Sundays with Susan

This section is dedicated to those who would like to write Sue a personal note of encouragement. If you haven't seen the latest update with Sue's new baldness, please scroll down to see what was posted yesterday. Please forward your personal notes to me at mmccormick@peets.com and I will place on the following Sunday. We have two this week. One from the Petterson family and one from moi.

The "Dash" between the dates

Sue,
You have taught me many things growing up being the elder statesman of the 5 McCormick kids, but one thing seems to stand out more than others. It’s the dash (hyphen) between the dates we have here on earth. Something you shared with me a while back was to live each day as a blessing and what we do here on earth is symbolized by the dash between the dates when we leave this earth. (ie: 1964 --------– 2052)

You taught me to live my life to the fullest and to use our God given gifts in a way that serves HIM. I want you to know that from this conversation, and a similar message our Pastor gave after you spoke with me about this, I bought 2 clear jars with marbles that I keep on my dresser as a reminder of the projected years left on earth. How it works is that one jar represents the years accomplished to-date (44) which has 44 clear marbles in it. The other jar has my projected years left on earth (44 marbles) since I project myself to live until I’m 88 yrs. young. J Each birthday I transfer one marble to the accomplished jar which is a great reminder of the time I have left (it goes fast).

What inspires me more than anything, is that at the end of each day, a quick glance at the jars, gives me the motivation to continue to strive towards those things that make differences in peoples lives and continue to serve HIM in every way possible.

You inspire me sis in so many ways and to see you battle this dreaded disease with everything you’ve got and do it with amazing grace and attitude (Quote from your chemo nurse: “you are the perkiest cancer patient that nurse has witnessed in her 20 yrs of employment” is no surprise why so many people look up to you and reference you as a wonderful person. It’s very easy to see why your “kids” or should I say students were so angry when you announced your situation back in October. My first thought: God had made his first mistake, HE had the wrong person. I know you will come through with shining colors and even though this has changed your life and fighting cancer might never go away, it is what you will do with the dash between the dates that makes me so excited to witness.

I always mention to people, you need to meet my sister Sue because she is the salt of the earth and one of those people that will leave you feeling great. She inspires others because she walks the talk and does it all for the right reasons.

Please consider me when you have that “wild hair” and want to serve God in a different way or stretch yourself beyond imagination. I will be there for you the same way you have always been there for me. Continue to be an example to others and know that you inspire me beyond words.

Love you tons,
Matt

Susan,
We saw this quote and thought of you and your fight. Stay strong as steel. "Whatever they tell you, whatever is said, you rest it in God’s arms to sort things out."
Love,
Tracy, Krag, Henry, and Arly

"A Rough Few Days, but The Sun Is Shining and Pre-season Begins Next Week!

Well, last Friday didn't rate as one of my recent favorite days....it was the first day of the second round of chemo and I was mentally prepared. Or so I thought. The day, just like so many have in past weeks, just didn't go exactly as I'd planned. It was a day that didn't start well and went from there, Accessing the port was difficult and, after the second attempt, there still wasn't a very good blood flow. I knew enough to realize that isn't a good sign, but the nurse was able to attach the IV and the first bag of hydrating fluid started. After about 15 mins, I realized something was wrong because of a strong stinging sensation in my chest just below the port. The nurses have taught me well and I knew this was not right - there should be no sensation at all. The upshot was there had been concern from the beginning (unknown to me) that the port was compromised in some way due to the difficulty in accessing the port and a spongy feel to the port pad (I learned all this later on). So, I was sent over to the hospital for a contrast dye test to see if there was a leak. After many moments of anxious waiting to get in for the test, and then the test itself, it was confirmed there was a leak in the port, a separation of the port and catheter rendering the port unusable. Chemo was canceled for the day and would begin on Saturday instead. Emotionally, I fell apart - there is more of a mental anticipation/preparation that goes on than I always realize and this setback did not do my nerves any good. Physically, I had already been poked with needles more than I wanted to be and knowing the chemo would have to be peripheral vein access instead didn't add to my emotional well being at that point. I was so grateful to have Dad and two dear friends there to just hold my hand, pray with me and let me cry my heart out. Not an easy time.

