COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — Madison (Maddie) Mogen has always been her dad's angel, before and after her tragic and untimely death.
Ben Mogen has spent the last year with his family, talking about the monumental impact his daughter had on everyone and everything. He's also spent the last year trying his hardest to live his life the way she would want him to.
"Having her in my life got me through a lot of dark moments," he said. "She is my little angel. I wouldn't be here without her."
One year after Maddie's death, Ben Mogen sat down at a Coeur d'Alene Starbucks to share all of the things he loved about his wonderful daughter. But, it wasn't just any Starbucks.
"The last time we ever went somewhere together was here," he explained, motioning to the small corner to his left. "There used to be a table right over here, and that's the one we sat at. Every time I drive by here, I think about just how much I wish she was still here with us."
Remembering Maddie Mogen
One of the things Ben Mogen shared with Maddie was a love for music. Eight years ago, nearly to the day, the two went to a Mac Miller concert together. According to Ben, Maddie knew all the words, a memory he holds near and dear to his heart.
"We definitely enjoyed our music together," he said.
Another memory that keeps the smile on Ben's face is finding out that his daughter was going to be an Idaho Vandal. He said he was happy she was venturing out into the world and living her own life, while still being close enough to come home on the weekends.
Last spring, the University of Idaho awarded Maddie with a posthumous degree in marketing, as she was set to graduate this year.
"Walking across the stage and picking up that diploma for her that she earned, they didn't just give it to her because they were trying to be nice. She earned all those credits," Ben Mogen said. "And she actually she got that degree, and we're so proud of her still. She had such a bright future ahead of her."
Although the pain of losing his daughter will always be with him, Ben Mogen said his daughter's spirit remains with him everyday.
"My mom got me a little silver angel wing to remind me that Maddie is always with me," he said. "When I feel that she's looking down on me or that she's there with me, I say it out loud. I say, 'I love you, Maddie' or I say, 'Hi, Maddie' or something like that. So maybe she can she can know that I'm thinking about her and how often I think about [her]. She's always on my heart."
To watch the full interview with Ben Mogen, use the player below:
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