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.
Susan, ever since she was a little girl, was known to me as a very special and beautiful human being. Being cloistered in a Convent myself, I had not met her, but being a closely knit family, letters and photos were in constant supply. When Frances and Alan and their children returned from regular visits to England, they brought back films and slides as well. So I became acquainted with Susie long before I shared her home in the late '60's. Our lives became interlinked during subsequent visits in the '70's and '80's. Susan, the gentle, kind,brave, compassionate, thoughtful, selfless and devoted girl blossomed into a young lady, wife and mother, daughter and grandaughter, niece and cousin, never losing any of those qualities but deepening them. I sorely missed her friendly newsletter with photos of her family at Christmas. Her faith was great, her love true and constant, her trust implicit. Last year, the Lord called her to Himself.
"And He raised her up on eagles' wings, Took her to the break of dawn, Made her shine like the sun. And holds her in the palm of His hand."
I shall always remember you with love, Susie: my beloved niece and godchild. Being domiciled in Ceylon, currentltly on leave in England,you were the only child of the family at whose birth I was present and able to hold in my arms as an infant. I was also there to help your mother decorate your nursery abd prepare for your arrival in other small ways. It was a privilege. Thereafter I saw you every two or three years, monitoring your progress in short spells, but the bond of familial love and intetrest never waned. You were always a blessed child, Sue, and I miss your presence among us now, but also find comfort in knowing you are an angel in Heaven. Like my son, be your old aunt's guardian, and pray for us all.
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.
Sadly, Hops died last Friday, 31st July.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSusie 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.
ReplyDeleteIn 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
Susan, ever since she was a little girl, was known to me as a very special and beautiful human being. Being cloistered in a Convent myself, I had not met her, but being a closely knit family, letters and photos were in constant supply. When Frances and Alan and their children returned from regular visits to England, they brought back films and slides as well. So I became acquainted with Susie long before I shared her home in the late '60's.
ReplyDeleteOur lives became interlinked during subsequent visits in the '70's and '80's. Susan, the gentle, kind,brave, compassionate, thoughtful, selfless and devoted girl blossomed into a young lady, wife and mother, daughter and grandaughter, niece and cousin, never losing any of those qualities but deepening them. I sorely missed her friendly newsletter with photos of her family at Christmas.
Her faith was great, her love true and constant, her trust implicit. Last year, the Lord called her to Himself.
"And He raised her up on eagles' wings,
Took her to the break of dawn,
Made her shine like the sun.
And holds her in the palm of His hand."
Eternally!
A tribute from Auntie Christine in Australia
I shall always remember you with love, Susie: my beloved niece and godchild. Being domiciled in Ceylon, currentltly on leave in England,you were the only child of the family at whose birth I was present and able to hold in my arms as an infant. I was also there to help your mother decorate your nursery abd prepare for your arrival in other small ways. It was a privilege. Thereafter I saw you every two or three years, monitoring your progress in short spells, but the bond of familial love and intetrest never waned. You were always a blessed child, Sue, and I miss your presence among us now, but also find comfort in knowing you are an angel in Heaven. Like my son, be your old aunt's guardian, and pray for us all.
ReplyDelete