Sisterly Love

Susie had a Super Tuesday!

She had a sweet visit from her entertainment crew that was organized by her last year. Non other than Little Ruthie and the Shot Sisters - Donna Whaley, Penny Manning and Ruth Fostmeier.

Here they are as organized by Susie for the Elkmont Fireflies event in June 2019

The tag on Penny’s shirt says Sunrise Sisters because she and Susie always walk early in the morning when camping and usually get to see the Sunrise!

Their lovely hats are called Fascinators and Ruth is the originator of those. Susie thought it would be fun to make some while they visited but due to restrictions they could not bring stuff in so they brought them already made.  

The facility would not allow Susie’s Fascinator to come in so she sported a cute cap she already had. Look how beautiful she is!

But never fear! Susie’s Fascinator is near! They left it for her and maybe she can get it later!

The ladies had a lovely time and even serenaded Susie with Ukulele and song!

Susie took these pics from her view. 

As the ladies were traveling back home, Susie and family received word that the facility is starting to allow family to come inside and visit in person. There are restrictions but they will be able to touch!

Here are some heartfelt words from the sisters:

Donna:  We enjoyed seeing our friend in her beautiful surroundings but are so happy they have eased the restrictions to allow people to visit inside. It will be such a comfort for her and family. Her eyes still sparkle, her smile was radiant and her heart still sweet for her friends. I can’t help but wonder if they decided to allow people indoors after our serenade on the patio?  Maybe we should have tried this sooner. 

Ruth:  Such a sweet friend.... always a smile.... she uplifts my soul

Penny:  although Susie is burdened with this terrible illness the spirit that is Susie is still there. She made us all laugh at Donna’s hat with the corncob in it and smiled when we said she looks like Sinead O’Conner. Felt like old friends together again. 

I tell you that all four of these ladies are preciously special. I am so glad to be blessed with them in  my life and I know they brought Joy to Susie’s day as they each bring me joy too. Thank you ladies for sharing these pictures and words with all of us.   

The rest of the week brings touchable visits for Susie with John, Frank and Jack. 

Have a great evening and stay safe. 

Sherry

Satisfying Sunday

I spoke with Susie today. She has had visits from Frank and John this weekend. Frank always checks to make sure she has everything she wants and needs.  Rebecca has kept her in her favorite candy.

She has finally relaxed in her new surroundings and even started on a new floral cross stitch project. Today she had a nap which she rarely does but says she enjoyed it and may take another one. Susie chooses to focus on her “I can list” which is encouraging to her.

She thanks you for your continued thoughts, prayers and cards!

I hope each of you have a safe and healthy week ahead.
Sherry

Long way to go

You can’t do all that must be done. Yet you can do something.

So go ahead, and do something, now, and whenever you can. Don’t let the overwhelming nature of the challenge compromise your ability to make real, meaningful progress.

You’ll never learn every detail you’d like to know. Yet you can always learn something, and then learn more.

There’s always room for improvement. So go ahead and improve, yourself, your world, the lives of those around you.

Though you won’t ever have all the answers, you can find more and more each day. When the road ahead is long, steep, and winding, take the next step.

In fact, choose to be thankful that you have a long way to go. And with love, with purpose, with curiosity and enthusiasm, keep going.

— Ralph Marston

Envision, imagine, dream, love       

What has Susie been up to?

Hi everyone. Susie has been taking a few days to rest and spend time with a few window visitors she is allowed to have. She has spent more time with John, Jack and Frank.

This morning she told me her physical therapy staff put her in the wheelchair and rolled her out into the hallway. She was busted though and they made her go back in her room due to social distancing.

She said she was going to get in the wheelchair and investigate all of the drawers in her room because she hasn’t even had time to know what is where. She has received so many cards and looks forward to opening them. She is doing well and enjoying her new home.

I wanted to share this inspiration with you because this is exactly what Susie is doing.

Wish you had done

In a few hours, in a couple of weeks, what will you wish you had done right now? This is your chance, your only chance, to make that wish come true. 

Later this month, later this year, what will you regret not taking care of today? Now is your opportunity to avoid the pain of that regret. 

