Letter from Sue - 2006

Dear Mom,

Time is passing with lightning speed. So many changes have happened with our lives. I wish you were here so we could share them with you. You would absolutely adore Shane. He is like sunshine on a dreary day. Collin and Allison are growing up fast too. Collin has a lot of love to give when you can tear him away from the computer and playstation. Allison is still shy and reserved, until you get to know her. Then she is loud and silly.

We had some great vacations together growing up. Our motorhome allowed us to see so much of the United States. Even though I don’t remember every trip, I still feel very fortunate. To this day, many of my friends have never been to the places I went as a child.

Your cheerful, confident and calm nature on our trips in the motorhome is hard for me to mimic. You always made me feel secure and comforted. Oh that “Hot Tottie” helped a little I’m sure. The trip up to Pikes Peak with grandma in the passenger seat saying her prayers. (I am pretty sure we won’t be taking a motorhome up Pikes Peak.) How about when we crossed the wooden bridge over the Royal Gorge(I think). Jerry walked in front of us to film it. Traversing down the most crooked street in the world in San Francisco. You and dad were daredevils, or dad was a daredevil and you trusted his judgment and prayed.

We had a lot of memorable times playing 31 and rummy. You spent lots of time singing songs and trying to convince us that vanilla ice cream and musk melon was the best dessert in the world. You made us all feel cared for and loved equally. Even though I know I was your baby. Ha Ha.

Now three years have passed and it still feels like yesterday you were at my house playing with my kids. My memories of you are present but less tangible. My thoughts of you are frequent but my emotions have dulled. I take comfort in knowing that you are watching over us and still taking care of us.

Loving you,

Susie