To the Readers’ Forum:

Dear Suzie,

Today is a bittersweet day. Bitter because I miss you and I’m selfish because I want you back. Sweet because I know you are in heaven and that you are joyous and free. Suzie, you have been a cherished friend. We prayed together almost every day. I learned so much from your faith and wonderful sense of humor. We shared laughter and tears – laughter over stories about our cats – tears over the heartaches of life. We prayed for the courage to let go and let God carry our sadness. We often joked about how God would remind us that He didn’t need our help and that he could do a better job than we could anyway.

Susie, I will always remember our last words to each other on the Friday afternoon, the day before you went home to be with your Lord and Savior. We said goodnight and wished each other a peaceful weekend and I love you, as we often said. I never imagined those would be my last words to you. Thank you for reminding me that the last words we say to a loved one may be the last words we ever get a chance to say and to end each conversation with loving words.

So, my dear Suzie, until we meet again, I want to say thank you for your unconditional love and for loving me even when I was unlovable. My world is much brighter having you for a friend and I am truly honored that you considered me your friend.

May you rest in peace. I love you.

Sandy Right

Jamestown