Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Both the picture of Morgan and her obituary are beautiful. I suspect she may have had a hand in writing her own obituary, as it is so well written and beautifully captures her life story. That said, the grace of Morgan, never let her acknowledge her own special gifts (even when she clearly knew them) that those of us who were fortunate enough to know her, experienced in abundance.
I met Morgan when we both worked at St. Stephens a number of years ago. Within just a short time of my hire, Morgan took the time in this large agency of staff coming and going, to introduce herself and welcome me. When meeting, I remarked to her that she looked just like Oprah (she really did). She laughed - a deep, wonderful laugh and said, “ No one has ever said I looked like Oprah.” I still think she looks like Oprah, but maybe it also was her force of presence and the sense that here was a woman who was special - someone who was complicated and deep, a great observer of people and life that I sensed in her, even during that first interaction. I soon found all that to be true. I also quickly learned that Morgan was brilliant and kind and keenly interested in others. She had a wry “I’m watching you” type of humor, cultivated through her own observations on the absurdity of life. Morgan had a gift of curiosity and reflection. She was witty and wise and always aware of everything and everyone around her. She also had a deep understanding and acceptance of the flaws of others. This was expressed profoundly through her writing and her everyday life.
Both Morgan and I left St. Stephens several years ago and we were no longer coworkers. However, I did see her a few times after and we kept up through Facebook. I did not know that she had been sick and was so saddened to to learn that she had been suffering. But, as in true Morgan style, even when ill herself, she always took the time to stay on top of others’ life and offer support. I recently had a major surgery and Morgan often made me smile through her witty remarks on my Facebook documented recovery process.
I had just ordered Morgan’s newest memoir and was preparing to let her know how much I was looking forward to reading it, when I learned she was gone. How very sad to lose such a gentle and wise soul as Morgan in this world. She had such a gift for people, for writing and being willing to share her own pain. Morgan had great losses in life that she turned into a bottomless understanding of the human condition. She was kind and compassionate, fiercely vulnerable, and fiercely powerful. These are the gifts that Morgan brought to the world. She will be fiercely missed. I hope she knew that in life.
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