by Charlotte Moyler
Photo: Maggie Moyler, 17. The photo was taken 2 weeks before her suicide
Note from Anne Moss: Charlotte Moyler is a suicide loss survivor and founder of Suicide Loss Survivor Group in Williamsburg, VA. Until now, she had not gone public with her story.
—————–
We called her Pie, our little Magpie.
Born in January 1994 and adopted into our family when she was less that two days old. Maggie was an answered prayer and so much more! She was the daughter I longed for after 14 years of marriage. She was tiny and full of energy!
She taught her older brother Jake many things, but most importantly, how to love life. It is still so shocking that our little Pie took her very own life before she turned 18.
She was the cutest little thing, feisty and fun. At Clover Hill Elementary School, she created her own singing and dancing routine in the talent show. It was a show stopper! As I videoed her, I thought how blessed am I to be this child’s mother. I thought about the enjoyable adventures we had to look forward to.
Maggie started swimming before she turned two and offered to take her two year older brother down the Woodlake Swim and Racquet Club’s slide. Not to be overshadowed by his little sister; Jake quickly went down on his own, but never with as much freedom and confidence as Pie.
A fierce athlete our little Pie was
She played soccer from age four (always with a huge bow in her hair), starting diving at age 10 (and gaining very high scores) and played on an awarding winning golf team at Jamestown High School (one of three girls on the team).
Did I mention, Maggie was beautiful?
What happened?
I still do not know, but I do know this.
I cannot go back and change what happened. In my dreams, Maggie is that cute little Pie and I am loving her and loving her with extra hugs and extra kisses and extra compliments. In my dreams, I am trying to keep her alive.
I am not dreaming now and I want to keep Maggie’s memory alive with my message today. Speak to your children about suicide. It is killing our youth and it can come out of nowhere. We never spoke of suicide in our home, because we never thought we needed to.
If only I knew then what I know now…
Maggie’s suicide fits into a small percentage of suicides
There were no warning signs. She did not have a mental illness. She did not have an addiction.
She was an adopted child, who had some abandonment issues, which she sought counseling for. Her counselor told me Maggie really “had it all together,” after several sessions.
Maggie also had neuro cardiogenic syncope and fainted her way through Swift Creek Middle School.
After proper diagnosis from Duke University Medical Hospital, Pie was given medication for this disorder. She was tough and plugged right through, but it was so very difficult to watch. I remember thinking, “Maggie is very much like me, strong, determined and will get through the tough stuff and be stronger for it.”
I had no clue what was ahead…
During this time, we had to move into a very tiny rental home after financially losing everything from a family business. Maggie was in sixth grade. My husband and I were working at every job we could find to support our family.
Maggie was fainting (prior to her diagnosis from Duke) fairly regularly. After a long day substitute teaching, I was plunging the kitchen sink (which was forever clogged up).
Maggie said “You do not have any problems; your life is so perfect.” I wanted to laugh out loud, as I was plunging, but instead I said “What makes you think so darling?” Maggie’s big brown eyes looked into my mine and answered “Could anyone have a closer relationship with God?”
Wow, I thought, I must be doing something right. Never would I have imagined that less than five years later, Maggie would have killed herself.
There were no real signs of the internal struggles that caused her to lose all hope. She was recovering from tonsil surgery, had experienced sadness over broken relationships and her local neurologist had continued to increase medications for Maggie’s fainting disorder.
The day Maggie died, I posted on her FB wall; “Today will be a great day!” I told her how proud I was of her returning to school after recovering just one week from having her tonsils removed.
She went to school that morning looking especially pretty. She had completed all of her outstanding school work, even the AP classes. Maggie was smiling brightly when she left for school that morning. Her senior pictures were taken that day. The proofs arrived in the mail weeks after her death.
That terrible, terrible day, Maggie told me that someone at school, that very day she died, told her she wished Maggie was dead. I asked Maggie if I knew this girl and Maggie said “no”.
