Maggie Dillard

Englewood Cliffs, New York

Associate Features Editor at First for Women

Associate Features Editor at Woman's World

Articles

Her Late Father Sent a Sign—Just When She Needed It Most

1 week ago | womansworld.com | Maggie Dillard

One of my favorite memories was camping with my parents on Long Beach in British Columbia. It was the early 1970s, and I was 7 years old. One day, my dad and I were walking along the beach, and we found a skate fish—which is similar to a stingray— dead on the sand. I begged my dad to let me bring it home, but he explained that it would decompose. I was so sad and too young to understand, but as I got older, I realized that my dad had managed the situation well in explaining and consoling me.
Her Late Father Sent a Sign-Just When She Needed It Most

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Maggie Dillard

One of my favorite memories was camping with my parents on Long Beach in British Columbia. It was the early 1970s, and I was 7 years old. One day, my dad and I were walking along the beach, and we found a skate fish—which is similar to a stingray— dead on the sand. I begged my dad to let me bring it home, but he explained that it would decompose. I was so sad and too young to understand, but as I got older, I realized that my dad had managed the situation well in explaining and consoling me.
Her Aunt Passed—Then a Birthday Gift From Beyond Appeared

1 week ago | womansworld.com | Maggie Dillard

Aunt Violet was a year shy of 90 when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer very suddenly. She died within a week, and it was a shock to me because she had seemed so vibrant and healthy. Aunt Violet’s hospice room was serene, and her nurses took perfect care of her. But it broke my heart when my aunt asked if she could come home with me when I was leaving one afternoon. I wish I could have taken her. I had a special relationship with Aunt Violet.
Bible Verses For Memorial Day to Honor Our Heroes and Comfort The Brokenhearted

2 weeks ago | womansworld.com | Maggie Dillard

Each year, we take time on Memorial Day to honor the sacrifice of military service people who have lost their lives defending our country. For those who have lost a loved one in this way, this holiday feels bittersweet. We recognize the need and appreciate the significance, but our hearts still grieve what we’ve lost. But even as we mourn on this day, we can remember that there is hope in our pain. God is in it with us. We do not hurt alone. When our grief feels heavy, God carries us.
Divine Guidance: The Whisper That Saved My Husband's Life

3 weeks ago | womansworld.com | Maggie Dillard

Last year, after my husband, Michael, had been experiencing abdominal pain and fever on and off for two weeks, he reluctantly agreed to go to an urgent care. Feeling worried, I prayed. A voice inside me whispered, He needs treatment, but he’ll be okay. After undergoing tests at the clinic, the next day the doctor said, “You are very ill, Michael. Go to the ER now. You likely have diverticulitis. This could go south very quickly!”A foreboding feeling swept over me.
My Mom’s Spirit Guided Me to What I Needed Most During Grief

4 weeks ago | womansworld.com | Maggie Dillard

Last year, my mother passed away. My husband and I had purchased a home in Iowa a few months before her passing and I had hoped to keep some of Mom’s things and set them up exactly as she had them in her home. I set about packing for the move. But I felt guilty because I had not bothered to purchase proper packing supplies to wrap my great grandmother’s crystal. I knew that my mom, grandmother and great-grandmother were probably disappointed in me. I asked for their forgiveness and guidance.
My Mom’s Spirit Guided Me to What I Needed Most During Grief

4 weeks ago | sacbee.com | Maggie Dillard

Last year, my mother passed away. My husband and I had purchased a home in Iowa a few months before her passing and I had hoped to keep some of Mom’s things and set them up exactly as she had them in her home. I set about packing for the move. But I felt guilty because I had not bothered to purchase proper packing supplies to wrap my great grandmother’s crystal. I knew that my mom, grandmother and great-grandmother were probably disappointed in me. I asked for their forgiveness and guidance.
Woman Saved by Angel in River Tunnel: Eileen's Story

1 month ago | womansworld.com | Maggie Dillard

When I was 18 years old, I floated down the Snake River on an inner tube. Jay, my boyfriend at the time, shouted, “Eileen! Get away from the culvert!”I glanced at him across the river and replied, “What’s a culvert?”Calm, placid water surrounded me as I drew near the edge of the river. I saw Jay paddling toward me. Moments later, I felt the undercurrent pulling me through the inner tube. I thrashed my arms and legs as I fought to free myself.
His Goodbye Came in a Poem—And It Brought Her Comfort and Calm

1 month ago | womansworld.com | Maggie Dillard

My husband Gary and I met when we were 9 and 10 years old. We became closer later, when we were 14 and 16 years old, and married four years later. We shared a deep love and happiness during our 44-year marriage. So when he passed away, I needed some quiet time to just sit with my two adult children and let the loss soak in.
A Good Friday Prayer Led to a Sign From Her Friend in Heaven

1 month ago | womansworld.com | Maggie Dillard

My dear friend, Irene, was very special. She celebrated her 100th birthday in style with a large celebration attended by friends, family and even the mayor. I had known Irene for many years, as she was involved in a lot of the same church activities that I also attended. As she got older, she wasn’t able to drive, so for several years, I had the privilege of taking Irene to church every Saturday evening.