This Day

[wintergreen48]

On this day twenty-two years ago, the Wonder Child-- all 11 pounds, 4 ounces of him-- entered the world. It was a difficult time for my sweet Margaret-- Jeffrey was, after all, rather large, and Margaret was not-- but it ended so well. I was holding her hand as Jeffrey finally emerged, when Margaret looked into my eyes and tenderly whispered, between screams, 'If you EVER come NEAR me or TOUCH me again, I. WILL. KILL. YOU.' Ah, the memories… But once she was given Jeffrey to hold in her arms, all was right in the world: she had no pain, only joy in our child. What a wonderful day, this day, twenty-two years gone.

I met Margaret on my birthday, and although that first meeting was very brief-- less than ten minutes-- it was enough: that night I told my family that I had met The One I was going to marry. I learned later that Margaret shared that same message with her own family, that same night. Her name comes directly from the Latin word for 'pearl,' but it also goes back to a much earlier Avestan phrase that means 'born of starlight.' Pick either or both, and you describe my Margaret.

On this day five years ago, my sweet pretty girl left this world. Once again, I was holding her, but I could not keep her from slipping away, try as I might. Margaret died one week before the 25th anniversary of our first meeting. What an awful day, this day, 5 years gone.

Twenty-two years is a lifetime for Jeffrey; five years would seem to be so much shorter a span of time, but in fact it is far, far longer than a lifetime. But even though an eternity has passed in just five years, on this day, as on all days, Margaret still lives in the fragments of my heart.

[christie1111]

On this day twenty-two years ago, the Wonder Child-- all 11 pounds, 4 ounces of him-- entered the world. It was a difficult time for my sweet Margaret-- Jeffrey was, after all, rather large, and Margaret was not-- but it ended so well. I was holding her hand as Jeffrey finally emerged, when Margaret looked into my eyes and tenderly whispered, between screams, 'If you EVER come NEAR me or TOUCH me again, I. WILL. KILL. YOU.' Ah, the memories… But once she was given Jeffrey to hold in her arms, all was right in the world: she had no pain, only joy in our child. What a wonderful day, this day, twenty-two years gone.

I met Margaret on my birthday, and although that first meeting was very brief-- less than ten minutes-- it was enough: that night I told my family that I had met The One I was going to marry. I learned later that Margaret shared that same message with her own family, that same night. Her name comes directly from the Latin word for 'pearl,' but it also goes back to a much earlier Avestan phrase that means 'born of starlight.' Pick either or both, and you describe my Margaret.

On this day five years ago, my sweet pretty girl left this world. Once again, I was holding her, but I could not keep her from slipping away, try as I might. Margaret died one week before the 25th anniversary of our first meeting. What an awful day, this day, 5 years gone.

Twenty-two years is a lifetime for Jeffrey; five years would seem to be so much shorter a span of time, but in fact it is far, far longer than a lifetime. But even though an eternity has passed in just five years, on this day, as on all days, Margaret still lives in the fragments of my heart.

Okay, so how do I explain my tears to anyone walking by my cubicle?

You were very lucky to have found one another.

Hugs to you today Wintergreen.

And happy birthday to Jeffrey.

[Odyssey]

I'm sorry you lost her. What a lovely tribute--she was lucky to have you and I'm sure you made the most of your time together.

[peacock2121]

Your love for Margaret is present each and every day. It shines through in all of your writings. She lives on in the love you have for her, the love you have for your sons and in the love you share.

[PlacentiaSoccerMom]

It's obvious that you loved your wife very much. I am so sorry for your loss.

[a1mamacat]

Michael, it seems impossible to me that it has been 5 years since the heavens reclaimed their lovely star. The love you two shared and still do, is inspirational, and gives me hope that there is still a soul somewhere out there looking for me too.

Warm thoughts to you and Sweet Margaret, and your wonderful boys.

Love, Trish

[tlynn78]

<<<hugs>>>


t.

[Ritterskoop]

Thank you.











Your migraine will be done after today.

[MarleysGh0st]

The Bored is filled with its usual, meaningless banter, and then there's a post like this...

It's ironic that the best and worst days of your life would coincide on the calendar like this. My thoughts are with you today, wintergreen.

Happy Birthday, Jeffrey.

[mrkelley23]

It doesn't seem possible to me that it could have been five years. I do remember that your posts from that time were the very essence of what bittersweet means. I cannot fathm what losing Wendy would be like to me now, and though the loss has wounded you deeply, I never felt the bitter but that there was some sweet mixed in.

My best.

[jayhawker536]

Michael, I am honored that I was able to meet Margaret. I think about both of you often and wish with all my heart that she was here in body, by your side. Knowing she will always live beside and within you and your sons does give some comfort. The hurt will never lesson, the grief will never subside, it does become easier to go on living and then, sometimes not. Lends credence to that old saying, Life's a B*tch.

Some are able to live life and never have to suffer the unbearable grief of losing someone that is Life itself, they should truly count their blessings. What a blessing to you and your sons to have had Margaret, what a very great blessing.

Hugs,

[hermillion]

What a loving and gracious tribute to the life you and Margaret shared. My thoughts are with you.

[kayrharris]

Any of your tributes to Margaret and your boys always bring tears to my eyes. I'm among the privileged to have met her as well.

Thanks for sharing your memories and thoughts so beautifully.

[silvercamaro]

Every day of your life is a tribute to Margaret, and every day of your sons' lives is a tribute to Margaret, and such tributes will continue for future generations not yet imagined. In a very real sense, she is still with you and always will be.

I cannot help but think that your thoughts of this anniversary might have been the source of your extended and awful migraine in recent days. I hope that the headache is gone.

I wish Jeffrey a good birthday, too.

[mellytu74]

wintergreen --

For years, I've loved your stories of your wonderful Margaret. Today is no exception.

You and the boys are in my prayers.

[cindy.wellman]

Several weeks ago, I PMd Fanny to ask her if Wintergreen was in fact THE M.S.! I had no idea that you were on this board. By the way, it was your Capital One post that gave you away.

It doesn't seem like 5 years have passed. I can't imagine what that time feels like for you.

My thoughts are with you during this bittersweet day.

Cindy

[T_Bone0806]

How awful to lose such a profound love.

But how wonderful and amazing to have had such a love.

Too many people have never felt what you have felt. The depth of your sorrow is in direct proportion to the greatness of what you shared with her. You were so fortunate to love and be loved like that.

My best wishes to you on this day, and to your son as well.

[JBillyGirl]

I am speechless and in awe of the love you two had. May God bless you and your boys.

[wbtravis007]

My heart goes out to you and your family.

They say that time heals all wounds, and I suppose that's true. Still, though, I've thought for years that there are some that are better left unhealed, in a way.

It's hard to explain.

Shoot.