“There are no words,” was the most common refrain for these last months since Sue died. And yet there are words that I should say. First is that I loved Sue very much and that her death was much too soon. Although she understood the dangers of her condition, Sue had been hoping and there was no reason not to hope for another decade or more. Now at the end of the year as the papers and television programs go through the list of those who died in 2017, I have been reminded how much I depended on her. I may have been her caregiver, but she returned that care and more for the fifteen years we knew each other.
I have not reached out as much as I have wanted to, but I do plan to. And many thanks to those who have made the effort. I am trying to move in a positive direction as the world moves on, from 2017 with Sue to 2018 without her. This year the main conference on leukemia announced new and better treatments. Money that was raised in Sue’s name is going to help with further research and aid to patients. Sue’s doctor who spoke at her memorial is continuing with efforts to help other patients using what we learned in caring for Sue.
Sue’s family, friends and colleagues have all expressed very heartfelt loss. I remember when I had to tell Sue that her cousin had died tragically young. I remember her grieving. Grief is heavy, but memory of a good and loving person is also a strength.
Our loss is massive. She gave so much, she was so kind, she made everyone feel better she ever met. I am hoping that we take that love and use it in our own lives. And spread that love and caring to others. And know that a healthy society has a responsibility to make sure that everyone is given the best medical care or we are all made more vulnerable. Without Sue, many others likely would not have survived. That is a great gift she has given us. Let every person who falls ill, be given a chance to also make that gift to society. And then, with love, we can have a happy 2018 and many more years of life.
Love,
Daniel