This 1 hour 42 minute film covers three different

celebrations of Susan's life held on 7/15,  7/29 and 10/29.

The latter online event begins and ends this film.

Thanks again to all who participated in any way.

I knew Susan from the time I was born. She had her daughter Maya around the same time that I was born, and Maya and I ended up growing up together. My mother was young, and my childhood wasn’t always easy, but Susan always created a safe place for me and I’m sure many others. I remember play group at her house, Halloween and Christmas parties. She and David taking me for the weekend, sometimes on long road trips/camping trips in the summer. She always made Maya and I “Maya and Karina” noodles (Annie’s Mac n’ cheese) and the BEST crispy tofu and pancakes for breakfast. Later in my life I saw her less and less, only here and there when I was able to make it to get togethers. But two months before my wedding she gave me a call to say congratulations. We chatted briefly about life and talked about the old days. She told me she was sick and I could tell it was tough for her to talk, but I’m so grateful we were able to share that short conversation. I wish I could thank her again for all she did throughout my childhood. It may not have seemed like a lot back then, but it meant the world to me. 

My deepest condolences to David, Maya, and the rest of the family/friends that feel Susan’s absence the strongest. She was a bright light in this world. A light that continues to shine through all the lives she touched. 

"On Joy and Sorrow"

                      by Kahlil Gibran

Then a woman said, Speak to us of Joy and Sorrow.

And he answered:

Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.

And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.

And how else can it be?

The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.

Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter’s oven?

And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?

When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.

When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.

Some of you say, “Joy is greater than sorrow,” and others say, “Nay, sorrow is the greater.”

But I say unto you, they are inseparable.

Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.

Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and your joy.

Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced.

When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall."

I hope each of you who loved and cared for Susan find some comfort in this inevitable twining of joy and sorrow. Susan shone bright, and while she lived, how we relished her company. Now we cherish her memory.

Dear Susan

I did not have the time to truly get to know you better, our time is in remembering the old days of young times together in our fathers summers. they are priceless and clear . When I become old enough to understand your point you had moved on but our conversation about you dad ,my beloved uncle when you were trying to rap your head around the fact you influences me in how to attract the world with clear and calm demeanor. (Young ears are lessening always!!!!) . I have a clear picture in my head of your mom and dad trying to make a point and you countering it successfully. In the years that we started to talk you wanted us to come put to Portland to visit and to my regret I did not make it there for that i am sorry and sad . you are loved and missed by so many and I will remember you always

Yours always with love . Rich