I was deeply touched by the following letter from a dear friend of Susan's. I have withheld the author's name until such time that I get permission to use it. But the letter is so eloquently written, so insightful into the impact that Susan had on people that she loved so much, I wanted others to appreciate the heartfelt words and the spiritual implications that this dear friend expressed so well.
July 29,2003
Dear John,
As you grieve the loss of your spouse of 38 years, the love of your life (as you so often and eloquently said), I feel compelled to share with you some of my special memories of her. I just had to help you understand, as if you didn't already, what a remarkable woman she was.
Susan Dishman was my friend. We've been friends for about ten years now--ever since she, in typical Susan fashion, searched for some answers in her new quest to become a language therapist. With a simple phone call, Susan asked me some questions about how my tutoring business worked and VOILA! we became fast friends. I guess I became in some ways her mentor for language therapy, but in many other ways she became my mentor for living. The two of us had a great deal in common: both of us in a strong loving relationship; both of us close to our families-parents, sisters, and children; both with sons (though I only have two sons); and both of us committed to working with kids. Though we each had busy schedules, Susan and I stayed in touch via the phone, professional meetings and our occasional lunches. We talked unceasingly about our students, always trying to figure out how to better serve them. We shared endlessly about our husbands, families and especially our children. I felt a strong connectedness with her.
For a number of years now I've heard accounts of your life, shared with me in loving pride. She spoke glowingly (but never boastfully) about your successful career, your bike riding, your commitment to your church, your incredible mother who recently passed away, and all three of your wonderful boys. Susan loved you all deeply and still had love to spare for her sister and her three kids, not to mention all her friends at church and other friends and family. I know that she loved me and wanted me to truly know peace through Jesus Christ. I credit her with leading my way back to His light after many years of living as a "good person" but living without His grace. Her influence was gentle but persistent. I often hear her "hmmmm" in my head as a reminder to stay in the Light. She was amazing!
Checking in daily on Susan's web health update gave me further insight into her life and loves. I was moved to tears so many nights as I read of her pain and courage and, more importantly, the faith you both shared. Praying for Susan each day and night brought me closer to Christ and offered me the discipline that I as a newly dedicated Christian needed. And so many times through the months, comments that you made were right in line with passages I had recently read in my Bible study class. I was especially enraptured by "The Pruning." I had just read John 15 before you wrote your very appropriate comments on the course your life had taken with Susan's illness. The patience and love you showed Susan and her obedience to God's will as she accepted the cup she was given offers me great guidance in my life each day. Susan's love, light, goodness and faith will forever be an inspiration to me!
May Christ be with you as He always is,
Posted by John Dishman at August 25, 2003 10:28 AM