My response to Maggie was that this girl must hold a great deal of anger and hurt inside to say such things to her. Now I wish I had grabbed Maggie and held her tight and told her that teenage girl was awful, just awful.
That remark did not kill Maggie, but if that girl had said something kind and positive, would Maggie be alive today? I will never know, but I do know that words can build us up and words can tear us down. Kindness matters! Kindness brings about hope.
The night Maggie lost all hope and did something that we still cannot comprehend, I was at church serving God’s people. I struggle with this.
Maggie left us with messages of how much she loved us–we were wonderful parents and that she was not “strong enough” for this world.
She said she would be in Heaven, looking down on us and always in our hearts.
She sent me a text minutes before taking her life “I love you.”
I did not see this until the next day. I never had the chance to text back “I love you.” I have to let that go and replace it with images of Maggie dancing, goofing off and jumping into Lake Erie over and over and over again.
People ask me how I am getting on with my life since Maggie’s suicide
I love this question and relish answering it.
I credit Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit by filling me when I was so low I could barely breathe. I would be nothing without my God! God placed just the right people, groups, counselors in my life, for a time such as this.
I thank God for preparing me for such an appalling storm by building up my faith (the best insurance you can ever have).
I am so incredibly grateful to my family and friends who were not too frightened to be around me, because I think I may have been too frightened to be around them, if the roles were reversed, after such a nightmare.
I love those who say Maggie’s name with love and not shame and trepidation
I love those who do not look away when they see me.
I love my fellow survivors, especially those who lift me up and do not pull me down. Those I can just sit with and they know my pain because they have suffered the same tragic, sudden and problematical loss. I love them so, but wish I never had to meet them!
Maggie should be graduating from college this month, with a degree in marine biology. All of her friends are graduating and it hurts not to see my Pie in a cap and gown. It has been close to five years since we lost her, but I feel her deeply in the big hole left in my heart.
I urge others to speak the word of suicide and not to use it in hushed tones, as if it is a word to totally avoid.
It is happening all around us and is happening more and more often, especially in our youth. I believe, with all of my heart, that Maggie would be alive today if only she felt comfortable expressing the dark and troubling thoughts that were plaguing her. I did not know and I am not ashamed.
I know now and I will use my broken heart in hopes that healing and renewal may be brought to others suffering in silence and without any hope.
I publicly praise God for meeting me in my pain and restoring me emotionally. I will not let Maggie’s death go in vain and will do what I can to bring beauty from such sorrow. We remember Maggie by the lovely, fun and free spirited manner in which she lived and not the tragic accident that ended her life.
Speak the word suicide; do not be afraid You may save a life you never knew you could lose. I did.
See the #griefheart for Maggie Moyler.
Related posts:
Hi Charlotte,
I was 13, when I was referred to CAMHS (Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services) I was self-harming, felt depressed and had attempted suicide by overdosing on painkillers. Despite being equipped with the coping skills to manage my self-harm, I didn’t stop until November 15th 2018, 2 months after my GP put me on Sertraline. Over the years, I have been referred to Psychology, Psychiatry, CMHT (Community Mental Health Team) and CATT (Crisis Assessment Treatment Team) I have been admitted to A&E more than 10 times, for suicidal thoughts/attempts and had the police on our doorstep during the early hours of the morning to conduct a welfare check, because they had received reports from ChildLine etc.) with concerns that I was going to take my own life. At 22, I have attempted suicide more than 20 times, with my most recent attempt in September and although I have not self-harmed in 3 years, suicidal thoughts continue to be a daily battle for me, as they have been for the last 9 years.
Thank you so much for this! I grew up with Maggie and my sister Mimi was good friends with Jake. I was so heartbroken when I first heard the news. Today was the first day that I have decided to finally read this. Thank you for raising such a beautiful, strong young lady that I was lucky enough to have as a friend at CHHS and SCMS! You guys will continue to be in my prayers and stay safe 🙏🏾
Thank you for commenting. Charlotte will get notification of your thoughtful comment.
