Susie and Her Cousins

This picture was kindly sent by Christine Magee.

I hope she won't mind if I reprint her comments to "In Memoriam" here.

Christine Magee said...

Susie was my lovely cousin and with only a year between us in age, our lives were closely interlinked, mainly in our early days of growing up in London. Our families were very close, not just geographically but because of the strong bond we had. Our mothers were sisters and we cousins were more like siblings . Therefore it seemed natural that later on Sue would be my bridesmaid, alongside Mary, my sister.

In those days leading up to our weddings and future lives as wives and mothers, our years were punctuated by Christmases and birthdays, and other social gatherings when we had so much fun. I remember the attic room where we whispered many secrets and stifled giggles. They are such warm memories. Although we did not see as much of each other in later years our mothers and aunts always made great efforts to keep family together, so news was readily at hand. I will always be grateful for that.

When Sue was first diagnosed with her illness and started treatment, we spoke many times on the phone. I can honestly say that she was the bravest, most selfless person I have ever known; a truly lovely person. She was an inspiration to me then and always will be.


Infinity

For Aunty Nin
In memory of Susan


Each time I reach out for her
I know she’s already felt my touch
for she is always there,
holding the air between us,
ready to pull back time.

We know nothing of distance
and empty spaces,
our souls are locked
and thoughts shared,
her tears run with mine.
Our lips are sealed
with each others smiles.

She tells me she is my child,
we are a never ending story,
and she will always love me
to infinity and a step beyond.

August 23rd 2009

Family Matters

Family Matters

Friday, 26th June 2009.

Yesterday I went to say a final goodbye to Susie. Christopher and Sarah came with me. We met Donald, her husband and their twin sons, David and Jonathan at their home in Chelmsford at 1.45 pm and took a taxi to Chelmsford Crematorium.

The small wooden casket with its brass plaque bearing Susan's name was carried by the Director. We followed him in dignified procession, along a neatly paved pathway lined with deep beds of roses ablaze with colour, to the little grave, freshly dug for our beloved daughter. We stood in silence before it until Christopher was invited to lower the little casket with its precious contents into its final earthly resting place.

Donald, David and Jonathan then placed the the roses they had freshly picked from their garden on top of the casket and, kneeling on the grass mat, I laid John's crucifix beside them, along with a favourite photograph of Susan and a red and white girdle of St Philomena - symbol of Purity.

Sarah then sang "You have a Friend" a CD of which by James Taylor Susan had especially requested Sarah to bring her at UCLH.

As we listened to Sarah singing under a brilliant blue sky, we heard Susie say:

" ... just call on my name and you know wherever I am, I'll come running. Winter, Summer, Springtime or Fall, all you have to do is call . . . .

It is Susan's pledge.

Before leaving her, we stood around her in silent prayer, thinking of the devoted and conscientious wife, mother, sister, daughter, teacher and friend she was, and made our own individual pledges to her.

Au Revoir, Darling Susie, till we meet joyfully through Jesus in Heaven. Requiescat in Pace.

From Chelmsford Crematorium we made our way to the South Lodge Hotel for afternoon tea, hosted by Donald, David and Jonathan.

In Memoriam

What a lovely, happy lady. It was an honour and privilege to know her. Here Sue is sharing a bit of love with my old scraghound, Hops.

Please feel free to add your memories of Susan here.