one of childhood’s greatest joys.
But as Jennifer continued her message, she shared something that weighed heavily on my heart. Since September, Harrison had been the ring bearer at three weddings. A 19-month-old—a baby boy—had been part of such significant moments in people’s lives. It made me proud of Harrison but also incredibly sad. You see, Harrison’s journey hasn’t been like most toddlers’. His story is marked by the absence of the mother who should have been there to witness all of his milestones.
Harrison’s mother, Maddy Petite, was a 28-year-old coach at Foley Middle School in Alabama when she was diagnosed with metastatic stage 4 lung cancer. A woman who had never smoked a day in her life, Maddy had dreams of raising her son, watching him grow, and being there for all the moments a mother treasures. But in the spring of 2024, when Harrison was just born, Maddy knew she had to focus on fighting cancer. She delivered Harrison early so that she could start her aggressive treatment, determined to be there for her son as long as she could.
Sadly, five months later, Maddy’s fight was over. She passed away on August 26, 2024, leaving behind her beautiful baby boy, Harrison. Now, Harrison lives with his grandmother, Jennifer, who has stepped into the role of both mother and grandmother, nurturing Harrison through the sorrow of losing his mother at such a young age.
Jennifer shared with me that Harrison is growing quickly. He’s babbling all the time, eager to talk, and full of energy. “He now weighs 30 pounds and he’s all over the place,” Jennifer told me, her words filled with affection for the little boy who is growing up without his mom by his side. It’s bittersweet to hear. On one hand, there’s joy in knowing that Harrison is thriving, despite the tremendous loss he’s faced. On the other hand, there’s a deep ache in my heart when I think about the love Maddy had for him, and how much she would have wanted to see him grow, laugh, and live.
As I think about Maddy, I often wonder what kind of mother she would have been. I think about how vibrant and athletic she was before her diagnosis, how full of life and dreams she must have been, and how much she wanted to be there for Harrison. The thought of how much she longed to raise him, to be his guide and protector, is almost too much to bear. She never had the chance to be the mother she was meant to be, and I mourn that for her, for Harrison, and for the family that lost her too soon.
But even though Maddy is no longer here, I take comfort in knowing that Harrison is surrounded by love. Jennifer, his grandmother, is giving him everything he needs—guidance, care, and a sense of security. Harrison’s life may not have gone as planned, but he is not alone. His family is there for him, filling in the gaps left by his mother’s absence. As Harrison grows and begins to understand the world around him, I hope he feels the love that surrounds him.
Today, as he dresses up as Woody, I hope he experiences the simple joy of being a child—running around, laughing, and collecting candy. I hope he feels the love and warmth of his grandmother, his family, and everyone who knows his story.
And I hope that, in his heart, he knows how deeply he is loved—not just by those who are with him today, but by his mother, who will forever be a part of him. Maddy may no longer be here to see Harrison grow, but her love for him is woven into everything he does. She is still there in the memories of the times they shared, in the way his eyes light up when he laughs, and in the way he will continue to touch lives as he grows.
As I reflect on Harrison’s journey, I hold onto the hope that one day, he will understand just how special he is and how much his mother wanted to be there for him. The love between a mother and child is eternal, even when circumstances tear them apart. I believe that Maddy’s spirit will always guide Harrison, no matter where life takes him.
So today, as Harrison wears his Woody costume and embarks on his first Halloween adventure, I hope he enjoys every moment. And more than anything, I hope he feels the love that surrounds him—love from his grandma, from his community, and from a mother who will forever be watching over him, even from afar.
