Linda Garrett

For Maggi

I first met Maggi in Los Angeles in 1984, just months before she – and then I - moved to El Salvador, not knowing of course that we would both spend the next decade of our lives in el pulgarcito del mundo.

Los Angeles was then the center of Central American refugee organizing, solidarity and legal work. We shared our concerns and plans to work in El Salvador. While many of us who went in the early years brought our solidarity, a few skills and a lot of idealism, Maggi, in addition, arrived as a true professional.

Our work in El Salvador took us different ways but our paths and friendships often crossed. The years of violence and death passed, punctuated by social gatherings, birthdays at El Rosal, and hurried encounters at Tutela Legal or CDH or the UCA.

That first year was not easy but somehow we all managed to find moments of relaxation – and even a little craziness. One day in October or November of 1985, Maggi, Jennifer and I talked about going to La Palma under the pretense of visiting the site of the peace talks but in reality because it would be a little adventure and an opportunity to see the artesanía workshops.

So off we went early the next morning on the first bus, hot and crowded, smashed among adults and kids, bags of rice, chickens and more. Our windows wouldn’t open. It was suffocating and we vowed the ride back would be different.

After wandering around La Palma, eating lunch and buying a few artesanías for Christmas presents we caught the return bus and climbed right on top – again surrounded by sundry baskets and bags but in the comfort of the late afternoon breeze. The driver and ayudante were both appalled but the passengers seemed to find a little pleasure at the sight of three grungy gringas atop their bus. We were ordered to dismount at several retenes along the way and soaked by a rain shower or two but made it back to San Salvador without mishap.

Maggi was beloved by her friends and colleagues and will always be remembered for her many accomplishments, her intellect, dedication and commitment to work, friends and family, but right now I prefer the memory of that glorious afternoon, the three of us hanging on to each other, laughing and fearlessly flying down the Troncal del Norte on top of that raggedy old bus, in the midst of the war.

In her New Year’s card Maggi wrote, “Let’s hope 2005 is a better year for the world.”

So far it isn’t.
Maggi will be greatly missed.

Linda Garrett
Lindagarrett2003@aol.com