Five years ago, we got the bad news. And then she fought.
Four years ago, it fought back. So she fought harder.
Three years ago we thought she had won.
But it searched her body for new targets.
Two years ago she was running out of tools.
But still she fought.
Last year, we thought she had lost.
We prepared for our grief.
But she wasn't finished fighting.
This afternoon at 4PM CST ... it finally won.
But not before she showed us how to fight with grace.
Go in peace, Susie. We will always love you and miss you.
Comments (14)
A beautiful tribute to an obviously special woman.
Deborah responds: Thank you, Sheri. Yes she was very special.
Posted by sheri | May 10, 2009 9:23 PM
Posted on May 10, 2009 21:23
Deborah-Those are very special words for your friend. I'm sorry for your loss.
Posted by Cindy Ruth | May 10, 2009 11:56 PM
Posted on May 10, 2009 23:56
Your beautiful words mean that Susie will always be with you: her fight, her love, and her grace.
After your necessary tears of loss, remember her smile, her laugh, and her friendship, and remember to smile and to laugh when you do.
To me, no greater tribute can be paid than to remember the happiness brought to us by our lost friends.
Posted by Brad'll Do It | May 11, 2009 12:53 PM
Posted on May 11, 2009 12:53
I’m so sorry to hear about Susie’s passing. I remember how last year some of us lighted candles in her honor to give her strength in her fight. I also remember that around Christmas something reminded me of your light-a-candle post and I was going to write to you asking about Susie. I will keep her family in my thoughts this coming Sunday and make my Mass intention in her name.
Posted by María I. | May 11, 2009 1:25 PM
Posted on May 11, 2009 13:25
So sorry, Deborah.
Posted by Amy | May 11, 2009 1:55 PM
Posted on May 11, 2009 13:55
Beautiful tribute to an obviously gracious person. Sorry for you loss.
Posted by candi | May 11, 2009 2:04 PM
Posted on May 11, 2009 14:04
A wonderful tribute to her spirit. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Posted by Marta | May 11, 2009 6:37 PM
Posted on May 11, 2009 18:37
Deborah,
I'm so sorry to read about your friend. Sending warm thoughts and condolences to you and Susie's other friends and family.
XO, Colleen
Posted by colleen | May 11, 2009 7:30 PM
Posted on May 11, 2009 19:30
Deborah - what a lovely tribute. So sorry to hear of Susie's passing.
Judy
Posted by Tourmama | May 11, 2009 11:49 PM
Posted on May 11, 2009 23:49
Deborah, I am so sorry to hear about Susie's passing. You wrote a beautiful tribute. She was lucky to have you as a friend.
Posted by girasoli | May 12, 2009 3:08 AM
Posted on May 12, 2009 03:08
Dear heart,
I am so sorry that you've lost your Susie...she's been blessed to have you as her dear friend, and I think, you've been blessed as well by her presence.
Huge hugs,
B.
xox
Posted by Brenda | May 12, 2009 11:47 PM
Posted on May 12, 2009 23:47
I am so sorry about Susie. You wrote a lovely tribute to her.
Posted by nancyhol | May 13, 2009 1:06 AM
Posted on May 13, 2009 01:06
Such lovely words, Deborah and I am so sorry for your loss. There is little more I can say.
Deborah responds:
Thank you to all of you for your kind thoughts and words. Yesterday was a tough day. Five hours at the funeral home. Trying to get Susie's husband, John to sit down. But, he stood the entire time in by the casket greeting each and every one of the 400+ people who showed up.
The funeral mass was at 10 AM. Then the two milie long procession to the cemetery for the graveside services. From there to a buffet lunch for everyone who wanted to join us at a friend's restaurant.
After that close family and friends (only about 60 of us)went to John & Susie's house for a BIG Susie-style party. Lots of wine, beer, whiskey and laughter. More great Italian food. Lots of Susie stories. Just her kind of party. It's 10 PM and we just got home. Have to work tomorrow.
Posted by Marcia | May 13, 2009 4:04 PM
Posted on May 13, 2009 16:04
Deborah, Your tribute is truly heart wrenching... beautiful. We always keep our friends in our hearts, and Susie will always be in yours.
It is great to hear/read that you celebrated her life in a Susie-kind-a-way-party. :)
Posted by Eden | May 13, 2009 11:11 PM
Posted on May 13, 2009 23:11