Thanks for letting us know your “Pie”! What a beautiful child and soul she was. My heart breaks for you and your family losing her this way. I know there are no comforting words that I can offer you. Just keeping talking about her and she will remain alive in your lives and your heart. And tell your story and hers. Sending love and hugs your way.
Charlotte,
I attend the chapel and remember the time I heard about your Maggie on the screen told by Claire Jacobs. What great courage and compassion you have to reach out to help those who have been on that path with you and Anne Moss. You all are doing a great work in this community. Since I heard your story, I have thought of you from time to time. I have an almost 15 year old son at Jamestown and worry about him. He is having a tough time in his freshman year with his grades for the first time in his life. Being a teenager seems to be worse today than when I went through it in the 70’s?
Again, I just wanted to praise you two women for using your pain to help others! Leslie Pearce
Leslie- I definitely think it’s harder being a teenager today than the seventies.
Charlotte, I’ll always remember the day we met on the walking trails. We both had strollers w/2 treasures inside. You said God had made your dreams come true. Jake was wonderful, Maggie had just joined jour family, and you were “truly happy.”
Through the years, cotillions, and life’s struggles, I always thought you were strong, beautiful, and a true Christian.
You make a difference.
I remember one time in your sunroom Maggie hid under Chris’s chair & tied his laces together. That girl had spunk.
Sending love & admiration your way. Thank you for making the world a kinder place with your help to others.
Mrs. Charlotte,
I never knew Maggie, but I know Charlotte and I daily get to see the love and beauty your family has for each other. You are all in my prayers on this day of remembrance.
What amazing stories I have read, not to know any of you or your children. You have all touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes.I am a mother and know the powerful and painful love we have for our children. I am heart broken and cannot imagine How you draw yor strength for each day. I pray that each child and adult that has posted believes in the love of God. If you don’t believe in that love, then find a friend in a nearby church or be willing to find trust in a friend to let them HEAR you. You can be searching… Let someone help. Let US help, do not be afraid of your voice.
God Bless to you all.
I read these and realize just how lucky I am. My son suffers from Bipolar disorder and I’ve dealt with suicidal ideation most of his young life. The first time was at age 10. I’ve been through numerous psychiatric hospitalizations and at age 17, he followed through and attempted. All because a girlfriend, at the time, tools him he was “worthless and should go die “. I’ll never get the image of my son being intubated and bagged to save his life. I’ll never forget him being in a coma for what seemed like an eternity but was about 36 hours. But I’m so blessed that he survived. I still live with the constant fear that it could happen again.
Emotions are so difficult to deal with during those teen years. We need to teach children that there are some things you just don’t say to people. They throw around the “go kill yourself” phrase as if it’s no big deal! It’s a HUGE DEAL! These are children, someone’s children! I still look for warning signs, still lock up all medications (as this was his previous attempt method) and now that he’s 22, I’m keenly aware that I cannot force treatment. I can’t put him into treatment of I feel things are going awry. It’s really up to him to hold himself together. It’s a tough spot.
I blamed myself for a long time. Was it because I missed something? Was it because he was a preemie? Was it because I had pain medication or an epidural during labor? I’ll never understand why this happened to my child. But I know I’m going to love him enough for all of those who don’t in the hopes I don’t have to bury him. My heart goes out to you Charlotte and also you, Anne. Your messages will make a difference. Telling your stories are vital. I, too, experience the avoidance by people. They don’t know what to say, so they avoid me like I have the plague. I just tell myself I’m better off. Prayers for you both and everyone else who has had to experience this tragedy. Good bless you!
This sentence just plain hurts. “They don’t know what to say, so they avoid me like I have the plague” Susan I am so sorry. Please share some of the posts here in your social media. It takes a village. We will change this stigma if it kills me to do it. You gave me an idea for a future blog post…
Thank you for sharing! This is so beautiful! While I do not remember her I feel as I know her through your words! My God’s powerful spirit stay strong in you and your family and continually give you comfort-!