You know from past experience that it’s easier to go ahead and get your work done than it is to keep putting it off. Yet that realization is somehow not as compelling for the work you must now do. 

So project your thoughts ahead into the future. Envision a time when the actions you can take now, have become the things you desperately wish you had done sooner. 

Imagine how it will be to know you could have acted but you didn’t, to know you wasted a good opportunity. Feel the power you have, right now, to create a much more positive, desirable outcome. 

Then, with a renewed sense of gratitude and determination, get going. Act today to make your future one you’ll welcome, appreciate, and enjoy. 

— Ralph Marston

Accept it       

Good morning everyone!  I hope that you have been able to find joy in this very different time we are living in.

Susie is entering a time where she needs to focus on things near and dear to her and conserve her energy for the most important things. Her hope is to continue showing joy through this life she is living. She asked me to share some inspiration with you. I believe this is perfect for where Susie is and hope you will find it useful too. Our posts will continue, but may be less frequent as we allow Susie to rest and focus on completing this journey. That doesn’t mean the end is here but Susie needs rest.  Trust that I will keep you posted as we continue to be in communication.

The nursing staff requests that all mail be limited to cards and notes ~ Susie is so loved, they may have had to hire a mail clerk 😉.  Susie can feel your love and prayers but please no calls or texts so she won’t feel obligated to respond. Even though you wouldn’t expect a response, that’s our Susie!

Sherry

Treasure of wisdom

You have great wisdom, earned day after day over the years of your life. Don’t let that wisdom lie dormant, trapped in old experiences and forgotten words.

As every new day arrives, you can put that wisdom to use. As well-established in the past as your wisdom may be, it is always relevant in the present.

The fact is, you have an excellent sense of what to do, of what to avoid, of what to revere, of what to dismiss. Pay attention to that sense, and follow its guidance.

If something seems too good to be true, it very likely is. Rather than hoping that your wisdom is wrong, assume that it is right.

Your victories, your defeats, your disappointments and your joys, all empower you now to make your best choices. Life gets better when you learn from it and make good use of what you’ve learned.

Keep yourself connected to the growing treasure of wisdom that’s always yours. And keep your life going in a successful direction.

— Ralph Marston

Take good care       

Copyright ©2020 Ralph S. Marston, Jr. All Rights Reserved. The Daily Motivator is provided for your personal, non-commercial use only. Other than personal sharing, please do not re-distribute without permission.

Restful Days are Good

Hi everyone!  Susie has been resting the past couple of days. She has sent me some pictures to share with you to show the peaceful beauty she is surrounded by. Today, she texted that she has a new stack of cards to open and it is another Christmas with all she has to open. I asked her if she had a letter opener and she said “no she just used her finger” so I sent her two in case she wears one out!

Tuesday, April 14

Afternoon nap under her ladies guild quilt while looking at the lake between naps.

Wednesday’s Beauty, April 15

Beautiful card from Susie’s cousin Keith and his wife Lisa - this is sure the truth about the difference Susie has and is making in our lives. 

Susie said this sure brightened her day along with the many other cards she continues to receive. 

Susie thanks all of you for your kindness, care and continued prayers. She also like seeing how many have read the blog. It gives her momentum!  

Never a Pink kind of Girl

My morning catch up with Susie included a funny story from her. I wish we had time and she had the voice strength to just let her tell me more stories!  She always makes me laugh and I could listen for hours!

Susie’s story...

I was the oldest of four children growing up in Richmond, VA.  I had Three tough little brothers and my cousins were all boys too. I really didn’t have much pink in my wardrobe because I was with boys all of the time.  This card is exactly how I picture myself at age eleven.

There were no ruffles or bows because my family was a golfing family. We always wore button downs and I had a white sweater. I never knew that a purse or shoes came in any color but black or brown. I was the young catholic girl who wore the typical school girl clothing.

I hope through this blog you can find some joy and laugh a little because that will make me happy.  There are tough times and it’s  not all rainbows and unicorns but there is JOY!

