“With any luck, we can mean as much to others as Susie has meant to us”

I have no special stories to share of Susie. No amusing anecdotes to tell.

That’s because she simply existed as a part of my everyday life. I watched her learn to swim and climb the rocks with my boys at Tides Beach. I remember her singing in choir, trick-or-treating with us year after year, and anticipating Santa’s arrival on Christmas Eve. I saw her make her communion and her confirmation. I watched her run track and celebrate her 16th birthday.  I saw her look beautiful for one prom after another and to proudly wear the white robe of graduation.

Her milestones were forever entwined with our milestones, and the memories were all as one. However, mostly, when I close my eyes, I see her smiling face and feel her loving hug. She was never without these, her tools of the trade. All were welcome and at ease by the mere sight of her. She taught us all so much without ever really trying. She showed  love, compassion, kindness and acceptance to all. With any luck, we can mean as much to others as Susie has meant to us. I miss you, Sue Q. You are always in my heart.

-Lisa Schneider