Ode to Sue

My friend, Sue, passed away on December 1st at 2:24 p.m. She was diagnosed with leukemia in May of 2008. She had finished chemotherapy and was at home recuperating. She began having problems again and went back to the hospital for another round of chemo when she came down with pneumonia. Her body couldn't fight it off because of her weakened condition, even with antibiotics. She slipped into a coma and died. She was 50 years old.

Those are the details, but I wanted to say some things about Sue that I will remember.

Sue, Kathleen, Gerri and I went to lunch together quite often when we were all working. We were good friends. I've kept in contact with Sue and Kathleen since leaving my previous employment. The three of them did all the room decorations for my marriage to Doug. They paid for them and set them up. It looked pretty and I appreciate what they did for me. I always had fun with Sue. She has a great sense of humor and loved to make us laugh. The four of us had a tradition of doing a progressive dinner at Christmastime so we could see each other’s decorations. We also had lunch at a fancy restaurant at Christmastime where we gave each other ornaments for our trees.

This picture was taken at my wedding. I apologize for the poor quality. It's a picture of a picture. From left to right is Sue, me, Gerri and Kathleen.Sue is a practical person. She kept herself in great shape, ate sparingly, grew a garden, kept an immaculate home and loved her two children. When I moved to my present location Sue and Kathleen came to visit and gave me a housewarming gift - a fancy nested bowl set for the kitchen. They are both always thinking of others and trying to make life a little fancier. That was fun for me since I'm a simple gal.

I could say more, but I will leave it at that. I will remember sue fondly and I look forward to seeing her again one day.