Margaret was my friend. We met in 1985 when Allison, Katy O’Neal, and my son Michael brought us together. But Margaret and I developed a friendship of our own.
We would meet and talk in our yards on Dumont, or in the middle of the street, or at each other’s homes, and on the phone. Mostly we talked about our kids, and kid-related issues. But we developed a bond and a trust born of similar circumstances. Bill was always amazed at the friendship the four of us had. We didn’t share a common religion, or common backgrounds, but we developed a very comfortable relationship none-the-less.
As we each moved from our shared neighborhood, we saw each other less frequently, but were always amazed and commented on the fact that no matter how long it had been since we were last together, it felt as though no time had passed at all.
What I remember most is Margaret’s laugh. I can still hear it. She was tickled to walk into our home and find Tom ironing his shirts and me doing carpentry. She laughed at our animals. She delighted and laughed at our children’s antics. She laughed as I related some ridiculous scenario. And she laughed delightedly when I shared the news of my third pregnancy, and when she helped 8-year-old Allison hold my 1-day-old baby Jennifer.
I will miss her laugh. I will miss knowing that she is in this world. But Margaret will always remain in my mind and in my heart. As I have many times before, all I need to do is think of her, and she is there.
With Loving Memories,
Nan Phillips and the Phillips Family - Tom, Nan, Michael, Jeremy and Jennifer