As I've said before, God is in the details, even the smallest ones, and He kept whispering to me to remember that He is in charge, He has a plan and not to worry, all would be well. By the time I got home, I was a little more settled - tired, but ok. I knew there was a chemo plan, I wasn't the first patient to ever have problems with a chemo-port and I have good doctors that know exactly how to plan for such things like this. Dr. Karamlou did say it is only a very small percentage of patients that experience port problems, so once again I get to join the elite group of the "nothing usual about this cancer journey". :)

Then came the second blow. Corbett, my much loved black lab, had had surgery to remove a mast cell mass on her leg the Tuesday prior. Lynn, her vet, called me with the biopsy results and the news was not good. The biopsy indicates the mass has reached "level 3" and that's a serious, usually terminal stage. Given the severity of her illness, she may have a few more months at best, but it is hard to know at this point. She could rally and outlive that diagnosis by a long stretch (certainly my prayer!) or not. Corbett has been my constant companion for 10 1/2 years and I just can't imagine life without that goofy diva dog. I am praying there is healing for her or certainly that she hangs on for a good long time, while I am healing because it will devastate me to have to put her down if the illness gets too advanced. But just like my own daily challenges, I am taking each day with her for the blessing it is and for now, for today, she is her usual spunky self. I do find myself sneaking her a few more milkbones than usual though :) Once again, I was given a little blessing of encouragement. I was reminded of my step-mom's brother's dog, a black lab mix that had a very serious stage 4 cancer and lived another 4 years after the diagnosis. There is hope and I am grateful to God that He is that, my hope.

As I'd feared, having to find a different vein every day for the chemo IV access was challenging (if you're squeamish, skip this part). The first few days meant trying to find a good different vein each day and it didn't go well, usually multiple attempts before a successful access was made. My arms are lovely shades of black, blue and purple up and down both sides and I will go on record as saying this was no fun at all, many tears and clenched jaw. Yesterday and today, after fervent prayer for ease in finding a vein, went much better and chemo was not bad. One last chemo to go, on Saturday, and then the chemo part is finished. Saturday is the "big gun", Cisplatin, and I'm hopeful the side effects will stay minimal. Truly, I haven't had much in the way of side effects - increased fatigue, my throat is a little more sore and I have difficulty swallowing some things easily, but other than that, not too bad. Coffee and chocolate remain the only two things that absolutely don't appeal (yes, coffee went away again this week). Dad made his famous tacos for dinner one night while he was here (has been a favorite meal of mine, his tacos, since I was a little girl and they tasted as wonderful as ever!) and I enjoyed every bite. My hair is growing back ever so slightly in some places and it looks like the little pin feathers baby ducks get :)

Some good indications - my cough has almost totally gone away and the doctors are pleased, saying this is an indication there is a response to treatment. Though I've lost some weight, it's not significant enough to raise any alarms and all the blood counts have been in acceptable ranges, so no deferment of treatment. Overall, my energy level has been good and I'm still getting around under my own steam most of the time. Bedtimes are a little earlier these days, but I am grateful to still feel so good.

After the end of the 56 day cycle (March 13th), we wait a week or two and then take another series of scans to compare. If prayers are answered and this chemo-rad stuff did it's job, then the tumor and nodes should be sufficiently shrunk enough to remove them surgically (hopefully, along with the nodule in the pancreas). This would get the cancer out once and for awhile and then, a management type protocol to keep it all at bay. My ideal birthday present is for the doctors to scratch their heads in amazement because the scans come back completely clean - nothing shows up at all. Keep saying that prayer with me, ok?

There are still so many things that make me smile....a whole box of handmade valentine's from my students, the blue Marge Simpson wig my brother ordered for me arrived and it's a beauty! I'll be wearing it proudly when I go in to school tomorrow and see the kids. I'm still not teaching for awhile, but have to go in for some miscellaneous paperwork and meet with my sub, Linda, and will have the blue beehive perched high on my head. :-) Today was a gorgeous spring like day and the sun is a balm to my soul. It got up to almost 60 degrees - practically tropical weather by Portland standards :) Pre-season games for the Mariners start on 2/25 and I'll have those to listen to on the radio during the day...yessss! I had a wonderful visit with dad, it was great to have him here. No doubt he saw more than he wanted to of my chemo-rads world, but he rallied and was right there for me. He and my mom both, not to mention the many friends that have kept me company during chemo, or delivered meals, books, dvd's, cards, silly phone messages to make me laugh and have blessed my life in a myriad of ways.

Hugs and love to all of you, enjoy your days!