Please note the official mailing address for Susie is:

Susie Sullivan
Lakeside Rm 5706
Baptist Reynolds Hospice House
1520 W Poplar Ave
Collierville, TN 38017

Please, no flowers but only cards!
Sherry

A Different Kind of Easter Blessing

Words from Susie’s BFF Rebecca......

Susie is doing well.  She said the nurse was able to get her comfortable and she was able to rest.

In typical Susie fashion, she asked me to post how my family and I are celebrating Easter while observing social distancing.

Although I live within one hour of both of my children, we are no longer visiting in person.  Being apart from the “big” kids is difficult, but not being able to hug and love on the little guys hurts.  Being a Gigi during a pandemic is challenging.

In our family, the kitchen has always been the most important room in our home.  My father-in-law was a chef, my husband wooed me when we were dating by preparing delicious meals for me, and I have always loved to cook.  Both of our children are skilled in the kitchen and enjoy cooking as well.

My husband and I were planning a magnificent Easter dinner.  Patricia Wells’ leg of lamb roasted on a bed of rosemary, Jacques Pepin’s Gratin Dauphinois, marinated artichokes and mushrooms, sautéed asparagus, and Ina Garten’s Limoncello cheesecake.

Under different circumstances, our family would have gathered around the table to enjoy this meal with us, but since that isn’t possible, I sent the menu and recipes to my children.  Byron, our son, wanted to prepare it for his family.

It makes me happy to know his family will have a wonderful Easter celebration in their home and they will continue our family tradition of showing love by taking the time and effort to lovingly prepare an amazing meal for those those most important to you.

COVID may be keeping us physically apart, but we can still remain connected the way we always have, through great cuisine and wonderful dining experiences.  This is how our family is celebrating and we are grateful for the love we feel which transcends the miles between us.

Happy Easter!

Susie is resting today after a few days of through the glass visits including fun pictures and videos with her dear family. She wants you to see the beauty she is surrounded with and know the joy she continues to have daily. Here are some pictures of her surroundings as provided by Jack at her request.

There is a plaque on the wall in Susie’s room that she reads daily and holds to:
I believe the scripture is:  Hebrews 13:5 “Never will I leave you or forsake you”
Susie, please correct me if I’m wrong on the verse!

Susie having a Tagalong Easter snack

Stock photo of Susie’s type of room

 The view from Susie’s windows

Porch view from Susie’s patio

Pond that Susie can see from her room. 

Entry of Baptist Reynolds Hospice House. 

May you find joy in the Lord and His blessings for you today as He continues to bless Susie and her family with these special memories. Your continued prayers for them are appreciated!  He Is Risen!

Happy Easter to you and yours!

Sherry Rich

Just so you know the joy you bring to Susie by reading this blog, I share with her a few times per week how many views there have been. Here is today’s stats. In true Susie fashion, she credits me for this but we all know that the amazing subject is the reason for these views. Thank you again for reading!

Good Friday brings Susie’s 2020 Easter Egg Hunt!

Susie has always enjoyed planning fun times for her grandchildren. This year is to be no different!  Susie took to her note cards and wrote out all the details she wanted to take place.

Jack retrieved his instructions from the front desk where they can pick up and leave things to be given to Susie and went to work. He had the help of family members Cheri and Megan who live in Memphis.  Having such a great village of family in Memphis is very helpful.

While Jack was carrying out his instructions, Susie went to work fashioning her 2020 Easter bonnet.
You and I both know that nothing stops Susie from accomplishing a task. She shared with me that she did not have scissors so she CHEWED the stems off these flowers and had the nurses tape them to her hat!  I can just see her with flower stems all in her teeth but she cleaned up nicely before modeling this picture.

Then came the Easter Egg hunt!  The hunt took place at Cheri’s house and was attended by Jack’s children.  Frank’s son is currently with his mother’s family.  

Here are a few pictures from the fun.  Susie was able to enjoy multiple videos of the action.  Susie adores time with these children.  She has told me of the fun she has had with each one.  She also says that her oldest grandson is a genius!

Susie plans to be resting most of today. She appreciates your continued prayers and feels them constantly. This morning she shared with me that she doesn’t know how people go through this without God. She has felt him with her every step of the way. 

