I have no words of wisdom, comfort or peace - just sorrow. My journey to raise awareness of the causes of cancer and the affect that childhood maltreatment has on adult physical illness will continue. I know one angel will make sure I remember what she taught me!
I just saw your post. I had not heard about Susan's passing. My heartfelt condolences to you and all the other loyal and loving friends friends she had.
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ReplyDeleteThank you Amy! Susan certainly went through unbelievable torment her entire life and there is no denying that it took a toll on her health. Susan was different than most, she was very strong to the core, a born fighter and survivor. I think she came out of the womb fighting for her mother and somehow knew that she had a purpose in this life, and that was to protect others. Her life could have turned out so differently, and so much more tragic.
ReplyDeleteWhat Susan decided to do with her life says it all. There is a lot of organizations and individuals in the field that are there advocating for the cause, however there is a lot of Ego involved with so many. But Susan seemed to be born without an ego. Susan NEVER thought about what she would get out of what she did. She did what she felt in her heart she needed to do. We are very fortunate to have been able to read Susan’s book “Holding my Hand Through Hell” because Susan didn’t want to write it for two reasons. 1. She didn’t think anyone would be interested in her life. 2. She knew it would be painful to relive her life.
It took a lot of convincing to get her to actually write it. I was one of the few who had the privilege to read her first draft as she was writing it. Every one of us who read it had to assure her it was something she had to finish. We all told her that she had to finish and publish this book, so she did. But when she finally finished it she was planning on selling it as an e-book not expecting people to really want to read about her life. It took a lot of convincing to get her to send it to a real publisher. Writing that book was hard for Susan because she had to relive everything, and it was painful for her but she did it.
When she told me about her cancer she also told me she didn’t expect to live to see it published. I am so thankful that she lived to not only see it get published and on sale, but to see and hear the reaction and the response to the book and to her through all the comments, reviews and endorsements. For this I am very thankful!
People don’t realize how stress affects the body and Susan’s entire life from the time she was born until her death was extremely stressful, and it definitely took a toll on her. I am thankful that her suffering has ended, and she is finally at rest in the arms of her mother, and for the first time without fear!
Thank you for commenting. I can relate to Susan's journey, although a different path, and that's why she and I clicked. I also got to read an early version of her book and was shocked when I got her call telling me about the stage 4 cancer. Having lived to write about surviving stage 4, I feel it is my mission to advocate for all those who experienced childhood trauma that led to adult physical illness. I have no doubt they are linked. There is a reason I am here and I am convinced now, more than ever, that it is to follow Susan's example and push on forward with my message over and over again.
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