Susan

Sundays with Susan

Six new entries this week to make "Sundays with Susan" extra special. The timing is perfect as Sue has had a difficult week dealing with complications with her port and finding out Corbett (her black lab) has cancer throughout her body. Please pray that she is able to handle all of this at once and continues to fight the cancer battle with passion.

Below are six submissions to Sue this week.

Marjorie Moehrke (friend growing up)

Her best buddy Annie

Bev Farnsworth

Close Friend Martin

Sister Stacy

Uncle Gene and Aunt Barbara Noller

Gene & Barbara:

Hello Sue,

I just wanted you to know how much your Uncle Gene and I love and care about you. As you have been told dozens of times, after spending time with our darling Suzie back in 1957 and 1958, we decided we had to have "one of those sweet babies." It was your big brown eyes that captivated Gene, who up until that time couldn't fathom being a father, and I suspect the big hugs you gave him didn't hurt. We were so happy when we became parents of Jay, Jaime, and Lee, your cousins, who have given us seven of the greatest grandchildren possible.You are in the challenge of your life, and the strength and courage you have shown so far will get you through this. You are not alone, so many are praying for you, and our Lord is there with you each and every moment of the day. He'll never let you down.

Love and kisses from Aunt Barbara and Uncle Gene.

Stacy:

I love my big sister!
Sue, I am blessed. I really mean it. You have always been a touchstone for me, someone I knew I could turn to no matter the circumstance. Very impressive considering we’re just about ten years apart. The age difference has never mattered a bit. Well, maybe during our childhood. You put up with so much from a curious (nosy), inquisitive (annoying) and full of life (dramatic) little sister!

You have always been my “cool older sister”. It was you who opened my eyes to interesting sights in that zippy orange Capri of yours. You opened my ears to different, cutting-edge music that I then shared with my buddies (Beatles, The Monkees, Peter Frampton, all of the Motown 45’s). You even enlightened me to the strange but fascinating world of teenagers! Don’t worry mom, we all turned out okay!

Sue, not only were you “cool” when I was little, you are now the “fun, cool Auntie Sue”. Ryan and Meghan experience your reassurance, love and acceptance just as I always have. I was fortunate to spend time with you in San Diego while in college, and you were there every step of the way as I became engaged, married, moved around a lot, and had Ryan and Meghan. Your students experience this daily. You know how important your influence is, and you take the extra time to really affect those around you.

I watched you from afar as you truly had a rebirth and your life was no longer your own. You made the decision to lead a Christ-centered life, and you’ve never wavered. I think your faith influences those around you so significantly because of how you handle yourself in every situation and in such a quiet way. You handle yourself with such grace and fairness, accepting things for what they are. My gosh, how many of us could truly remain as positive and reflective as you when riding this emotional roller coaster?! Every day you sprinkle that special positive fairy dust of yours Sue in the different situations you find yourself in.

I know that every day I am reminded of you and most often, I smile or even laugh out loud. I love that sense of mischief we share, that zany McCormick sense of humor. In a toy store recently, I came across that silly monkey toy that you stretch and it goes flying across the room. Do you remember us checking that out together years ago and you wondering what it did…to then have it go flying and freak everyone out? Remember the wind-up tarantula that made everyone in the store leap up and scream? How about the times that something strikes me funny and I can’t stop laughing, however inappropriate. This happened so many times when you had to take over and talk to the sales clerk because I was so immature & couldn’t control myself! However, we both were a bit immature and out of control in the movie theater when we saw “Pee Wee Herman’s Playhouse” in the ‘80’s. We nearly got kicked out!

The silliness continues to this day. You are such a good sport with the whoopee cushions, fake bugs, remote-control tooting machine, etc. We all thought of you yesterday Sue as we came across a children’s show I know you will NEVER forget. You were such a good Auntie to watch the kids when they were little and we were off in Hawaii. Meghan was so obsessed with “The Wiggles” and wouldn’t let you put anything else on. I’ve added the YouTube clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBWQCHb95rg
we came across last night and laughed so hard as we remembered you being tortured with this song over & over!!

I love you so much Sue.

Hope you have a great Sunday with Dad tomorrow!
Stacy

Martin:

Not only did Sue's close friend Martin shave his head in support, but Sue shows up Sunday for church and finds many others with shaved heads. All of you up there are amazing and the support you've shown my sister is beyond expectations. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and every other McCormick.