Mom You’re a 10

In talking with Susie, she strives for every experience she creates to be a 10. If she asks you you’re favorites and desires and the experience is any less than a 10, then who’s fault is it?

Thursday, April 9; Jack and his children arrived in Memphis for Easter weekend. She was able to spend some special time with Jack and Frank through the window. Then spent some time with John.

Her day started with this breakfast of champions:  grits with a Reese’s peanut butter egg stirred in. The egg was tucked in her Suitcase packed by Jack and a Frank.

Megan and Cheri (family) dropped off this soft blanket. They also dropped off a beautiful handmade quilt from Susie’s church quilting guild on Wednesday. 

Her sweet church ladies guild  quickly made this beautiful quilt.  She is covered in scripture!

Susie said it’s the best nights sleep she has had since March 16th. 

Then she looked up to see this with Frank waving at the window. 

Susie is so appreciative of the beautiful flowers many of you have sent.  She is requesting that you only send cards and many of prayers from here forward. The Hospice House is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and there is no more room flowers. 

If you feel like you just must send something, Susie prefers it be something to pay forward at the Hospice House for other families there to enjoy.  I would be happy to help you coordinate this. 

I am excited to share every post with you but especially to post about today......

Susie’s grandchildren will be hunting Easter eggs today!

Susie’s 2020 Egg Hunt she has planned for her grand children!  Nothing keeps her down!

Happy Good Friday!

Sherry

sherry-rich@att.net

615-714-2206

Thursday, April 9, 2020
Good Morning Susie’s Super friends.

I spoke with Susie yesterday. Our conversations are now brief to conserve her strength for talking with her family. Here are her words to all of us.

I woke up this morning happy. I look around me at my surroundings and I have the bedroom of my dreams. I think about others who wake up in my similar situation and don’t have a room like this. A staff member came in this morning and told me I had better get going because I have a stack of mail to go through. Now I have a stack of about 200 cards to open and read. This is great, keep them coming. 

John was able to come by for a brief visit today and I spent some time with Frank. 

Words from Susie’s BFF Rebecca:
Susie is a woman of wit and wisdom, dignity and integrity. She is a rare breed and we are all better for having known her. I am blessed to have her in my life for over 40 years.

Words from Sherry:
I had the honor to go by Susie’s new place on Palm Sunday. The Baptist Reynolds Hospice House is beautiful and the grounds are equally so.   Susie can have family only visit her patio which is approximately 10 x 12 with a lovely view of the pond on the grounds. While there Susie can open the plantation shutters on her French doors which allows her to sit at the window in the recliner and see her family on the patio. They can talk by cell phone. (No calls or text please)

Over the next few days, she will get to see both sons Jack and Frank. Nothing brings her more joy than her better than seeing her sons.

Thank you for reading and loving Susie with us!
Sherry Rich

Peaceful Palm Sunday

Hi everyone. Just wanted to drop in to let you know that Susie is doing good. She has spent the past few days getting to know her new caregivers at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House. She is happy there and of course the staff all love her. She still says these have been the best few weeks of her life. She is thankful for the joy she continues to have through this and is really enjoying receiving your cards.
She looks just beautiful in her chemo hats to keep her head warm and looks forward to cocktail time in the evenings.

Your thoughts and support for her family are greatly appreciated!
Sherry

1st Cocktail Party at Hospice House!

Thursday, April 2, 2020

This has been the best week of my life!

Everyone is so good to me and my room is beautiful.  Last night was my first night here. I asked for ice cream after 10pm and they immediately brought it.  It was strawberry too!  I broke up one of the Reese’s my boys included in my Christmas luggage and stirred it in.  It was delightful!  I slept so well. 

Today, was one of the best days of my life. I had a really good bath and my assistants scrubbed me from head to toe. Even between my toes!  You can’t imagine how good that felt. They took off all of the sticky pads adorning me as well as the radiation marks. Then they applied lotion all over.  Good smelling lotion!  My how I have missed that. My husband John is allergic to scented things and I have not worn scented lotion or perfume in 39 years!  My sweet boys bought that lotion and had it in my Christmas bag too!  I never knew they even paid attention to such small details of things I liked or enjoy. Who does that?

