I received an email this morning that resulted in reciprocating tears. Sharon is a Church of the Saviour associate with whom we stayed when we first went to the States fifty four years ago. We have been friends ever since, and hers was the first face that greeted us whenever we visited Washington DC.

Sharon knows us well and this makes the email all the more significant.

Dear Nev,

I am crying so much that it is hard to find the right keys. It seems impossible that she is gone. She was (must I use the past tense) such a force for love. No one I have ever met could match her gift for presence. She was unafraid to be completely with people. When I first experienced it, it was with a sense of wonder. She asked questions and then really listened. No one had ever related to me in that way. It was an introduction to another world. I have come to see that that is what love is.

She spoke gently and honesty in that gravely voice I loved so much. She found humor everywhere, quietly remarked on your purple prose, spoke proudly about her five girls, and always asked about our life here.

It makes no difference that I am far away. It never seemed far when I wrote to her. She always seemed as close as she was when she was sitting on the couch.

Every time you have left, I have missed you both so, so much. I am sad, sad that she is gone.

Thank you for coming here so recently, allowing us to see her one last time.

The email remains unfinished, and I can see in my mind’s eye dear Sharon convulsing in tears and pushing the send key.

Maggie really did have a gift of relating to people. And my eyes too filled with tears as I read Sharon’s email. She writes with great insight and expresses so well the great gift of Marg – to relate in love.