Oriole Camping Ground, Conconully, Eastern Washington, August 16, 2009




Dearest Susan, wife of Ben, Mother of Benjamin and Kat, Nana of Eowyn and Coco, sister of Carol and Jack, friend of Betty & Dave, Darcy & Rick, Jane & Jack, Joe, Jim & me,

We love you. We have loved your body - your blue eyes, filled with mischief and delight. Your lips, kissing us, speaking to us, eating chocolate. Your voice, sometimes excited, sometimes soft, occasionally stern. Your songs. Your hands, stroking baby's soft head, scrubbing counters so clean, writing forwards, writing backwards, writing words of kindness and love and honesty and acceptance. Words from the Bible, reflecting Jesus, whom you love. Your arms, hugging us, lifting up baby Benjamin and baby Kat and baby Eowyn and baby Coco. Your nose, smelling the pretty flowers in your garden, sensing the beauty and the wonder in the world. Your ears, listening to us. your heart, loving us, forgiving us, trusting us, hoping for us. Your face, frowning, lighting up, laughing, caring, loving. Your big toe, which you said Jesus pulled, and said, "Are you coming home soon?" Your body in pain and weakened by cancer. Your blue eyes, looking at each of us with love.

We hold these ashes in our hands, the ashes of your beautiful body. We sprinkle them here in Conconully, where we have shared wonderful camping adventures with you. We give thanks for your life, and the many ways you have given your body for us, giving life and birth to Benjamin and Kat, caring for each of us.

I read words from Sue's favourite book, the Bible. "He will swallow up death forever. And the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces" Isaiah 25: 8

"Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting?" 1 Corinthians 15:54-55

Jesus' speech reminds us of Sue's love for Jesus and appreciation of his acceptance of her. Jesus said, "Everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day." John 5:40

Comments

Seren said…
What a wonderful tribute. Sue was so loving and gentle with me when she stayed in Port Macquarie, and I was so unwell.

xx
Thu Aug 20, 11:22:00 am AEST
gretta at lothlorien said…
A beautiful tribute, Meggs. Much love, Mum
Fri Aug 21, 09:15:00 am AEST
Anonymous said…
Meges, that was so beautiful.

Kate
Sun Oct 11, 11:34:00 am AEDT
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