This place is beautiful!  I have two large French doors and a patio!  The patio is surrounded by 8ft hedge and I can be rolled outside to feel the fresh air, watch the deer and birds. There are bird feeders all around the patio. 

Tonight I will write some notes that I want to before I settle in to sleep.  

Friday, April 

Well I wrote those notes last night. I was on such a roll I didn’t even go to sleep. The last one took a bit of time and rather lengthy it was really difficult but I did it!  

Today I had a REAL breakfast.  I was so hungry I planned to eat it all.  I requested no texts or calls because I planned to sleep after pulling my all nighter. 

I had so much fun today that I never went to sleep. This Bond girl is tough. I filled my hours getting to know my new Dream team staff here. I spent an hour this afternoon becoming acquainted with my social worker, Myriah. 

Myriah made my day!  She shared with me that I can have my evening cocktail!  I will give her my preferred libation and she will have my doctor check for contraindications with medicines. Once approved, my underground will deliver the stock which will be kept near by and all I have to do is press the call button then Voila - Susie is sipping something cold and satisfying. 

I have the skills to pick a great place to die!

This afternoon, Susie deputized me as a Bond girl!  My assignment was to connect with Myriah and provide her with the blog information. Facilities have strict guidelines so hopefully I completed my assignment successfully. I’m honored to be in Susie’s underground.  Susie asked what Bond girl name I choose. After research I think that will be Ruby Bartlett from “Her Majesty’s Secret Service”. I think that’s fitting.   Sherry - Susie’s Press Secretary/ AKA Ruby Bartlett


Saturday, April 4, 2020

My cocktail bar is being set up.  I had another fabulous bath today but I was covered with hair and my lap was full.  It was like a light switch.  Off, I had hair.  Flip to on and well not so much!  My debut is a little delayed as my hair is 50% gone.  The good thing is that my earrings match my cap - which match one of my purple suitcase nightshirts from my kids. Now I am doing make up and you will see a venue shot tonight!

I have not looked in the mirror but my crown of glory is not a handful of hair!
(Susie says your hair being your crown of glory is the stupidest statement she has heard. Susie never settles for something as simple as hair.  We know she would accept nothing less than the real deal?)

7:30pm Central 
First Cocktail Party!

Underground network is up and running.  Photo Credits to Rosemary of Susie’s Dream Team - Collierville. 

The cocktail party was planned, created and executed by recliner bound Susie Sullivan. 

Susie, the honoree was adorned in a beautiful nightshirt from her purple suitcase that was affectionately selected by her sons Jack and Frank.  She wore matching earrings and was covered from the waist down with a vintage trailer lap quilt. 

The libation was a doctor approved, precisely measured 1 ounce pour of Susie’s favorite, Woodford Reserve served in her required, Waterford Crystal High ball vessel gifted by Barbara Sullivan, the first Dream Team - Collierville member.  Susie’s niece, Mary Kathleen wanted in on the assignment and provided the adorable cocktail napkins to become the 2nd Dream Team - Collierville member.  What Bond girl names do you ladies choose?

The decor consisted of a lovely table covered with the signed quilt gifted to Susie by her SOTF friends (Smoky Mountain Division,) yellow tulips from Susie’s High School Senior Class of 1970 at St. Agnes Academy, in honor of their 50th class reunion which is scheduled for April but likely will not take place due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic.  The class was going to re-enact their Hall of Fame.  Susie’s role was Friendliest.  However; the card, names and yellow tulips while in Lucid Lockdown are much more fun.  There are roses from Susie’s sons Jack and Frank as well as a mixed bouquet from Tricia who Susie has known since 1967.  Tricia actually lives 15 minutes from Susie’s new home. 

The entertainment was background music from Motown with the inaugural tune being Love Train by the O’Jays (licensing forbids adding the music so please hum along or pull it up on your favorite device as you read). Susie sang along while laughing and swinging her arms and shoulders.  Her blue eyes have never been bluer!  

Susie had to sip and wait patiently for the nurse to move a large arrangement of flowers on her table in order for Rosemary to take this beautiful picture. (I cannot stand so dammit, I’m stalled).  As mentioned earlier, Susie managed to do all of this except move the very large arrangement to the serving table. Susie will sleep well with a big smile tonight!  

