I am a very lucky person.
Why?
1. I have a sister that I can count on for advice any time about anything
2. A sister I consider salt of the earth and a wonderful example of living a Christian life (Walking & living the talk)
3. A sister who sets a wonderful example of putting Real Priorities first in her life (relationships)
4. A sister who treasures friendships and is loyal to each one
5. A sister who understands the importance of being an Aunt and has repeatedly sent our girls post cards and letters once a month since they were born
6. A sister who is responsible and reliable
7. A sister who sets a great example to her other 4 siblings about living a life without focusing on material things
8. A sister who makes a teachers salary, yet donates & tithes over 25% of her earnings
9. A sister who considers the glass half full 100% of the time
10. A sister who knows who she is and thankful for how blessed she has been the past 50 years
11. A sister who believes in principles and stands up for them
12. A sister who I consider my role model and best friend.
I love you more than words can say...
Your biggest fan!
Matt
There was a story I recently read on the internet that reminded me of Sue as a teacher. The story took place years ago, but I couldn't help but think of Sue and the impact she has made on hundreds of young children. Please read this story and know that many of us would substitute in Sue's name for this math teacher in the story.
Thank you Sue for bringing a smile to my face each time we talk.
Too Busy for a Friend......
One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name.Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of theirclassmates and write it down.It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers.That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual.On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. "Really?" she heard whispered. "I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!" and, "I didn't know others liked me so much." were most of the comments.No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another. That group of students moved on.Several years later, one of the students was killed in Viet Nam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before He looked so handsome, so mature.The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin
As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to her. "Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. She nodded: "yes." Then he said: "Mark talked about you a lot."After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher."We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket. "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it."Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him."Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said. "As you can see, Mark treasured it ."All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home."Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album.""I have mine too," Marilyn said "It's in my diary."Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group "I carry this with me at all times," Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she continued: "I think we all saved our lists."That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.
Sue, this story reminds me of you and the impact you have made on your students, your friends and your family. Thank you Mom & Dad for bringing this incredible person into our lives and thank you God for allowing us to have Sue sprinkle "gold dust" on us each time we are together.
Monday, March 19, 2007
The hyphen on our gravestones
Sue,
Here I am, back at home once again from a whirlwind trip to see you. Happy 50th Sue!! We rang it in with you in true McCormick-style. This trip was worth every bit of effort. The look on your face when you quietly came upstairs from the basement after starting a load of laundry...quietly throwing something in the garbage and washing your hands...turning around but not looking up yet as you must have been in deep thought over the school papers you were grading...to look up and slowly take in the sight of Dad, Matt and I lounging on your couch and chair!! Amazingly enough, we were able to sneak in undetected with Mom's help and quietly wait for you to come back upstairs.
I will forever remember the shocked look on your face as you braced yourself in the doorway and then screamed in shock! The night just got better as we laughed and talked over dinner. Then the laughs continued in the car as we all squeezed in and blamed Matt for the blasting heat that made us wilt (I still say it was hot flashes from Mom and Dad on either side of me in the back seat!!), we teased Matt for his driving skills and then laughed all through the movie as we inhaled goodies from the snack bar.
The celebrations just got better as we were able to enjoy a special church service by Joel, see you surprised and loved by your church congregation and friends and then able to soak up those last hours with the Mason clan and a few of your friends over a long lunch. You are so loved Sue, and I am reminded once again how lucky I am to have a sister like you. You are my sister, but much more than that in so many ways. I love you dearly, and know that you've enjoyed your special day today...I don't have to say I hope you did, because I know you have. I'm glad Dad was able to stay and be with you today.
I read something recently in the obits about the dates marked on our gravestones. I believe it to be very true, especially with you Sue. It said that what matters more than the date of our birth and the date of our death is the hyphen in between. It's the space in between, the living of our lives that is what matters. It's what we do with that "hyphen". You live your life to the fullest Sue, and your touch has such a rippling effect for those around you, including the kids you teach. The blog has proven this, over and over.
Happy 50th...I love you!
Stacy
Here I am, back at home once again from a whirlwind trip to see you. Happy 50th Sue!! We rang it in with you in true McCormick-style. This trip was worth every bit of effort. The look on your face when you quietly came upstairs from the basement after starting a load of laundry...quietly throwing something in the garbage and washing your hands...turning around but not looking up yet as you must have been in deep thought over the school papers you were grading...to look up and slowly take in the sight of Dad, Matt and I lounging on your couch and chair!! Amazingly enough, we were able to sneak in undetected with Mom's help and quietly wait for you to come back upstairs.
I will forever remember the shocked look on your face as you braced yourself in the doorway and then screamed in shock! The night just got better as we laughed and talked over dinner. Then the laughs continued in the car as we all squeezed in and blamed Matt for the blasting heat that made us wilt (I still say it was hot flashes from Mom and Dad on either side of me in the back seat!!), we teased Matt for his driving skills and then laughed all through the movie as we inhaled goodies from the snack bar.
