As I have been contemplating what to write on this 50th Birthday Blog, my head has been flooded with so many of Sue’s positive accomplishments and influences…that it’s been a bit of a task trying to drill them down to just a couple of paragraphs. I think the most important thing I would like to relay to friends and family of Sue is her natural ability to help people “find their way” in life. I’m sure that the people Sue has touched through her police work; hospital volunteering; teaching; mentoring; managing; loyal long term friendships; and faith related work would agree that having Sue in their life has been a blessing. Well, maybe not some of the police work…but all the rest.
Sue and I met in 1984 when I came to work at Midwest Pacific. Back then she was known as SueB (as in “See SueBGo”). Although I’m a tad bit older than she…we connected and much to my delight continued our friendship through the years. As usual, Sue was in a leadership role at Midwest. In those days she was also enjoying the pleasures of youth and testing her skills at having fun. But her ability to help people still managed to make it through fog of fun.
I would like to share one of my favorite memories from our time together at Midwest. It was also one of Sue’s birthdays. The staff pooled their funds and gave Sue a balloon ride and a “red baron” helmet and scarf for her birthday. She wore that silly helmet and scarf a good part of the day. The reason this is such a marvelous memory is because she allowed her co-workers to enjoy the day with her and each one of us was happy to join in and celebrate. It was a place of employment like no other… with a combination of laughter, learning and a natural personal connection between the co-workers. Sue was a pivotal part of the making Midwest a “working family” environment. There were many, many more fun times at Midwest…much too numerous to write on this birthday message.
While at Midwest, Sue influenced my personal growth. She nurtured and developed the natural skills in me that illness and life had suppressed. She helped built my confidence and assisted me with finding my true career path. I consider her the best manager I have ever had and use the skills she helped me obtain in my own management style today.
Now a days we get together a couple of times a year, go to movies, exchange life’s philosophy (mostly me), attend at least one baseball game at Safeco field and give emotionally support when needed. I thank God for friends like Sue.
Sue has “made a difference” in this world...and on this mild stone birthday… Sue… my wish for you is that the results of your love, support, mentorship and kindness given to others is returned to you ten fold throughout the rest of your life.
Happy Birthday and much love,
Kathi
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