Sundays with Susan

Aunt Sue,
I think it is hard to choose only a few words that come to mind when I think of you. You are inspirational in everything you do; your positive attitude and ability to always take things in stride with such a strong faith sets a great example for everyone. You are unbelievably caring and always think of how others might feel even before you think of yourself. You are incredibly intelligent and wise and always offer the best insight to and advice on a problem. You have one of the most charismatic personalities the earth has ever known; the room lights up when you walk in it and you have a remarkable ability to strike up a conversation with anyone about anything. You are so passionate and enthusiastic about everything you do, especially teaching. Any child is so lucky to have such an amazing teacher. You are so lively and always animated, especially when you are reminiscing about your childhood or trying to embarrass me J. You are also a quite talented baker, as I’m sure anyone who has tasted your cookies would agree. You have an amazing sense of humor that can bring a smile to anyone on the worst of days. Most importantly, your positivity and faith radiates to other people across miles. I think your blog has attested to what an incredible person you are and provided inspiration for many people. I am so lucky to have you as my Aunt Sue! I love you so much and cannot wait to see you Wednesday!
Love you!
Kelli

From Mikey:

Life is kind of like the ocean,

You can see how it starts, but not the way it ends.

So lets just take things as they come to us,

And be happy we're best friends.

Let us learn from each other,

We can help each other grow.

And let us always be there for one another,

At times we are feeling low.

May we always be able to put a smile on each other’s face,

And a twinkle in our eyes.

And let us never forget all the good times,

Like watching shooting stars fall from the skies.

The laughs just keep on coming,

Nothing can ever take that away.

Cause they start from the inside,

And get deeper every day.

They make us stronger,

As they bring us closer together.

They always make our days brighter,

No matter the weather.

Just the sound of that laugh,

And the sight of that smile.

Makes every risky minute,

Worth the while.

A moment where nothing else matters,

And a chance to be free.

All the rest fades away,

And it’s just you and me.

We can just walk together,

To that beautiful place.

Side by side,

With that look upon our face.

The look,

That says it all.

The one that reaches out,

And will never let us fall.

I see the truth in your eyes,

They're so honest and true.

They tell me everything.

You can't fool me,

Cause it’s not your story to tell.

Its straight from your heart,

And I know it so well.

Your heart is so honest,

Caring and pure.

The only thing that can never lie to you.

When your heart skips',I can feel it,

When it’s sad, mine is too.

And if it ever feels empty and alone,

Always know that I am here for you.

So best friends it is,

Now and forever.

That's the best feeling there is,

Nothing could be better

-Jess Mccaslin

Dear Aunt Sue(Salami)
When I saw this poem, it really stood out, I just remember all the good times that we have spent together and am glad that my Aunt could be the coolest of them all. Your laughter stands tall in a world so cruel and on the darkest days you shine like a lighthouse in the darkest nights. I look forward to all the memories that we will continue to share and admire the accomplishments that you have made in the hopes that I will be as awesome as you. Remember that you are always in our thoughts and I can’t wait until I see you next.

Love,

Mikey

Hi Sue

Just wanted to say how much Sue reminds me of my friends who fight AIDS with a mix of humor and dignity. It's not the desire to live. It's not the desire to fight. It's the living in the moment. It's the blue wig. Cancer marks us. For some, it feels like something to hide. For Sue, rather than hide, she advertises it head on. This cancer is not going to get her, it's not defining her: She is defining it. For those of us who have faced our own mortality head on, and deal with it every single day, it's not Sue's fight that inspires us. It's her joie de vivre, humor and life. Sue has been a friend of our family for many years, and I can only be thankful for her. Thank god for blue wigs. It was that (not so) simple gesture that reminded me that I have a responsiblity to help others with my own illness.

Scott Smithson