PeaceN2You's Journal

Rest In Peace Mood

Tuesday, June 17, 2008 | A Sad story

Today I learned that my dear friend Susan lost her battle with leukemia on the 6th of June. I have been trying to reach her, but it has not been uncommon for her to call back a week later, as she has been so ill with the effects of her treatments. I don't read the paper, and I wasn't at all excited about the prospect of searching through the obituaries, but today I decided I was going to do that, and I found the news.

Susan was my first friend when I moved to Richmond in 1981, and we have gone through an amazing amount of "life" together. Even when she knew she was losing her battle, her thoughts were for others, not for herself.

She was 59 years young, exactly my age, which is way too soon by most any measure. She worked for 33 years for the Commonwealth of Virginia, staying in a job that caused her a great deal of stress and unhappiness, because it had a good retirement. People, there is a lesson there. Planning for the future is both necessary and desirable, but don't put all your attention there. Take time to live NOW - make a life list of things you want to do and start doing them. There will be plenty of things left on the list for your retirement, and if the unthinkable happens, you won't have missed out on everything.

As with my friend Rose, who lost her battle with breast cancer last year, I am intensely sad, but more than that, I am grateful to have had this exceptional woman in my life for 25+ years. She has been my friend and confidante, and we have shared both life's tragedies and victories. There will always be an empty space now that she's gone, but I will do as she would want, and cling to the gratitude and not focus on the loss. She was a beautiful gift in my life, and I'll miss her.

For my DS friends: Thanks to all who have supported me during the difficult time since we learned that Susan was not going to win this painful battle. I appreciate all of you more than you'll ever know. Grief is lighter and easier to bear when it's shared. Friendships forged in adversity are the strongest. I love you all and I look forward to many more years of sharing my life's path with you.

For Susan: Girlfriend, wherever you are, I know there have to be some great hats!

Namaste.

Sue

Hug Peace...

Send to a Friend

Comments

((((((SUE)))))))) So sorry for the loss of your dear friend. she sounded wonderful. I'm sure her spirit is flying free now & hears/feels your words and knows folks miss her & mourn her. Many Blessings & prayers to her, her family & friends as you grieve her passing, Namaste, Jess

oceanamoonjl
Sending blessings to you and for your friend Susan.....thanks for sharing.......xoxo

spiritual female
Namaste, Susan is in a better place where she is not suffering anymore in pain. Her picture shows how much she could smile through the pain. Her spirit is free now and she can hear and feel your words to her. Many blessings and also my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss.
Lori

browneyedgirl61
oh hun. tight hugs to you! i am so sorry!

bmoney
I am so Sorry to hear of your Loss...Thank God for our Ability to Keep a huge Bank of Memories...I go into my memory alot...is a safe {yet melencholy} place to sit for awhile...

DakotaRose
Oh I am so sorry to hear this news. She sounds like she was a wonderful friend. She will be watching over you from a better place now. hugs marilyn

dallas2
Sue honey I am so sorry to hear of Susans passing. But she is free now of all the pain and suffering and is in a better place. Just cherish all those wonderful years that you had together because they will give you a lot of comfort during this time of loss. I will keep you and her family in my thoughts and prayers. Love and Hugs, Debbie

FoggyMama
oh sue, i am so sorry. i know she is in a better place and not hurting anymore but it makes no less harder for you. i am here for you if you need me and you and her family are in my thoughts.

love and hugs,, romi

dandalion
I am so sorry you lost a friend,know though that wherever she is ,she is feeling no pain and is probably at peace and that she would want you to be happy.TAKE care and you are in my prayers. HUGS

angelwinks
praying you find peace and comfort in this moment. whenever you need susan, know that she is still with you, inside your heart, as close to you as ever. *hugs*

ibflee
WITH YOU DEAR FRIEND IN THOUGH AND IN PRAYER..ALL MY LOVE ...BECCA

WindTalker
Oh my Dear frined Peace, I am so sorry for the loss of your best friend. I know that your life will never be the same . I wish that I could be with you right now to comfort you in this time. There is nothing like a best friend and I know that you will miss her dearly, but her race is over and she is in peace where she should be. If there is anything that I can do to help you thru this painful time please let me know, I'm here for you......She is adorable!!!! Love you........Helen

Beloved_1
My condolences it is always hard to lose someone to the big "C", hugs

redsilverfox
You all make me cry with your touching and kind words. While you can never "replace" one friend with another, it is comforting to know I have so many friends still with me, and to know that I can reach out and you'll be there. Namaste.

PeaceN2You
Your friendship with Sue will stay in your heart forever. Life is so percious and short. It makes me appreciate my friends and life even more. Thanks for sharing.

laceyblue
What a beautiful entry on her life and your love for her. She sounds like an exceptional woman and a devoted friend. I am sorry for your loss, and happy that you had her in your life...she is with you whenever you think of her.

hiareth12
I am glad you had a friend like that in your life time...Treasure the memories..

bbbb
I'm so sorry that you lost such a dear friend. Susan sounded very special, indeed and through you, she has touched all of us. My prayers are that you find comfort to ease your sorrow. She was beautiful, and so are you.

DollyDagger