The Memorial Service.

Yesterday was definately a day of mixed emotions. Sadness at the loss of someone we loved, but a celebration of a life well loved. Some people are taken from us suddenly, but Susannah knew her time was short and was able to invest her time and energy into the things that were important in life. Here is her last words to those of us she cared for and loved. Her sister Amy read this to us at her service.

My beloved friends and family,

Thank you for all the prayers, encouragement, gifts, meals and everything over the last few years. I have appreciated it no end.

I want you to know that this does not mean there is no God. You only have to look around at creation to see that. It does not mean that God does not love me. He has already demonstrated that by dying on the cross for me.

I have had a good life. I have been well loved and loved well. Those things have been a gift from God and I could write a long, long list of things to be thankful for. But you know none of these things were ever mine to keep. My children are a gift from God and they are his. The only thing that goes with you is your relationship with God. He is the only unshakable unchangeable rock in a world that throws all sorts of pain and hardship at us.

This could have been you. After all we are all dying. You will have to meet God one day. I urge you to make your peace with him through Jesus now. He longs for a relationship with you and I want to see you again.

Please don’t ‘saint’ me, I am just an ordinary person dealing with life. Anyone who has lived, or worked with me will be able to tell you that. I know I’m going to heaven because I have accepted the free gift of forgiveness that Jesus paid for on the cross. Not because I am some amazing person who has never been bad.

Let me tell you from personal experience that God will guide, and sustain you, if you let him. Only He can give peace that passes understanding. I want to testify that when it all hits the fan God is enough.

The other thing this makes you think about is what is really important. Are you spending your time on what really matters? Are you thankful for the good things in your life?

Well I’m sad to leave you all. But right now I’m dancing in heaven with a new body that works and is beautiful! I’m with my Heavenly Father, walking through streets of gold.

See you soon,

Love always, Susannah

Her service ended with the beautiful Mark Schulz song

"Until I see You Again"

Oh Child, precious one

Let your Life shine like the sun

But you say "How long 'til I can come home

Till I can rest in your arms again"

And I say "Not long but don't miss this life and I'll be Waiting 'til then"

Live with the wonder of a child

Pray with your arms thrown open wide

Love with a love that has no end

Until I see you again.

Oh Child, precious one

With each breath know you are loved

But you say "How long 'til I can come home

Till I can rest in your arms again"

And I say "Not long don't miss this life and I"ll be waiting 'til then"

She wasn't perfect, she was just someone that knew how to love and care for those around her, that had a passion for sharing her faith, and encouraging others - she was the REAL deal. You will be missed Susannah, but never forgotten and always loved.