When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer I remember lying on my bed thinking about my life so far, wondering if I would have any regrets if I should die right then. I was in a great second marriage, My son was getting close to being on his own; I would miss seeing him through many of life's cycles but I knew he would be O.K. I had good family relationships, and I had many wonderful friends. I was proud that on top of a marketing job I had been competitive in many marathons and even more triathlons. My regret was that I hadn't continued doing fine arts after college. This was eight years ago.

In 1999 the cancer reoccurred in my lung, I was told that I would survive one to two years. Since then I have spent much time focusing on my health making many extreme life style changes. A new and happier life is unfolding for me; I am now doing all the things I love.

I'm doing triathlons, pursuing art, and spending more time with friends and family, and traveling. Travel has included surf lessons in Costa Rica, cycling in Italy, and painting in Hawaii. Painting is my main focus. I like to paint simple, bright, and loose. I'm very drawn to flowers. The colors, contours, and constant movement from bud to falling petals are a delightful distraction. Flowers change so quickly I just have to stop and paint them. I started by hand painting greeting cards for friends. I was encouraged by the fact they would drop the small paintings into frames rather than sending them to friends.

I'm delighted to announce that during these past six years I have remained healthy and am currently in remission. My miraculous recovery affirms my belief that pursuing one's passion is not only good for the soul, but also the body. Thus, I am excited about this wonderful opportunity to present my work to you.

8 November 2008

Susie succumb to her long struggle on 19 October 2008. At about 5am I awoke to relieve Maren. I remember singing Van Morrison's Tupelo Honey as I showered. I spoke softly to Susie and she opened her eyes. I knew it was difficult for her to see; I think she wanted me to know I heard her. I told her that there were a lot of things left unsaid between us, but just because they were unsaid, it did not mean that neither she nor I did not know what those things were. It was hard to tell her, "Susie, I know you have something to do just now. It's OK to do it. I'm going to be OK. All of your friends are here to watch out for me. I only ask that you watch out for me, too." She closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them for a moment, just once more.

I first noticed Maren, she asked me if she could turn off the [noisy] oxygen. Craig and Kristi appeared, followed my Marcy and Mona.

At sunrise we gathered friends to The Prayer Point in Carlsbad. This was the turn around place for Susie's 5 mile runs. We left her running shoes there with a sign "Last Run" so people would know that Susie had finished well ahead of the pack.

Message to a friend

I'm sorry that you couldn't come by to pay your respects to Susie. I think
it was a very positive experiences for all.

For Susie's belated birthday party in August we created an image of Susie for Susie
which I dubbed, The Friendship Connection. People were given a 1 x 1 square which
was a small segment of a photo. They were instructed to blow it up to 4 x 4 square
using whatever media they wanted (except photoshop or its ilk). I assembled it.
Susie very much loved this outpouring.

At the celebration, Troy and David expressed Susie's spirituality eloquently.
Then friends and family shared their cherished memories and passages. When the
rain let up, we took the image outside, along with personal messages people had
written for Susie to take with her. With just the simple words, "Good bye,
Susie" we lit the pyre. We all reflected silently for the half hour it took
the flames to turn the image and messages into tiny embers.

Those that stayed behind continued the Celebration in the fashion of the many parties
and celebrations that Susie hosted.

Some notes:

Susie had done a lot of research which she put into practice and which we believe significantly extended her life beyond the original two year prognosis. She concurred with the philosphy of The Optimum Health Institute which is that many of our maladies arise from a weak immune system.

She found Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure to be a very progressive organization and participated in one of their three day walks.