Picture of the fabulous six from left to right: Monte, Pat, Susan, Christian, Martin, Shane (Note: Ben was not present in the photo).

Marjorie:

My thoughts are always with you. As I help run my local American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life in my community, I think of you and hope you are staying strong. I am dedicating my time with Relay this year to you and your journey. As you know, Cancer never sleeps, so we won’t either June 27 and 28 in Almaden, California.

When I saw your pictures of your bald head and your comments of shining your head, I just laughed. I think I would also keep my sense of humor in the face of tough times as well.
All of Cyndy’s family read your blog to hear about how you are doing. It’s brutally honest and I love that. I just hope that Cyndy can come see you soon. With her schedule, it’s tough to make the trip. I will encourage her again this weekend when I see her for a show in San Francisco. We are going to see Wicked, The New Musical.

I’ll look forward to seeing many more pictures of you on your blog in your cozy hats and scarves. Enjoy your time with your dad.

Marj Moehrke, Co-Chair Relay For Life of Almaden
www.relayforlife.org/almadenca
Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back!
Join us this year on June 27, 2009

Bev Farnsworth:

Dear Susan:
Tracy has kept me up to date with your progress. I'm so sorry for all that you are going through, but I know you have strong faith in God and He will be with you through every step. Today, in our sermon, the pastor mentioned this verse, that I give to you found in Psalms 91:11-12 "For He shall give HIs angels charge over you, tokeep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot agains a stone." I hope that gives you comfort.

Bev Farnsworth
Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man.Benjamin Franklin

Annie:
There is hope on the journey. Friday was coined by Susan and I another "suck night Friday". Susan experienced chemo port line complications and had to miss out on her chemo day. As Susan said, "not what I would have chosen, but God is in charge" I am continually inspired by Susan's faith.
I came over that evening to join she and her dad for dinner. Understandably upset by the setback, we continued on with the evening. When the phone rang, I saw the tears on my best friend's cheeks running down. Sad news from the vet regarding Corbett. I struggled inside as I watched my friend cry by this news and by what had happened earlier in the day. I repeatedly said in silence "God, I don't understand".
Then a steady stream of phone calls began from friends and loved ones. While Susan was on the phone, Mike and I started to channel surf on Susan's wonderful new TV. A show came on with beautiful scenery from nature, with music, and bible verses. I watched, still in anguish, when all of a sudden a verse screamed out at me. It was Proverbs 3:5. "Lean not on your own understanding". I immediately memorized the verse, and when I got home, I opened the Bible that Susan gave me and prayed. This verse brought me comfort when I was reminded "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight". I slept all night.
As the evening progressed, God brought us many blessings. He brought us a lovely warm meal that was delivered by Karen. He gave us a time of prayer and reflection. And most of all a time of friendship and laughter. The three of us giggled through a funny movie with Rodney Dangerfield. The best medicine is laughter. I am grateful for continued reminders that God is in charge and am grateful for my best friend Susan.

Sundays with Susan

This section is dedicated to those who would like to write Sue a personal note of encouragement. If you haven't seen the latest update with Sue's new baldness, please scroll down to see what was posted yesterday. Please forward your personal notes to me at mmccormick@peets.com and I will place on the following Sunday. We have two this week. One from Toni and one from Sue's Aunt Cheryl.

Dear Sue (I still think of you as Suzie!),

It’s been so long since we’ve seen each other, but that doesn’t mean that I haven’t thought of you in all these years. I know you have a rough road ahead of you, and I’ve seen so far that you are a fighter and you have a great circle of friends and family rooting for you, me included! Keep those steel-toed boots on, no matter how heavy they may get. With all the love and energy that is coming to you, I’m confident you’re going to make it through this. You are in my prayers every day and once this is all over and you’re cancer-free again, I think it would be a great time for a family reunion! I hope you enjoy the pictures – Grandma Nielsen had saved them and they are one of the few things I managed to salvage after Grandma passed on. Sending lots of positive energy your way!

Love you always,

Aunt Cheryl
xoxo

Cheryl

Conceive. Believe. Achieve.

Sundays with Susan

This section is dedicated to those who would like to write Sue a personal note of encouragement. If you haven't seen the latest update with Sue's new baldness, please scroll down to see what was posted yesterday. Please forward your personal notes to me at mmccormick@peets.com and I will place on the following Sunday. We have two this week. One from Toni and one from Sue's Aunt Cheryl.

