I do not have many friends. I have lots of aquaintances and almost friends but not many people who carve their own special place in my heart. Miss Margaret was one of those special people.
Who was Miss Margaret? She was a contradiction. She was a porch sitter like me. She was quick to fight and even quicker to extend a helping hand. She had a firm sense of right and wrong and never hesitated to point out which was which. She liked to swear and indulge in off color humor. She, as my mother would say, called a spade a spade.
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| Miss Margaret (right) |
Miss Margaret lived all of her life poor. She worked as a waitress and in a nursing home. She was abused by her first husband and only found the strength to leave him after he knocked out all of her front teeth. She said she was so much happier in her rat infested apartment down on 6th street even if her kids had to sleep on the floor.
Miss Margaret had a big heart, but she could hold a well deserved grudge. She learned all her life's lessons the hard way. She remarried a man society rejected but I refused to shun him. He'd paid his debt to society and he was good to me. Miss Margaret never forgot that and loved me for it. He died 3 years ago and she never stopped missing him and cried at the mention of his name.
Miss Margaret helped people expecting nothing in return. The gift of giving pleased her more than any material possession.
One afternoon her daughter came over to tell me she needed to take her mother to the hospital but she wouldn't go. I went over and after awhile I asked her why she didn't want to go and she cried and said "I'm afraid if I go I won't come home." I laughed and said "Miss Margaret, they're just gonna fix you up a bit. I promise you will come home. If I have to come over there and get you and throw you in the back of my truck you are coming home." She perked up and we got her in the car.
But she didn't stay. She came home and the next time she went she stayed. I hoped she would make it home again. She did. They had no treatment for the advanced cancer and they sent her home to die. I waited in my swing and when the EMT's wheeled her up the sidewalk I yelled "WELCOME HOME MISS MARGARET! I LOVE YOU!" She waved and yelled "I love you too!"
The next morning she fell asleep and never woke up.
Rest in peace Miss Margaret. I hope I can keep my heart open for love after a lifetime of hurts like you.
Please leave a message and let me know how you honored my friend. She would be amazed by it as she never used a computer, had no cable tv, and would have no clue what a blogger is.
15 comments:
Dear Mary, you spoke so eloquently and heartfelt about your friend Miss Margaret. What a tough, endearing and brave woman she was indeed. It's obvious how she loved having your friendship too.
I also used to have a neighbour very similar to Miss Margaret and felt the need to honour her life by posting about her as well. You commented back then, and amongst your very kind words you said "What a gift to live next to her", well, Mary, I say the same to you. Yes, it is a gift to have known such women isn't it.
I can feel your loss of her. You've stood by her and shared your loving thoughts of her with us in this beautiful way. A big warm hug to you Mary xx
How nice you have that happy photos of the two of you :D)
Susan, that isn't me in the photos! I'm a white lady, but like Miss Margaret color didn't matter. What is in our hearts does.
Your thoughtful words brought tears to my eyes. I still cry over this loss, and it caught me totally by surprise at its depth.
Mary, I can fully understand how you must be feeling and I'm sure you're going to miss her. I have just palnted two chrysanthanums in my garden. I have named them Margaret and Mary. They will remind me of you and your dear friend whenever I look at them. When The flower I'll post a photo for you. Hugs friend. Sue
Awesome Sue! Miss Thang would be astounded that someone all the way across the world did that!
I planted a mum Saturday too.
That was lovely. I'll bet she would enjoy knowing that she's been introduced to people, even after passing.
I'm sorry for your loss.
Pearl
Rest in peace Miss Margaret there is no pain where you are now. Mary I am so sorry to hear about your friend I do know how this feels I lost one of my very best friends a few years ago and it still hurts.
I will be making a cup of coffee right now putting sugar and milk in it even though I do not take sugar and toasting to Miss Margaret on living a good life strong and proud.
Cheers to Miss Margaret.
Hugs Mary B
Oh, Mary, what a beautiful tribute from one kind soul to another. It makes me happy to think she found such friendship with you. That you could share some of this life together and bring each other smiles and comfort. I am like you, I have many acquaintances and few deep and true friends, and so I can only imagine how much more keenly you feel her loss.
I have said a little prayer in honor of Miss Margaret and made a cup of tea with sugar (as I have no coffee) and will sit here and drink it thinking about your words and your dear friend.
Hi Mary. HUGS and thank you. B
Hi Mary, just popping by to make sure you're doing ok xx :D)
Hugs again B
Have a peaceful and loving Christmas Mary. Will catch up with you in the New Year. Kind regards, Susan :D)
Happy New Year Mary. Hugs B
I'm sorry to know Miss Margaret doesn't grace our world anymore. Your post honors her.
Hi Mary nice to know you are still around:) HUGS B
I honor your friend by trying be half as honest and upfront as she was. I honor her by making certain my daughter KNOWS she will come home again when she goes to the hospital, and this time she did.
She had the same fear your friend did, and said "Mom, I'm scared!"
My daughter WILL come home! I will be there to make sure of that. It's a terrible fear.
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