News from Africa, Arkansas and Anywhere I happen to be at the moment

Follow me as I "Celebrate the Journey" of my life: Recently in Kisoro Uganda,for three years as a medical missionary(Lay Mission Helper-www.laymissionhelper.org) working with those infected and affected with HIV-AIDS, Public Health and babies at risk. Presently,in Arkansas awaiting my next "Call" to service.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Scatter Random Seeds of Kindness

When Sue was on a last holiday with her family, they asked her if there was anyone she wished to see and she said "Yes, I want to see and talk with Marie" Her wonderful children Jason and Onne asked where I was and I can imagine they were somewhat surprised that I lived in Uganda. But, without hesitation, they offered to pay my airfare to come to the States to be with their Mom. I was blessed to spend several of Sue's last earthly days talking and mostly "listening" to her processing the life she had lived and anticipating the one yet to come. Never have I seen anyone so at peace: sad to be leaving her family but accepting that this was indeed her time to leave her body and join all those who continued their life in spirit.
In this photo, I have just arrived in San Jose from my travels from Uganda--a Reunion I will always cherish. Thank you Jason and Onne for making it possible and thank you Kim, for inviting me into your home and your life at such a holy time.
Sue and I met some 33 years ago when we both worked at Sunshine Acres Childrens Home in Mesa, Arizona.(Yes, only a year ago I lost another dear friend--Teresa Wilson--who I met at the same time at the very same place.(Read Blog entitled "Teresa-Woman of Miracles" Nov 2008)



Sue was a houseparent, with two beautiful young children *Jason and Onne ,and I was the nurse for all the children at the home . Though she moved to California in a short time after we met, we maintained a close , albeit long -distance friendship .
I have always (long before Sue's illness) known how fotunate I was to have Sue as a friend and when she came to Arkansas to help "Celebrate the Journey" of my life of 50 years, I was estactic!

*I have wonderful pictures of Sue with her children and grandchildren but they did not transfer onto this blog, as they are in a different format.


----This was taken only a little more than a week before Sue entered the Heavens

Two sites I encourage you to check out are: Sue Alexander's Animal/Lange Foundation--- http:// http://www. langefoundation.com//index/ Sue_ Alexander.html


and to watch Sue'sMemorial Service at St. Mark's Episcopal Church-Santa Clara, California
--- just request the site and I will send it to you.






----------------------------------------------------We also celebrated some 30+ years of friendship. Dec 19 2006------At my Commissioning, when I became a Missionary --Sue and friends joined me for a wonderful weekend of Celebration : from left (standing) Sue-Carol-Beverly and Mary. From left(sitting) Carolyn, Marie, Marilyn and Cynthia



I end this Blog with the last section of a thank you note that kim, Sue's Partner for the last 10 years wrote.This is what she wrote to God: ---------------------------Kim and Sue ----2009


"And last but not least; God---I would have every right to be angry with You, but I am not. Sue was never angry about having Cancer, tubes hanging out of her or giving up solid food.She took everything you gave her with Grace. She rolled with the punches and would expect me to do the same, so I am not mad at You.


I thank you for giving her to us, no matter how brief. If I were you God, and I had made with my own bare hands a perfect specimen of joy, goodness and love and then loaned her out for 58 years, I'd want her back too. I don't blame you for taking her back , if I had the power I would do the same.


Thank you for creating her and blessing us with her company. I am so grateful for every second I shared with her. I know she is in good hands with You until I see her again.

Thank you all again for everything---I love you and wish you peace."

-----------Kim--------