My connection to Cygnus has grown and developed over a number of years; it was Geoff who introduced me to the company but Ann who guided me through the various roles here. My memories of Ann – and there are many – are strung together by the warmth of her generosity. Meeting her changed the course of my life both personally and professionally; she opened many doors for me, watched as others closed and provided both place and space into which I grew.
At times of great personal loss she came with support and solutions, often at the eleventh hour. Ann would arrive with an answer; at celebrations and gatherings she was there too, wise, gentle and kind. We shared more than a working relationship, we shared experiences as mothers and all that blessing brings.
Her generosity opened a place in me that I dared not to believe in, but she did and thanks to her I have come to make peace with that place.
As friends do, we exchanged gifts in many forms and ways I have trinkets and treasures that have become markers of time spent with Ann. Perhaps the most memorable are a pair of Laura Ashley curtains, they are soft and gentle, cream and lemon stripes are alternating with sprays of pale pink roses spilling from top to bottom. At the time Ann gave them to me I had no window to hang them upon, but she assured me one day I would and her belief carried me forward. I would take them out of their wrapper and hold them, my heart warmed by their beauty and her generosity. Since that time there have been different windows from where they have hung and every morning as they reveal a new day I remember so much of the generosity of Ann that has touched and helped shape my world. Through her choice of books for Cygnus magazine she gave us all new windows of opportunity, new horizons, new possibilities, and facilitated choices and changes for us all.
Ann was one drop in a vast ocean; the ripples she created, the waves upon which she rose and rested have travelled and touched so many of us. I am so grateful to that one drop of her courageous spirit. However far its journey, one drop is never far from the ocean, always in touch with the source of all beings. Her generosity gave passage to love – and it is love that remains.
Thank you Ann for everything.
Mary Mainwright
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in
green pastures: he leadeth me
beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth
me in the path of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death, I
will fear no evil, for thou art with
me; thy rod and thy staff they
comfort me
Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall
follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of
the Lord for ever.