I taught Maggie (and Jake) at Greenwood preschool. Oh I loved both of your children! She was so adorable (in her ever present hair bows) with a sweet smile and a twinkle in her eyes. I know you did all you could and sometimes we cannot see what lies ahead, to help our loved ones, especially teenagers! You were a supportive mom who was always willing to come to school and be an “active” parent, in spite of your own physical challenges. Always smiling on the outside, Maggie got strength from you and endurance! All of us at Greenwood were devastated to learn of this tragic loss to your family and to ours. We still speak of you and send you our love and support as you go forth. Give Jake our best! “Madame Lyon”
Your words are like a drink of water in the desert. We all loved Greenwood and you and all of the loving teachers there. Bless you for your very kind words Ann, they mean more than you can ever know!
I didn’t lose my son to suicide but to a rare disease. He was only 19 and it has been 5 years. I not only lost him but my only brother, my mom and last uncle all within 4 months of each other. I have been lost since then. My “friends ” don’t speak his name and at times, when asked how many children we have, he has said 2 when we had 3. I miss him and would gladly lay down and die. I have no desire to take the next breath.
Exie. That is truly terrible. Please stay with us. You have to find a way out of that dark hole. My post tomorrow is for those feeling exactly as you do. You would be missed. Love Anne moss
Oh God, I’m so sorry.
It’s been over 10 years since we lost our son Christopher to suicide. Much like Maggie Chris was smart funny talented and loved Christ. We are not sure what triggered in his head that night and we may never know. Our family has stayed faithful to Jesus Christ and sought him the whole time during our tragic loss and continue to serve and seek him daily. We hope that those around us who are suffering see that life is good and see the live we have not only for Christ but for each other and somehow that will save someone’s life. Our motto is look people in the eyes, hold open doors and greet those who seem ungreetable you never know whose life you will have saved. From one heart broken mom to another I love you and keep the faith. Prayers sent to heaven for you, your family and your beautiful daughter Maggie.
Thank you for sharing, I am a survivor mom too! There were no signs with my son that would ever have alerted us. We never discussed suicide or had any knowledge of how prevalent it is until we lost Gabriel. I am so glad to hear how you have founded a group for survivors.
I love you Charlotte. And I loved Maggie and seeing her on a Sunday nights before small group. Your story is being used across the globe to raise awareness and only God knows how many lives you have saved because of your willingness to be vulnerable and open. And most of all trusting Jesus to heal you in your deepest and darkest pain. God is Good. He alone knows each and every struggle and thought. May He hold Maggie tight in His loving eternal arms as she is face to face with Him. And may He do the same for you and Jim and Jake….
Charlotte, I remember working with Maggie at the spa. She was so cute and sweet and funny. I called her “fun size” because she was so tiny. It always made her laugh.
Sending prayers and good wishes your way.
Thank you for sharing this story, Charlotte. The survivors group that you started in Williamsburg has helped many grieving people of suicide come together and help heal together. Our beautiful son Alasdair Brady Willey committed suicide on August 20, 2015 aged 27. He was a graduate from VCU and had just started work as a deputy sheriff. He was a musician and a kind gentle soul that never hurt anyone. R.I.P our darling son and brother of Flora.
Thank you for sharing your story. Everyone has a story to share and I believe that if everyone would share more people would realize they are not alone. My brother committed suicide when he was 18. It was out of the blue. It happened in 1975 and it was “taboo” to talk about it. I attempted suicide myself 10 months later because if the despair I felt and the constant lies that Satan fed to me in my dreams. I learned then about the deception of him and the goodness of Jesus and how to “take my thoughts captive” and not entertain them. How to discern who was speaking to me in my thoughts.
Did I still struggle? Yes and still do today. But I know that God loves me and is not finished with me yet so I hang tight to Him and keep marching. My youngest son has attempted to hang himself twice; he will be 21 in September. He says he is free now of those thoughts but he continues to seek counseling and I am very thankful. He was using drugs and alcohol to numb the pain and tried heroin twice. I cannot praise the Lord enough for through His grace he stopped. I do not talk much about tomorrow anymore because only God knows what it holds or even if it comes. I simply thank Him for today. For life.