HEY SUZI-QUE... HAVE BEEN READING YOUR BLOG AND IT BOGGLES MY MIND HOW STRONG YOU ARE WITH GOD'S HAND ON YOU RIGHT NOW. I PRAY FOR YOU DAILY AND IF I CAN EVER SEE YOU ALONG WITH ANNIE..IT WOULD BE GREAT! ANNIE INFORMED US THAT YOU HAVE SO MANY,MANY PEOPLE WHO ARE SUPPORTING YOU THAT IT IS OVERWHELMING. YOU ARE SUCH A WONDERFUL EXAMPLE OF CHRIST....WE ALL WANT TO BE AROUND YOU. HIS SPIRIT SO COMES OUT IN YOU EACH TIME I READ YOUR BLOG. YOU HAVE BEEN DEALT A BLOW WE ALL CAN ONLY IMAGINE (IN OUR WORST NIGHTMARES) BUT SOMEHOW YOU MANAGE TO BRING US JOY FROM JUST READING YOUR DELIGHTFUL CLEVERNESS AND WAY OF PERCEIVING LIFE...WITH LIGHTHEARTEDNESS AND TRUST IN GOD. YOU ARE GOING THROUGH A DESERT TIME NOW AND IT SOUNDS EXCRUCIATING...BUT GOD IS ALWAYS GOOD AND WITH YOU. I CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR YOUR TESTIMONY AFTER THIS CRAP IS OVER AND OUT OF YOUR SYSTEM. EVIL GOES AFTER THE BEST AND THAT'S WHO YOU ARE...THE MAX-BABE! HOPE YOU I CAN STILL SEND CARDS AND IF I COULD SEE YOU ONE DAY WITH ANNIE...I WOULD LOVE TO GIVE YOU A BIG (YOU'LL GET THROUGH THIS...) HUG...LOVE AND A GOOD DAY TO YOU..

TONI

"I Could Just Pull My Hair Out"

Well, now I have a personal reference point to that phrase.....this was the week my hair fell out. On Tuesday morning, when I ran my fingers through my hair, I was surprised to find a large amount in my hand and I looked down to see strands of hair everywhere. Took a moment to register what was happening - I then ran a comb through my hair and even more came out. Curious and slightly fearful, I reached up, grabbed a small handful and gave a quick tug and....now had a significant handful of hair. I must admit I gulped hard and there were a few tears as I experienced yet another "first". Very mixed emotions - I knew I was going to lose my hair and was mentally prepared, but there is something a little unnerving about being able to pull your own hair out with no pain or any actual feeling whatsoever. It didn't take long to go from unnerved to annoyed, though. I'd be standing at the kitchen sink or sitting at the table and look down to see what appeared to be small furry animals on the counter or floor, not even realizing another chunk had come loose. I've said from the beginning I wasn't going to draw out this whole hair loss thing and I refused to look like I'd been in fight with several cats so I made an appt. to have my head shaved on Thursday morning.

I had such a full head of hair though, most of the initial losses were apparent only to me. Several friends and I had a good laugh over the thought of going into a bank or grocery store and feigning indignant frustration with some poor clerk and saying "This is driving me crazy, I could just pull my hair out!" and then reaching up and doing exactly that. Can you imagine? It would probably put the poor teenage grocery checker into therapy or something. Yep, even in the midst of all this, I haven't lost my perverse sense of humor.

By Thursday, a good portion of the hair was gone and I went in to have what was left shaved off. Again, the need to swallow hard and yes, a few tears were shed when the first buzz across my scalp made a sizeable whitewall above my right ear. With this cancer journey, there is no way to predict how the emotions will play out when there is yet another "first". Sometimes your head is ready, but your heart has to catch up. It took a few moments of silent reflection after my head was completely shaved to realize the human q-tip looking back in the mirror was really me.

But God is in the details and I was given two really amazing blessings with this hair experience that reminded me again how much He loves me, even in what seems like the smallest thing. I came home Wednesday evening to two packages in the mail, from two different people that had no idea I'd even begun to lose my hair, much less had an appt. the following day to get the rest shaved off. Both sent hats - my Aunt Myrna sent me two snuggly chemo caps and the other friend sent two SF Giants ball caps (one in pink :-) and an SF Giants scarf with a note that said she remembered how much I loved the Giants and thought they would come in handy.

