SUSAN...

I didn't know Susan or even know of Susan when I received a mass email saying she needed help in 2006. I learned that she was my age and had suffered a catastrophic brainstem stroke a few years before, shortly after she got married. Her stroke left her a quadriplegic, legally blind, and with trouble with her breath support making speaking difficult for her. All I could think at that time was that my job would be okay with me helping her out once a week and that I was lucky not to be in her position yet but would likely be in a wheelchair myself at some point. So, I was happy to help and little did I know my chair was only a few years away, in 2010.


Well this probably sounds like a depressing undertaking but nothing could be further from the truth. To say that Susan is a trooper is a gross understatement. She has an amazing never give up attitude. I took her to PT and OT each week and watched her really struggle and work to improve. I was blown away by her attitude and fortitude. I also took her to her weekly appointments with her Chinese Medicine doctor, Mr. Wong. Susan is willing to try anything and everything that might help and she did it all with this amazing positive outlook. We had a great time together which was made better by the fact that we like the same music and have basically the same sense of humor. We laughed all the time...like constantly. As my MS started to progress, I had to stop working for her. It just started to feel dangerous when we were doing transfers. I consider her one of my very best friends. When I emailed her to tell her I was in a wheelchair too, she responded, "well welcome to crotch level." I love her and feel like there is SO much more I want to say. Ultimately, spending time with Susan taught me it could be a lot worse so I better just start bucking up now because if she could do it at least I could try my best to do the same, no matter what. I have more to say but for now, we'll just call this Susan Part 1. Love you Su!