It’s hard to understand why some get through this and others do not.
Just as it’s hard to understand when a baby dies another one lives. I don’t understand it, but one day when I see my little girl again I will ask God to help me understand.
Hold tight to your loved ones while you can for no one ever really knows what is going on in the mind of those around them.
It is definitely my faith in God that has kept me alive and given me hope. Without that I would have died many years ago. ❤️
Susan. This is so beautiful. I am charles’ mom and a friend of Charlotte’s. Please stay on our radar so we can fight for this cause together. No one has more passion for it than we do. This is the auto email that goes out when the site is updated. We talk about all the taboo subjects here in hope of eradicating stigma and saving those who would reach out if only we were prepared to listen. http://annemoss.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d6ef917b017a234df28c83a54&id=54a06797ae
Hi Charlotte! I worked with Maggie at the spa of colonial williamsburg and I will never forget her smiling face. She was such a joy to be around and I think about her often. I pray peace for your family. I know Maggie would not want to see her family sad. Thinking of you, your family, and Maggie. <3
I am so sorry for your loss. As someone who suffers from severe depression and have thoughts of suicide and I know my words cannot express enough compassion. I too have leaned into my faith in Jesus Christ for strength to overcome and I am thankful He is always there. I wear a bracelet on my arm with Joshua 1:9 inscribed and I offer this prayer to you. God bless you and your family.
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful young lady. Living behind you and working at SCMS Gane me the opportunity to she Maggie SHINE! She was an amazing, happy, upbeat, and very active girl.
Please know that I’ve continued to keep you and your family in my daily ‘alpha’ prayer list (this helps me remember everyone). Miss you guys:)
Charlotte – I am sorry to say that I didn’t even know about Maggie’s suicide before now. Thank you for writing about it. Your courage in doing so is amazing and your faith and strength in living your life are such a great example to everyone who knows you. Now it will be for those who don’t. I hope to maybe run into you again one day and hug your neck. My prayers will be with you and Jim and Jake and all of your family.
Your story is incredibly inspiring. It’s amazing what lessons can be learned through such tragedy. While I’m not sure if it’s protocol that they prescribe this, but was Maggie given any steroidal prescriptions during her recovery period? I have a family friend who’s brother was on his first day off of steroidal medication (after having surgery the previous week), and he took his own life. After further research, it was found that even the healthiest of people are more prone to severe suicidal tendencies on their first day without steroidal medications. He left a note for his family to find. Nobody is sure of “why” just yet, but it’s happening more frequently and it’s terrifying.
I am so very sorry for your loss, but your strength and relationship with God is very admirable. Thank you for sharing. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
I understand your grief and hope your mind is eased as time goes on. You may have saved many lives by sharing what you did about the history of steroid use.
Ever since it was determined (early in the days of its use), that terrible side effects that cost lives occur when that medication is suddenly stopped.
Therefore physicians have devised a dwindling method wherein the dosage of that drug is gradually lessened, rather than suddenly ceasing its use. I cannot imagine why a doctor might recommend that someone stop using it, without doing that.
Also depression is known to be a familial disease, so I’m not surprised that siblings and other family members have been afflicted with it. In my own family my maternal grandfather committed suicide in the early 1920s, and my mother was terribly depressed, threatening suicide many times. Those were desperate cries for help, rather than attention seeking as some people believe. I have been afflicted by the disease, too. Luckily today, for me there are effective medications for it. However once therapy using them commences, it cannot be discontinued, without a period of weanning monitored closely by a psychiatrist or another highly skilled medical care provider. The extremely severe, heightened anxiety and depression. This need puts some light on the physical involvement in mental disease.