One of the things I learned about Susie while serving as press secretary / Bond girl Ruby Bartlet of  “Her Majesty’s Secret Service “ is that Susie’s college major was journalism!  Throughout the posts of this blog Susie has exclaimed her happiness with my writing.  I had no clue that compliment was coming from a journalism major!  Susie asked me today what the stats are for the blog views. I shared that from 3/28 to today, there have been 2.9K views of this blog. Susie replied:  WTF, you are an amazing writer. My response is nope, YOU are an amazing subject!

Susie shared with me that she got tired of writing 5 page stories about weddings in Jackson, MS. Her BFF Rebecca shared that Susie used to say she was tired of  going to luncheons with little old ladies where they serve creamed chicken on toast. I told Susie that this post would make her crave creamed chicken on toast.  Susie kindly replied:

No Way!  At my childhood home that was called shit on a shingle by my dad. He named it that in 1960 and called it that until he died in 2010. We had 50 years of weekly toasted shit!

Sleep well with a big smile Susie, we can’t wait to hear about you adventures tomorrow. 

Christmas Jones in “The World is Not Enough”

Susie says she gets a daily text from her cousin Dr. Richard Hinton of Baltimore. He always asks exactly which Bond Girl she is. She challenged me today to figure out which one she is.

I web searched and landed on a list of 30 Bond Girls. Reading through the names of the Bond Girls and movies, none were striking me as Susie. Until I got to the very last one!  None other than Christmas Jones in “ The World is Not Enough.”

That’s it!  Susie has repeatedly said when she receives her cards, treats and underground items it is “Christmas!”  If you read yesterday’s post, you see she had a great Christmas.

Susie’s joy and strength through this prove that “The World is not Enough!”  So there ya go Dr.  Hinton!

Why “The World is Not Enough” in Susie’s words... (April 2 at 3:45 am)

I awoke with baby Jesus sitting on my chest. My Dream Team is right here with me. I look over memories from yesterday and that was my finest James Bond Movie!  Typing at 3:45am is not ideal but life is not guaranteed or ideal. 
1. Never miss the opportunity to tell someone what they truly mean to you. 
2. Clean out all of that mental and physical stuff we put way too much value in. 
3. Find pure joy and passion then SHARE IT!  Do not hoard it!  There is more on this Earth and in the sky than we can ever see or hide away for a rainy day.  

Yesterday, my phone blew up with questions and texts of genuine concern. I had stepped into my Bond Girl costume and let’s be honest the Spanx took the longest to attire so now I’m going to have my Dream Team cut this Spanx off so I can breathe!  I can’t wait to see pics from my first and last private jet ride. 

On the plane ride I’m sure Randy, the pilot heard me passing 3 x 5 cards (I always keep these in my bag)  to the boys for last minute details. 

Susie cannot let go yet. I have three 3 x 5 cards left and damn I am going to finish them. 
5:09am.  Steroid Susie is going to rest now. 

5:31pm
No worries, my dear friend Jean gifted me some chemo caps I had picked out from Amazon because I thought my hair would be gone by March 19.  When I went to radiation on Friday, March 20th I still had hair. But this is my one step today and I can do this!  Xena Rules (aka Christmas Jones)

Keep Christmas coming with your cards to encourage Susie!

Susie Sullivan

Lakeside Rm 5706

Baptist Reynolds Hospice House

1520 W Poplar Ave

Collierville, TN 38017

Christmas on April Fools Day!

Not even a joke!

Susie has been resting up for a really big day today!

She took flight today and moved to her next Lucid Lockdown Location!

NO JOKE!          TOOK FLIGHT!         BUCKET LIST! 

Frank ~ Susie ~ Jack

Susie’s Ambulance Drivers - we jammed to Motown LOUD

Ambulance Crew ~ Madison & John

Today, Susie moved to the Baptist Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville, TN near Memphis. Susie’s words below tell why she went 8 hours from Knoxville for her Hospice Residence. 