The celebrations just got better as we were able to enjoy a special church service by Joel, see you surprised and loved by your church congregation and friends and then able to soak up those last hours with the Mason clan and a few of your friends over a long lunch. You are so loved Sue, and I am reminded once again how lucky I am to have a sister like you. You are my sister, but much more than that in so many ways. I love you dearly, and know that you've enjoyed your special day today...I don't have to say I hope you did, because I know you have. I'm glad Dad was able to stay and be with you today.
I read something recently in the obits about the dates marked on our gravestones. I believe it to be very true, especially with you Sue. It said that what matters more than the date of our birth and the date of our death is the hyphen in between. It's the space in between, the living of our lives that is what matters. It's what we do with that "hyphen". You live your life to the fullest Sue, and your touch has such a rippling effect for those around you, including the kids you teach. The blog has proven this, over and over.
Happy 50th...I love you!
Stacy
The Big Day Has Arrived
Dearest Susan,
It's official, as of 10:14 am this morning you turned the big 50. Congratulations!!!!
What fun it was celebrating your special day with you, and watching you and the looks when
you were surprised by your Dad, Matthew and Stacy. It was GREAT.
The love that was shown to you by all your friends and family, as your Mother, it will be a
lasting memory for me and I know for sure, for you.
May the next fifty years be WONDERFUL, full of Laughter in your days, Hugs, Good Health,
and Joy in your Heart. Jeremiah 29: 11-13.
Susan, just know you are loved so very much and you are a blessing in my life.
XXXXXOOOOO
Mom
It's official, as of 10:14 am this morning you turned the big 50. Congratulations!!!!
What fun it was celebrating your special day with you, and watching you and the looks when
you were surprised by your Dad, Matthew and Stacy. It was GREAT.
The love that was shown to you by all your friends and family, as your Mother, it will be a
lasting memory for me and I know for sure, for you.
May the next fifty years be WONDERFUL, full of Laughter in your days, Hugs, Good Health,
and Joy in your Heart. Jeremiah 29: 11-13.
Susan, just know you are loved so very much and you are a blessing in my life.
XXXXXOOOOO
Mom
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Pictures from the surprise party!
Sue,
Two more hours of being 49...Enjoy it.
What a wonderful party today as friends and family surprised Sue with a blind folded walk into a room full of family (Masons, Hockensmiths and McCormicks) and close friends to celebrate this momentous occasion. Many tears flowed as Sue's father flew out from North Carolina and her much younger brother and sister came up from California. She even had very close friends show up from out of town. As we all know, Sue is a special person and has affected so many in attendance today. A few pictures for an update with more to come.
Love you,
Matt
Here are a few shots with more to come.
Friday, March 16, 2007
The Wallpaper For Your Bedroon
Dear Susan,
My day to send a message is really tomorrow, but since I will be with you at the spelling bee,
I'm sending it one day early.
I have so many stories of your growing up years, that I have been thinking about this month,
with your big day this next Monday the 19th. This is the one that makes me laugh, and if it
was to happen today, I would go along with your choice, but since it was my June Cleaver days,
with my wanting everything so girly girl for you, the answer was, NO!!!!!!
When you were about ten, and we were going to wallpaper your one wall in your bedroom, I
brought home book after book of wallpaper samples for you to look through and make a choice,
but each time, you would spend turning page after page, and nothing pleased you, and then one
day, I was in the kitchen and I heard you yell, MOM, I FOUND THE WALLPAPER FOR MY
BEDROOM!!!!!!
When I went upstairs to see your choice, it was, NO, NO, NO....you are not going to have the
four heads of the Beatles in black and white on your wall. After telling all your friends how
mean your Mom and Dad were not to let you have your say so, and after sulking in your room
for awhile, you finally agreed to have pink tulips with green stems.
The Beatles were just becoming popular in the United States, and with their music and long
hair, we were not quite ready for them.
I hope this has not made you go to therapy, and caused you be on a couch telling the
doctor what weird parents you had, if so, like you tell me, " it's time to let go of it."
So, my WONDERFUL DAUGHTER, just know you are so loved, and I'm so blessed to
have you in my life. Happy 50th Birthday Susan, may the next fifty years be filled with
God's blessings, Good Health, Laughter in your days, and Joy in your Heart.
I Love you,
Mom
My day to send a message is really tomorrow, but since I will be with you at the spelling bee,
I'm sending it one day early.
I have so many stories of your growing up years, that I have been thinking about this month,
with your big day this next Monday the 19th. This is the one that makes me laugh, and if it
was to happen today, I would go along with your choice, but since it was my June Cleaver days,
with my wanting everything so girly girl for you, the answer was, NO!!!!!!
