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A Letter to Maggie40
September 21, 1983 Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Dear Maggie,
 .Your letter describing your spiritual journey has been read and re-read
by me. It is hard to absorb as it is so full, so meaningful, and so new an
explanation of yourself. I have to give up many beliefs I have held about
your life. I also have to overcome a feeling that you have turned against
me in turning towards your call. I know this is not true, in fact, your lifelong
"independence" as you describe it, was more a rejection of your parents than
your present growth in the spirit. But I cling to the evidence that I am
included in your life. When you called on the phone at the time of your conversion,
you said to me, "You see, it's all your fault." And when I laughed, since
all human activity is some mother's fault, you said that when you were a
kid you asked me, "Why do we celebrate Christmas?" And I said, "At Christmas
we celebrate the mystery of life." I loved this statement. I do not remember
it, but I believe I said it, and I have felt a part of your spiritual dey~l~~~V
opment since you told me.
 I have become much more aware of spiritual awakenings in the last month.
If I can find it, I will send an ad for a magazine where Robert Coles writes
that a curtain drops over any references to religion in his writings. I have
found this to be true in my talks with almost everyone about you. When I
describe your work, a curtain drops, as though I had described a crime you
were committing. But as a result of your letter, I am much more interested
in religion than formerly and much freer in talking about it and acknowledging
your spiritual development, to myself and others.
 At a wedding last Saturday in the United Methodist Church, a very strange
service, I bowed my head when the time came. I have always, since attending
Congregational Church at age 11, looked straight ahead whenever "Let us