I recall so clearly the admonishment by my lifelong physician, as he completed the physical examination form necessary for me to be accepted into Nursing School, in 1957. The question “Have you or any family member had mental disease?” I hesitantly mentioned my mother’s extensive issues. My grandfather’s cause of death hadn’t been revealed at that time so I doubt that he knew how serious the congenital proclivity of depression and some other mental diseases can be. They are so often hidden, in fear that the stigma of having one will prejudice the career opportunities of relatives. Treatment of mental disease(s) is a death knell for success in life, when revealed. So, as many others must be told my physician said what must be known as transparency in those matters harms honesty. He looked at me with a penetrating gaze and said harshly, “Do you want to get into Nursing School or not”? And so I suffered in silence, for decades afterward, and attempted suicide myself, once.
Luckily I had a wonderful psychologist treating me at that time and after I downed the lethal quantity of sedatives I’d saved for my escape from life, I called him to ask for help. He immediately suggested that I take the syrup of ipecac most parents kept in their medicine cabinets in those days, for children’s accidental ingestion of medicine that could kill them. It worked and my life continued.
To say my life was saved would be an exaggeration, as my disease is chronic, difficult and begs release. Now I know that being alive is the only way that I can save other lives, though. I value life more now, and it is very necessary that I play mine out naturally. For it is much more brave to stay in it and role model survival for myself and others. That helps to ensure that the tasks we are here to accomplish, get done!
Some corrections needed in my post weren’t possible, as no opportunity to edit was provided.
Mrs. Moyler,
I went to Swift Creek Middle with Maggie and knew her for the brief time you all lived in Woodlake. She was a very sweet soul, I thought about her a few years ago only to find out about this tragedy. She was always so encouraging and someone I looked up to in middle school since at such a young age she had already achieved so much in life. My thoughts and prays are always with you and your family.
I went to Jamestown with Maggie and her energy and enthusiasm were so contagious.
I will never forget that day. She did look exceptionally beautiful. If I remember correctly she was wearing heels and I always think that instead of just saying Hi, I should have paid her the compliments that she was due.
Who knows if small exchanges like that make an impact. But no one should ever be afraid to say something kind to someone, because there is chance that it will make a world of difference to that person. Maggie would have never hesitated to say something kind and since then I’ve learned not to.
Best wishes to you and your family as you continue to find the love and light that surrounds you.
So much love to you for what you have written! Really means so very much!!
This was absolutely beautiful. Maggie was such an amazing friend and she would always know what to say to put a smile on my face. Anyone’s face for that matter. She’ll always be in my heart. You raised a wonderful daughter <3 God bless.
Maggie was such a sweet girl. And she is right “could anyone have a closer relationship with God?” I will always remember the love and care you gave to so many children at SCPC. My boys absolutely adored you and Maggie.
This is so beautiful Mrs. Moyler, thank you for writing this. Maggie was always the light in the room and there was never a dull moment when we were hanging out. She was such a great friend and person all around. Wishing you the best <3
I am so sorry for your loss and your pain. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, and helping to save lives. Thank you for reminding us to speak to our children about suicide.
When reading this, I could easily have changed Maggies name to my daughters name Morgan. She took her life in November’15. Three days after her 15th birthday. It was completely out of the blue. She was popular, funny, well loved, stunningly beautiful, strong and talented just like Maggie. She had been bullied for years but brushed it off with humour and said it didn’t bother her. She was always smiling and fooling around, looking every bit a carefree young woman. Someone had commented that she should kill herself, after some argument. Thats exactly what she did.
Morgan was my only child and that day my world stopped turning and people change towards me (or avoid me).
Reading your story has given me hope and strength that tge people around me are the peopke I need. Morgan is always in my thoughts but miss her in my arms.
Its true what you say about only people who have experienced this tragedy know how you feel.
God Bless
Mary – I’m Charles’ mom. And I know how you feel about the avoidance.