The other blessing is my friend, Martin. He met me at the hair salon on Thursday morning and not only sat with me while I had my head shaved, he took the chair when I was done and had his head shaved too. He'd told me a few times prior to my hair actually falling out that when the time came, he would go with me and have his head shaved and, true to his word, he was right there with me. Just the offer alone was a sufficient gesture, but it really meant a lot that he was willing to be my bald buddy.

Now that I've been bald a few days and gotten used to it, there are a few practical things I've learned. First of all, having no hair is cold! I'm grateful for the snuggly fleece chemo caps because my head gets really cold. Also, getting ready in the morning is a snap - just wash and buff the head dry and that's it, ready to go! That part I like :-) And I look like a cancer patient now....that's a weird thing. I don't feel like a cancer patient, but can see people look at me a little differently, seeming to recognize the reason for the baldness and chemo caps and I'm getting a lot more offers of help in the grocery store, etc. Not a bad thing, but I realize that people who don't know me do see me differently now. You all know my thoughts on this though, having cancer is just one aspect of me, it doesn't define who I am.

Thankfully, there are no other significant side effects yet. The only other effect I'm starting to feel more and more is fatigue. I tire more easily in the evening and don't bounce back as quickly after short naps like I used to. Nothing unusual in that and I know I'll be even more fatigued as we go along. Overall, my energy is still good and I'm getting around on my own steam, but that may change soon. One more food casualty and would you believe it was chocolate?! Just doesn't smell or taste good to me anymore. I hope it's one of those "off again/on again" things like coffee turned out to be, but so far, it hasn't come back. Never dreamed there'd be a day that I wouldn't want my daily chocolate "fix"!

I'd thought about teaching half time, but God closed that door. I went in last Tuesday after school to finish 2nd quarter grades and a colleague told me over 100 kiddos had been out of school that day, sick with the flu. That's a tenth of our student population! Now you know if 100 are out, there are 100 more coming down with the flu and clearly, that was not something I needed to expose myself to. So, teaching half time is off the table for now. I really miss the kids, but need to keep myself healthy.

It was another week of so many blessings, friends, family, love, encouragement and support. I had another wonderful day trip, this time to the coast and spent the day at the beach with a dear friend. Just like our day together at Mt. Hood, this was another spectacular day with sunny skies, reasonably warm temperatures and light winds. Gorgeous! The beach is one of my favorite places to be, anywhere in the world. The sound of the ocean is God's lullaby to me, it was a really great day.

Chemo begins again on Friday, February 13th. The first day is a "double barrel" day with both chemo agents, Cisplatin and Etoposide, and we follow the same schedule as the last round. I'm told this round will hit me much harder than the first as my body has less reserves to fight the side effects than the first round. I'm grateful to have felt this good so far and am still hopeful the effects will be minimal. One good thing is I am coughing significantly less than when the chemo-rads. began and Dr. Kee says that is a good sign the radiation is affecting the tumor. Praises!

My dad arrives on Wednesday, from North Carolina, to stay with me for a few days and experience my new world. It will be great to have him here. I'm so fortunate to have my mom close by too, she is amazing. My blessings are many and I don't want to ever take any of them for granted.

My heartfelt thanks to all of you for your love, support and prayers, enjoy the day!

Susan

Sundays with Susan

This is the first part of a series of notes sent to Sue as a way to lift her up and let her know how special she is to many of us. She is truly an inspiration and notes of encouragement only make her stronger in the test of times.
Feel free to send me a note I will include each Sunday for Sue to read in between her weekly updates. Please title your e-mail a note for Sue since my system will consider it spam until I release it.

e-mail address: mmccormick@peets.com

Susan,
I've sat at this computer all week long and tried to put into words what you've meant to us. You've been the family we got to choose. :) Do you remember that you were the first to welcome Henry to the world by putting him in his outfit at the hospital for the ride home?

You also came over and got him all decked out for his first birthday. What he always asks me is "Do I look dapper?" He's loved you from the first moment. We are very hopeful that Arly grows to have the same tight bond with you.

Thank you for being a wonderful Christian role model. You are full of both grace and mischief; qualities I love about you.

Stay strong Susan and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers every day. :)

Love,
The Petterson Clan (Tracy, Krag, Henry, Arly, and doggie Max)