Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Maggie



We found out a few weeks ago that my husband's first girlfriend passed away. It was not a quiet gentle passing, and although I cried, The Mr. didn't. He said he knew it would happen as it did sooner or later. Her name was Margaret, and I loved her.

I'd never met her before, but it would be hard for me not to love someone who I know truly loved my husband for a short span of his life. Love goes backwards in my heart, I love him for all the time I hadn't found him as much as I love him now.

She was an artist, and we have quite a few of her pieces. The one above is my favorite. A woodcut of my husband done when they were about 19. It hangs above his dresser in our bedroom, another treasure.

I've always felt I needed to thank her and I never got the chance. They had spoken a few times since we were married and I'm sure the impression was there, but not solidly.

...

Thank you Margaret, for loving him and seeing him. I think we are the only two in the world. A small club, but you are an honored member. We won't forget you...

4 comments:

CP said...

Powerful. Love going backwards in that way is not something I've really thought about before. I'm going to have to let that one steep in my brain this week. Thanks!

Whimsy said...

This is beautiful and haunting - especially about loving going backwards. Isn't it really that way? It can stretch into the past and future like nothing else can.

I'm so sorry about your friend.

Anonymous said...

That is so amazing and generous of you. Sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful.
It has taken me several years, but I have slowly come to care for those that loved my husband before I knew him. And that also extends to my parents--I love them for who they used to be, for how hard they tried to be good parents....
Thank you for sharing.