Dear Family and Friends,​

In searching for what I could say at this time about my mom, I made a brilliant move,  and asked my wife Annette to help me.   She found an anonymous poem that expresses our feelings in a way that is far better than I could do on my own.  After making a few changes, I have come up with a title for it. 

I call it "Margaret’s Journey".  Bill Andrews

MARGARET’S  JOURNEY

In tears we saw you sinking and watched you pass away
our hearts were almost broken, we wanted you to stay.
But when we saw you sleeping, so peaceful, free from pain
how could we wish you back with us, to suffer that again.
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you, the day God took you home.



Dear Lord please plant a special tree and tell her it’s from me.
Tell her I love her and miss her, and when she turns to smile,
place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for awhile.

Don’t think of her as gone away her journey’s just begun.
Life holds so many facets, this earth is only one.
Just think of her as resting, from the sorrows and the tears.

In a place of warmth and comfort, where there are no days and years.
Think how she must be wishing, what we could know today.
Now nothing but our sadness, can really pass away.
And think of her as living, in the hearts of those she touched,
for nothing loved is ever lost, and she is loved so very much.

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Hey Mrs. Andrews,
I'm on Liberty of the Seas, " fixing to" set sail with my brother, Gus A., and a group of Springer Mountain Farms Friends.  I just looked at all your pictures.......You are SOOOO PRETTY!!!!!!
And looking at your pictures brings such joy ........ filled with delightful and wonderful memories of all of us together.   Thank you for making sure these memories of adventures and fabulous stories with you and your  wonderful family are in place for me to enjoy always!!!!!

Kathy will keep me updated on how you're feeling.  I'll b back home on  Sat., Feb. 2nd and hopefully we can visit for a moment, then.

I love you!!!!
 

Xxxx!!!!!! Oooo!!!!!

Cyndae Arrendale

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Hello Margaret,
When I think about Duluth--I think of you!
When I think of Lake Lanier-- I think of you!
When I think of Parsons--I think of you!
When I think of giving-- I think of you!
When I think of people who have influenced me--I think of you!
When I think of art-- I think of you!
When I say my prayers tonight, I will give thanks for you!

Love,

Bobby Burton.​-

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​Dear Margaret, 

Looking at the family portrait at Lake Lanier, I know how proud you must be to have created such a beautiful family!  The memories flood back of my years growing up with Kathy as my best friend.  She was the girl I felt sorry for sitting in the Brenau cafeteria all by herself, the one with the wavy bangs and knee socks covering up what I would later learn were funnel legs....my favorite nick name for her. It was the beginning of a grand adventure and a fond relationship between our families...Buttons the dog whom Andy called "Hambone" who ate my rabbit, Oreo...the dare devil bike gang including notorious members such as "Billy Button" and "Bobby Pin", Kathy, Cal & I mercilessly picking on Ted during the family camping trip to Canada… you and Andy both breaking your legs the same day on our Ski trip to Maggie Valley ( Thank goodness Cal was old enough to drive us home! )… Ted forgetting his pants for Cal's wedding in California then wearing his Dad's which were many sizes too big for him.....and remember our cruise together to the Caribbean...Ted & Cal almost missed the boat in Jamaica....it was in the dining room of that boat that the waiters lined up in a grand procession with the lights turned low to sing and wish Ted a happy birthday, of course we all knew it wasn't his birthday!

             The fact that you survived Kathy & me is a testament to your strength.  Next to my Mom, you are the strongest woman I've ever known.  You had to be to produce and raise Kathy!
You are my second Mom.  I love you Margaret.
Jenny McCrary Gilroy (now living in Canada.)

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Kathy,
             Please let your mother know that Bob and I are praying for her. I appreciate how nice she has always been to me. She has always gone out of her way to make me feel welcome anytime see was around. Bob has always said so many nice things about your mother and your father. They always have been very special to him.
           We are in Dallas at the show and as you know we were in Atlanta last week. We have been working long hours and I am sorry that we have not written before now. Bob went to dinner when we finished at the show. I will make sure he looks at your note when he returns to the room. I know he will want to write a letter for you to read to your mother.

