Sister Margaret, SNJM Second Anniversary of Entering Eternal Life ~~ April 24, 2019 – 2021

Throughout the past weekend we have been so very aware of the life, death and rising of Margaret Dick.  And so have very many others through cards, emails, texts, telephone calls and personal contact.  We are so thankful to each and every one, for every word and loving sentiment.  The highlight of the weekend Memorial (including a visual display honoring Margaret in chapel) was the Fourth Sunday of Easter celebrated Saturday afternoon;  15 gathered to remember and to give thanks.

 It was Good Shepherd Sunday.  In John’s Gospel, Ch 10, the expression “lay down life” is repeated five times in only seven verses.  This was readily seen as a way to understand from a faith perspective how Margaret left this world.  And it was readily seen that giving one’s self away did not happen only two years ago, but was a long-time way of life for her; that is, to lay down her life so many times in so many ways throughout her nearly 82 years. Many of us not only witnessed that, but also were personally graced because of the many ways she laid down her life.

 This occasion is also another time to return to the many messages received at the time of her passing and since, as well as accounts of having experienced her (often in dreams).  A long-time friend of Margaret, Carol Ann, recently, shared:  “Glenn, I was thinking of you mostly because I have had several dreams of Margaret in the past few weeks.  It has surprised me, as she has come with a beautiful, gentle, radiant smile. I have been left with such affirmation and blessing with each visitation. Since I pay attention and receive much guidance from my dreams, I knew something was going on.”

 We have been told of many such visitations.  Perhaps laying down her life continues in eternal life, the giving of her eternal life to those of us still living in this life.

 One of the original messages spoken at the Vigil of Prayer for Margaret was first spoken on April 29, 2019 by Emily Cherneski, long-time friend;  Emily and her husband John lived and served at the House of Prayer for nearly 9 years.  We share again her words because they speak eloquently and heartfully of some of the ways in which Margaret laid down her life before her death.

 Remembering and Honoring Margaret  ~~ Edited From Emily Cherneski, April 29, 2019

 Just saying her name evokes so many feelings, thoughts and memories.  She was more than a role model for me.  She was an inspiration and the epitome of how to live an authentic life. I think she might have been the only person who I could say really knew me or saw into the real me without judgment.  Such a wise woman with so many gifts yet always wanting to be in the background rather than the foreground.

A depth of thought and wisdom…never rushing to a solution or conclusion but with measured heartfelt reflection and discernment offering her insights into a situation.  Seldom angry or forceful but not retiring or shy…standing by her instincts and intuition.

 Would never credit herself as being creative (until pressed to agree in the interview Madeleine’s daughter Marie Claire did with her – ( go to ----https://medium.com/@shesaidnotes/a-master-listener-e754d4b48bb3  or   https://www.shesaidnotes.com/notes/a-master-listener  ), but was very creative in her own way in how she planned menus and was always willing to try new ones (although the implementation of those usually were assigned to my portion of the making).

You knew she would never lie to you….it might take her a while to explain when/if something was annoying her or bothering her, but she would never just sweep it under the carpet.  She would be forthright in explaining her discomfort and once addressed she would move forward without recrimination or hard feelings.

 I cherish my last encounter with her on the deck of QHP.  Her dementia had already been diagnosed and she was so content and peaceful sitting on the bench.  I asked her what she thought about while she sat there.  Her reply was “nothing, I just watch the sky and the birds and look at the flowers.”  The peace and contentment of ‘being’ just radiated off her.

 She loved to go the Bay.  She would buy various items (only on a good sale) and you could guarantee most of them would be returned.  If you accompanied her she would find all sorts of things she thought you should try on and buy but fewer for herself.

 I love that she loved to have her toenails polished and her hair cut just so.  I love that she didn’t have blind faith even though she had deep faith.  She was always willing to entertain questions and consider different points of view.

 It feels like there is an empty space in my universe with her departure.  I treasure the memory of the times we spent together in the kitchen…the planning, the laughter, the enjoyment of companionship, her love of a good glass of wine.