Susie’s family moved to Memphis when she was in 8th grade. She graduated from St Agnes Academy in Memphis.  Her husband, John graduated from Christian Brothers High School and went on to become a general dentist. Susie became a nurse and they married in 1981.   She still has family and many close friends in the Memphis area. 

Susie shared the words below with me and with Rebecca, her BFF of 40 years.  I had the pleasure of talking with Rebecca tonight.  She shared with me that while talking with Susie today, she heard a serenity in Susie’s voice that she has never heard in 40 years. Susie has a wit, wisdom and integrity that comes through anytime she is around her. I agree!

We love you Susie and had a few laughs discussing you and your strength!

Susie's face as she entered the property!

ON TO SUSIE’S WORDS...

In the Fall of 2019 I drove into the grounds of Baptist Reynolds Hospice House. This trip was to visit my father in law there. As I drove into the campus, there were woods with squirrels, birds and deer. It was such a beautiful place.  Since those trips to visit my father in law who has since passed away I have told my family numerous times I wanted to die there. This became a joke between us because I said it so many times. I never imagined some 6 months later I would be living here. 

This decision was partly driven by Lucid Lockdown.  Knowing my next steps I started to research inpatient Hospice facilities as I was planning my future path.  Because of the COVID-19 Lockdown at all medical facilities my family could not tour any facility to make sure it met my desires. Well, Susie is not going anywhere that I have not seen or my family cannot tour for me.  In addition, no matter where I am, my family cannot visit me because of the lockdowns. 

What was I thinking?  I had already said where I wanted to go several times and that was Baptist Reynolds Hospice House.  I had no doubt that I wanted to die here. I mean, they have squirrels, deer and patios the staff can roll me outside on!  

Where I am at this minute, nothing in the past will hold me back. Nothing will take the sparkle of the past Two weeks because I am moving forward. 

When I got this diagnosis exactly two weeks ago, I had to pause and breathe but I decided nothing would hold me back.  I knew that I could no longer help my sons who are both full time, single parents. I could no longer make fried chicken and be the fairy Godmother. I wanted my sons to see how to deal with things and be strong when life gets tough for them.  I want them to be able to say, “If mom could do what she did in those few weeks, I can do anything!”  I have seen in two weeks that my boys are already OK and they can do it. Jack and Frank could do no more for me than they did today!  They are more than OK. 

I still know I have to get through the knot hole before the end but it will be OK. 

Until my dying day, I will try to live in Grace and to be the example God wants me to be. I will never spend a moment second guessing anything or decision I made through this. The diagnosis was devastating but God never abandoned me. It has been freedom and total joy. Granted I am invalid and can’t walk but I can’t put into words the joy I feel and I never new how many people love me. 

Today was Christmas!

When I decided my next lockdown would be at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House a friend offered to fly me to my new destination because it is an 8 hour drive from Knoxville. I gladly accepted his offer and was so excited because I have never flown on a private plane and today was the day!

The boys made a late night run to Target and bought a duffel bag and purple suitcase then filled it with my night shirts and things they knew I liked including Reese’s, my favorite pillow case from home, note cards, my favorite pens, more night shirts. My boys know me!  They are Rockstars!

Here are some pictures of my new Lucid Lockdown Location and the address. Please keep the cards coming because they bring me much joy as I read every one. I am unable to write each of you back because that is now difficult too. I say from the bottom of my heart, words can never thank you for the love you have shown me.  I don’t know how long God will have me here but when the time comes, I will meet you at the Gate of Heaven!

Susie Sullivan - Resident

Baptist Reynolds Hospice House 

1520 W Poplar Ave

Collierville, TN 38017

Rebecca texted with Susie’s son Jack today that Susie said her sons are rockstars, Jack replied:

“Our Mom is a Rockstar and we are just her entourage!

Lots of people talk about being courageous but very few are actually courageous when met with adversity. I’m both proud and thankful to call one of those few my mom. 

She is facing a death sentence and instead of retreating, she is charging forward with an armor of love and compassion. Thank you for being you Mom!”

Thanks Susie for letting me be your press secretary during your Rockstar Rein in Lucid Lockdown. Love you much!  Sherry

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