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Maxine Burton

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Dearest Kathy,
Your beautiful, beautiful letter brought tears to our eyes ----
First ----So Saddened to hear first-hand how much your Mom has suffered.  She is such a "precious" lady!
And second, your sweet praises of us and your sincere appreciation for the work we do (and love)! We can never thank you enough!
"Proud To Be Your Friends,"
Martha and Bill Todd

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Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you!!!!! Beth Moody

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Margaret, I am in FL, but each day I think of you and send my prayers.  Love to you Becky Hudson

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Our family is remembering you and your family with love and prayers. 
Vince, Jill and Janelle Pallozzi

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Kathy,
I am sorry to learn that your mother is in hospice.  Jana told me yesterday at the match, then I saw your email.  I have great memories of your mom when we were young and Parsons store was still open.  I am glad I got to see her again at your show opening last year.  If there is anything I can do for you, let me know. 
Lisa Green

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Margaret    Know that I send you much, much love!  From your cousin,  Emasue Vereen

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Hey Mrs. Andrews,

I'm on Liberty of the Seas, " fixing to" set sail with Gus A. and a group of Springer Mountain Farms Friends.  I just looked at all your pictures....... You are SOOOO PRETTY!!!!!!
And looking at your pictures brings such joy ........ filled with delightful and wonderful memories of all of us together.   Thank you for making sure these memories of adventures and fabulous stories with you and your wonderful family are in place for me to enjoy always!!!!!

Kathy will keep me updated on how you're feeling.  I'll b back home on Sat., Feb. 2nd and hopefully we can visit for a moment, then.

I love you!!!!

Xxxx!!!!!! Oooo!!!!!

Cyndae

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​Kathy and Family
Please know that you and your mother are in my prayers. I adore your mother and especially because she had you.
Hugs
Ann Platz

Gather the roses of life today....
Atlanta, Ga

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Hi Margaret,
        We're sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.
We read that today has been a rough day for you and therefore for your family.  God's promise of being with us always brings great comfort to family and friends as well as to the loved one who is ill.
         We have wonderful memories of you and Andy at UYC and in Duluth.  Your name and Andy's name bring smiles to us.
Hugs and prayers,
Bruce and Carolyn Shortell

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We love you Margaret.  We will always remember the good times we had and the games we all played at your home. You and family have been such friends so many years  always in our hearts .  Love forever, Sue and Lyle Diamond

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Hi Margaret,  

      I have seen and heard about the funny things you have done over the years.  You have always been so much fun and such a risk taker.  I can picture you now getting stuck in your wheelchair!

      Thank you for the wonderful memories of coming to your house and spending the day playing.  Thank you for taking me to the lake so many, many times.  We had so much fun playing hide and seek under the house boat.  I still remember you sitting in the end bedroom painting an oil of a flower bouquet.
      You are one of my favorite people.  I know you are a fighter and I know that you are strong minded as well.  I pray that you will be out of pain and resting peacefully.
I love you,
Nancy Harris

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Dear Margaret,

       I am so glad that Kathy shared with all of us about your condition.  You and your family will be in my prayers.
I loved coming to your house when I was a little girl.  Even then I was drawn to beautifully decorated homes.  I remember almost every room.
       The sun porch with the shelves holding Kathy’s horses and the wrought iron coffee table.  The extra cool kitchen with the arched brick above the stove and the
bench seats at the table.  And of course Kathy’s pretty pink room with the ballerina pictures above her bed.  I even loved the brick fireplace and surround down stairs!
      Your artist roots were showing in your home, and it was beautiful.
      Thank you for the memories, I hope you are feeling much better soon.
Love,
Denise Pittard Murphy

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Margaret,   Our prayers and good thoughts are with you today.  Love, Betty R White

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I love this exchange ...

… but the Lord prompted as I was driving to stop…

I just sensed it was a time to be available to comfort, pray, sing, and quote scripture.  God’s timing for sure…

I am humbled by your words….  It is the body of Christ supporting each other!  I have recently been through it and see God calling me to be with the one near end-of-life and their families.

Glad to see that today Margaret is still here with us and responding as she hears from so many share stories. 
We don’t know the number of her days, she was still strong with her breathing… 

Praying for her comfort and if her time is soon that she will be “free” to go to the light and take her Savior’s hand…

If there is anything, please call me. Hugs my friend! Joy in Jesus,

Jean Harrivel

Hi Jean,
---
From Cathy Gresenz to Jean...
Kathy was very touched that you went over to hospice and read scripture and prayed with Margaret. She said that you were there a long time. She really appreciated it, and she thanks you very much. 
You are truly an amazing person. We are blessed to have you as our friend, and in our lives!
Blessings to you,
Cathy for Kathy