When you were about ten, and we were going to wallpaper your one wall in your bedroom, I
brought home book after book of wallpaper samples for you to look through and make a choice,
but each time, you would spend turning page after page, and nothing pleased you, and then one
day, I was in the kitchen and I heard you yell, MOM, I FOUND THE WALLPAPER FOR MY
BEDROOM!!!!!!
When I went upstairs to see your choice, it was, NO, NO, NO....you are not going to have the
four heads of the Beatles in black and white on your wall. After telling all your friends how
mean your Mom and Dad were not to let you have your say so, and after sulking in your room
for awhile, you finally agreed to have pink tulips with green stems.
The Beatles were just becoming popular in the United States, and with their music and long
hair, we were not quite ready for them.
I hope this has not made you go to therapy, and caused you be on a couch telling the
doctor what weird parents you had, if so, like you tell me, " it's time to let go of it."
So, my WONDERFUL DAUGHTER, just know you are so loved, and I'm so blessed to
have you in my life. Happy 50th Birthday Susan, may the next fifty years be filled with
God's blessings, Good Health, Laughter in your days, and Joy in your Heart.
I Love you,
Mom
Thursday, March 15, 2007
The Trip to Hawaii
Hi Sue
I am sure you have tried to forget this memory but just for laughs I thought it would be a kick to share it with everyone...
This is about the time you watched Meghan and Ryan when Stacy and I went to Hawaii for a MUCH needed get-away. You were the school teacher that was SOOO excited to come down and watch the kids while your sis and I jetted away to paradise.
I clearly remember how Stacy and I were careful in telling you all the little details about the kids, what they liked and didn't and how best to survive the our departure. While you listened, you had that dismissive look about you like "I am a teacher, I get it, don't worry -- I can handle anything." Now mind you we knew that it was going to be a challenge -- given the fact the kids were sharing a room and the house was barely more than a 1000 sq feet. Tight quarters to say the least. Ryan was four and Meghan was two if memory serves me correctly.
So off Stacy and I went and left you and the kids alone. We had a blast. It was the first real break we had from the kids since their birth and couldn't have had a better time. We called a couple times and you kept making our calls shorter and shorter and you sounded more and more tired as the week crept by. But honestly, we were having such a nice time that we didn't pay much attention.
So the time came for us to return home and we flew back, relaxed and happy -- at peace. I will never forget pulling into the parking spot at our house. And as we excited the car -- the kids and you come pouring out of the house happy to see us. The kids were fine and looked in good health -- however you.... Well let's just say that you looked like you had been to war. Hair askew, the sleep deprived look in your eyes, the slumped shoulders, the shuffle. I knew. Just knew that you had not had a clue as to how hard that week was really going to be. The teacher had met her match...
Sue -- thank you for all that you do and the effort you made at that time so that Stacy and I could have a bit of peace (even if it was at your expense).
Love you lots!!!!
Happy Birthday
Michael
I am sure you have tried to forget this memory but just for laughs I thought it would be a kick to share it with everyone...
This is about the time you watched Meghan and Ryan when Stacy and I went to Hawaii for a MUCH needed get-away. You were the school teacher that was SOOO excited to come down and watch the kids while your sis and I jetted away to paradise.
I clearly remember how Stacy and I were careful in telling you all the little details about the kids, what they liked and didn't and how best to survive the our departure. While you listened, you had that dismissive look about you like "I am a teacher, I get it, don't worry -- I can handle anything." Now mind you we knew that it was going to be a challenge -- given the fact the kids were sharing a room and the house was barely more than a 1000 sq feet. Tight quarters to say the least. Ryan was four and Meghan was two if memory serves me correctly.
So off Stacy and I went and left you and the kids alone. We had a blast. It was the first real break we had from the kids since their birth and couldn't have had a better time. We called a couple times and you kept making our calls shorter and shorter and you sounded more and more tired as the week crept by. But honestly, we were having such a nice time that we didn't pay much attention.
So the time came for us to return home and we flew back, relaxed and happy -- at peace. I will never forget pulling into the parking spot at our house. And as we excited the car -- the kids and you come pouring out of the house happy to see us. The kids were fine and looked in good health -- however you.... Well let's just say that you looked like you had been to war. Hair askew, the sleep deprived look in your eyes, the slumped shoulders, the shuffle. I knew. Just knew that you had not had a clue as to how hard that week was really going to be. The teacher had met her match...
Sue -- thank you for all that you do and the effort you made at that time so that Stacy and I could have a bit of peace (even if it was at your expense).
Love you lots!!!!
Happy Birthday
Michael
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Aunt Sue! You are one of the funniest, smartest and caring people I know. I have many memories with you, from watching us for a few weeks, playing Forest Gump over and over again, to going to baseball games with you! I miss you very much and would love to be there to celebrate but unfortunately I'm told i have to actually take the finals to receive a grade in the class! Love you and happy 50th!!
Love, Kelli
Love, Kelli
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