Love Like Maddie
Our Story
October 8, 2023, will forever be etched in our memories as both the greatest and most traumatic day of our lives. We were celebrating multiple milestones: our son's 18th birthday and our 7-year-old's baptism. It started as a typical Sunday, bustling around to ensure everything was in order. Surrounded by our entire family, including relatives from out of town, the day seemed perfect. We enjoyed lunch at our favorite spot, accompanied by our loved ones. We sang Happy Birthday to Carson, Madison, and their grandfather Gerald, cherishing the joyous moments. Little did we know, tragedy would strike that Sunday afternoon. A car carrying Madison, her sister Kinsley, grandmother Teresa, and mother Chelsey was struck by an illegal alien who ran a stop sign, instantly claiming Madison's life. The rest of the occupants were airlifted to the hospital. We laid Madison to rest on what would have been her 4th birthday—a life taken far too soon due to someone else's careless actions.
We are the parents of Madison ‘Maddie’ Hines, Chris, and Chelsey Hines. Madison was the youngest of our 3 children. She had an older brother, Carson, and a big sister, Kinsley. Maddie was pure joy. She loved her family and friends fiercely. When she told you she loved you, you could tell she meant it. For such a little girl, she gave the biggest hugs, and they were something we looked forward to. She loved dancing and singing, and she adored her siblings. She was eager to learn, and her eyes would light up when she talked about going to a ‘big school’. She had an intentional sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. Our family attends Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church where Maddie loved being involved in Sunday school, children’s choir, vacation Bible school, and Awana. Madison loved singing praise and worship songs to God, learning Bible verses, and being around her friends at church. She was so proud of herself when she memorized her Bible verses and would recite them to anyone who listened. Maddie was full of spirit and silliness. She enjoyed making you laugh. She will always be remembered as a special little girl with a tremendous love for others.
We want to say that we could not walk through this daily without God’s love and grace. As we look back over time we can see how God had his hand in every detail. Things we prayed for and things we didn't pray for but he knew we needed all worked itself out. All we can do is praise him, ensure everything we do points to God’s love, and make sure Maddie is honored. Celebrating the vibrant spirit of Madison 'Maddie' Hines, a beacon of love, joy, and faith, we proudly introduce the Love Like Maddie Foundation. Maddie's life, filled with her love for the church, her enthusiasm for music, singing, and dancing, and her fearless approach to embracing every moment, inspires our mission. She loved fiercely, gave the best hugs, and taught us to live uninhibitedly. Our mission is to embody these characteristics, spreading Maddie's light by nurturing a spirit of love, service, and joy in our community. We will provide programs that encourage musical exploration, offer scholarships to support young talents, and create opportunities for individuals to live each moment to the fullest, celebrating every victory. Maddie sat at the piano and would play and sing her own songs. One day she sang, “Love the dreams you have.” Through our work, we strive to ensure that everyone feels the warmth of God's love and embrace, just as Maddie showed us how to love and live with her whole heart we encourage you to do the same and in doing so you “love the dreams you have.”
#LoveLikeMaddie
#MADlove
