Before you start reading this piece, I'd like to take your attention for one moment to remember Maggie Turner, the woman whom this piece is about. She was a firecracker of a woman and one of the most inspiring, intelligent, opinionated, caring, compassionate people I've ever known. She said what she thought and wore her heart on her sleeve. Not enough people in this world do that, and I love her for breaking the mould and being true to herself every single day of her life.

 

This piece is for her:

 

Thank you for taking me under your wing,

for your straight talking in a rainbow atmosphere.

 

Thank you for the times you selflessly brought me home

after the post-rehearsal drinks.

 

Thank you for the stories you imparted,

not just on stage but the everyday, the tangible.

 

Thank you for always telling it like it is,

or at least how you saw it.

 

Thank you for giving me a kick up the arse

when I needed it.

 

Thank you for your commitment,

a diamond from which your personality gleamed.

 

Thank you for making an impact in our hearts,

forever imprinted in our memories.

 

Thank you for sharing,

thank you for educating,

thank you for inspiring.

 

Thank you Maggie,

simply for being you.

 

Thank you.