Adam,

My prayers are with you at the difficult loss of your mom. Although she prepared all of us for this, I'm sure it comes with some emotion (which I know she would be rolling her eyes at me now for saying that). I am so thankful you have friends to lean on through this and know that you have family here for you as well. I am thankful I had the pleasure of spending several days with her when she was well enough to travel. She was a little hesitant at first when I asked her what was on her "bucket list" before the end of one journey and beginning of another, but I was very glad she took me up on my offer to fulfill a couple of those. One was to spend time with my mom and dad and the other I surprised her by going to Pennsylvania Amish Country (see pictures). However, I was only allowed to take her if I promised not to get all nostalgic on her or talk about the inevitable future. We had our typical laughs and frustrations over this, but that was very typical of a relationship with Susie! My remembrances will be that when I needed her, she was always there with a note, a call, or to 'take over' when I literally needed an extra hand for a child's birthday party, after surgery on my shoulder. I never had to ask - she just came and was right beside me and never wanted too much fuss made over these actions. Always know she will be right beside you too - and you won't need to ask.

Noreen Bischoping Crouse (and Alan too)