Remembering Marguerite

Queen of the Lyman Estate Greenhouses

The camellias are in bloom at the Lyman Estate Greenhouses and so are many of the orchids, but one flower, the most alluring of all, has faded and passed into spirit. For 15 years, I photographed Marguerite, the cat in residence. I would call her name and Marguerite would come running to greet me. How she loved to pose for me!

In the last year of her life, Marguerite bravely battled cancer; one of her legs had to be amputated, but she healed well and her prognosis was good. The last time I saw her she was lounging in her favorite sunny corner, drenched in warmth.

It has been a year since Marguerite's passing, but I'm not ready to return to the greenhouses. I would feel her absence too keenly.

May she rest in peace.