Whenever I conducted my writing workshops in corporate America, retirement homes or elementary schools, I repeated over and over again a piece of wisdom I wanted my participants to never forget: “The two most important words in the English language next to the words, ‘I’m sorry,’ are the words, ‘Thank you.'”

The power of these two words was resurrected for me last week after I wrote an email to Mark St. Germain, a playwright who wrote, “Magdalene,” one of five plays featured this summer at the Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

Here is CATF’s synopsis of the play: “Eighteen years after the crucifixion, Peter reconnects with the banished Mary Magdalene. After casting her out, he now seeks her advice and counsel. Questions erupt as they recall different versions of Jesus, His miracles, and His wisdom for the faith. Whose memories are closest to the truth? Whose secrets are revealed? Whose stories will stand the test of time?”

I loved the play so much that I sent a “thank you” email to Mark St. Germain:

I wanted you to know that Adrienne and I saw your play this past Saturday at noon. It was masterful on several levels. First the actors were superb, both were incredibly believable, and yes, I nominate Sam Morales who played Mary, for Pope or President or some position where she can continue to inspire us all to sit up and think. Or kick ass. Preferably both.

Much of this, of course, has to do with your script. It is one thing to read it, and another to hear and see it. The dialogue was completely believable and intelligent. I have been inspired to revisit both the biblical and gnostic gospels — I hope you consider this a good thing. I heard other audience members say that they planned to do the same thing. Speaking of the audience — it was attentive and stimulated and instantaneously gave a standing ovation at the end.

The ending, oh, the ending! I can’t stop seeing the ending . . .  instant tears and empowerment. Adrienne and I were sitting in the front row in Section 3 and when Sam Morales bowed in my direction at the end, we locked eyes (I had been crying) and I bowed and mouthed, “Thank you.” Sam had tears in her eyes. It may not have been in response to me, but it is a theater moment that I will never forget.

Hand on heart, every time since then after I turn off my bedside light and close my eyes, I see — and hear —  Mary lifting the gold Goblet. So powerful. So healing.

Thank you for your thoughtful and thought-full artistry in “Magdalene.” 

Unforgettable.

I received a lovely response from Mark St. Germain who took the liberty of forwarding my email to Sam Morales, the actress who played Mary Magdalene. This was her response:

“I am completely speechless. I remember the exact moment she mentioned – and my tears were in response to her gratitude. I was so touched to see someone so moved and then to have them mouth “thank you” is something I will never forget.” 

Now I was completely speechless . . . and grateful that I had taken a moment to mouth, “Thank you.” The rippling effect has been priceless, and to quote Mary Magdalene, according to Mary Magdalene Revealed, “I fall in love with hearts, with a person’s wild (usually broken) open heart.” Last week, two women momentarily fell in love with another’s wild (usually broken) open hearts. I was one of those women, and to all my beloveds and their wild (usually broken) open hearts — I extend a deep bow and endless thank you’s.