Some folks already know that beloved Maggie passed away on Saturday, 3/3/18, after a long illness. Maggie’s Corner are posts expressing God’s love and truths through His creation. Here is Maggie’s story and farewell post.
While walking through Harlem in 2004, making home visits for Parole, I unexpectedly took a left onto a street where no parolee lived. I kept walking and came across an abandoned brownstone. Believe it or not, I found the building online!
Maggie and her kittens were living under the stairs, 144 West 129th Street!
I was so drawn to her and immediately bought food from a nearby ‘bodega’. The desperate eyes of this nursing mother locked into mine…she followed me as far as she dared leave her babes on this rough street. I promised her, “I’m coming back for you, girl!” and soon brought her and a kitten home. (the others went out for adoption)
Perhaps like Maggie, God rescues us from desolate and hopeless places.
“Do not be afraid…Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father….you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Maggie lived a good life.
She enjoyed traveling…
Reading in bed
Psalm 91 was one of her favorites
During personal times of turmoil and trial, even betrayals in my life, Maggie was a constant loving companion. I saw the hand and providence of God in His creation and am still so grateful.
In January 2017, Maggie was diagnosed with significant conditions, I was sure the end was near. As the perfect patient, Maggie received all necessary treatment and, surprisingly, lived on. The Lord gave Maggie another good year and during it, prepared my heart for a future farewell.
I finally prayed, “Lord, let her live until the ground thaws.”
On March 3rd 2018, I held Maggie at 4am, giving her a last gentle brushing, knowing that this would be her last day. The ground reserved for her was thawed….
Maggie rests under the birdhouse….in prestigious Wellesley MA
…but covered with snow on March 8th!
Friends, if the Lord could hear the cry of a mother cat and rescue her and her kittens, won’t He hear our cry? Deliverance may not be immediate, but won’t it be sure for those who trust and wait upon the Lord?
From Psalm 91, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty…..I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Maggie was a personal blessing from the Lord, one I could not have found on my own. I saw God’s faithfulness in bringing her out of a dangerous place and into loving arms. But I also saw a steadfastness in Maggie, through difficult ailments and lonely times of absences. Did she have more fortitude than me? Maggie never waivered in cuddly love. She always came when we called, met us at the door, and retired to bed at the right time.
From Harlem NYC to Wellesley MA….almost likened to the Lord’s way…bringing us out of the world’s darkness and into His marvelous light…and securing us into a most prestigious place – His everlasting Kingdom forever!
Farewell, Maggie.
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