I’ve written on that topic –
http://annemoss.com/2015/11/13/please-do-not-avoid-the-subject-of-my-son-who-died/
I am so sorry about your daughter and the shock that surrounded it. You are surrounded by friends here who do not pass judgment and honor your child. 15 is too young. And November 2015 is not long ago. Charles died by suicide in June of 2015. Charlotte will see these comments and thank you for your courage in telling your story. Please sign up for our auto email so we can all stay on the same page and fight this stigma and raise awareness. I am on a mission as is Charlotte. We can make a difference together. http://annemoss.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d6ef917b017a234df28c83a54&id=54a06797ae
Thank you for sharing. Maggie was a beautiful soul. You continue to be an awesome & courageous Mom 💗 😇💗:)
Thank you, I love hearing that! Suicide does make you doubt yourself.
Mary, I am so very sorry that your lost your beautiful Morgan! She sounds very much like Maggie and their deaths came out of nowhere. Press on and know you will see your precious daughter again! My hearts aches for you Mary…
Thank you Charlotte for your courageous testimony to Pie’s life. Your witness and faithfulness to seeing how God is in this through your pain and loss is truly the work of the Holy Spirit. I’m hopeful that Jim’s testimony to how his Christian brothers helped him through this trial can inspire other Dads who have experienced a child’s unexpected death. There will be no tears in heaven He has promised us and what a glorious homecoming our Savior has planned for your family and Maggie, and the party will last for eternity. Amen +
No more tears, sorrow or death! Thank you Dan for your comments and for being a Godly example of a wonderful father! Hope to see you soon, maybe in Irvington?
I went to Jamestown with Maggie and she opened up to me sophomore year. I admire your strength and faith deeply. She was an amazing woman and I still think of her often. She was one of few to offer kind words to me during a difficult time and without her I don’t know where I’d be. Thank you for raising an incredible girl.
Oh Jordan. Thank you for sharing that. Was she hurting? I am so glad she was of comfort to you.
I’m so sorry it’s taken me nearly a year to reply. At the time, yes, she was hurting. She sought refuge with our old biology teacher, who also simulataneously sponsored a Christian group at Jamestown. I have no doubt her faith helped her through that time, although I’d like to think a friend close in age was of some help as well.
Maggie was very tenderhearted and thank you for reminding me. If only we had known her pain! Bless you for your beautiful memories…
Charlotte, you are simply amazing. However, I knew this the first time I saw you. You light up a room and have the most beautiful smile. Maggie was just like you, she learned from the best! My fondest memory of Maggie was: All us moms sitting up in the balcony at cotillion, watching and waiting with great anticipation for our sons to get your daughter as their dance partner. I vividly remember Sharon Katzman, Alison Clark, Dede Feistier, Yevette Gohklie, Michele Bedsaul, and myself …. Just to name a few…..Waiting for Maggie to pair up with our sons. She would grab their hands, take over, and lead the most hyped-up dance! Lead them: 1-2-3, to the left …. 1-2-3, to the right …. We ALL Loved it when Maggie was their partner, even our sons loved it! She was so full of energy and did everything with such purpose and fun! You are making such a difference in this crazy world. Thank you, God Bless.
Maggie loved those dances and especially those cute little boys. Thank you for the affirmation you have so graciously given to me. Hope our paths may meet again!
This was absolutely beautiful to read and it actually made me smile at the remembrance and the strength of your family. I went to school with her at James Blair and Jamestown and always thought she was the sweetest. Your strength is inspiring. May God continue to bless you as Maggie watches over you
Bless you! So glad you knew Maggie and love your comment that she was the sweetest!
this is beautiful mrs. moyler. i think of maggie and your family often <3 your strength amazes me every day
much love and gratitude to you!
You are an inspiration Charlotte. And I love hearing about Maggie. She is beautiful inside and out. All my love to you my friend. You are a survivor in so many ways.
Dear Charlotte,
You are such a beautiful example to me of God’s abiding love. Thank you for baring your soul to get the word out on suicide. I am so grateful I had the privilege of knowing precious Maggie. I pray for strength for the day and the continuance of Gods healing power & love for you as you face so many tomorrow without your sweet Magpie.
With love, Betsey McMahon
Betsey, I am grateful to hear such comforting words. You did know Maggie and I am so thrilled you did. Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Bless you for your very kind words!