Meet Sue

Have you ever wanted to just pack your bags and run away because it is all too hard? This is how I feel today. I seem to be in a season of seeing the true character of others revealed and it gets ugly. People whom I have held in high regard have shocked me with their unquenchable desire for what one old fellow told me, “The Two G’s” (The Gold and the Glory). He said “That is the true test of character, my love. When you are confronted with the two G’s, your essence will be revealed”. Today I watched this unfold before my eyes in utter disbelief as people I held in high regard chose “The Gold & The Glory” over friendship, integrity and the greater good of a community.

Now meet Sue. Sue gives our funeral home a call “Can you come and meet with me to discuss my funeral arrangements?”

I say, “Sure. When would you like me to pop out to see you?”

“Yesterday would have been good.” Is her reply. I am silent for a moment as I am not sure how to respond. She laughs, “As soon as you can. I’m not supposed to be here you know” It’s very hard to understand Sue over the phone as her speech is slurred. I have to ask her to repeat things a number of times. I manage to finally understand her and write down her details, hop into the car and off I drive. It’s nice to get out on the road, clear my thoughts and do what I love to do.

I finally make it to the Mt Gravatt Nursing Home and am escorted into the courtyard by the nurse. I meet Sue in person. I am shocked by what the cancer had done to her body, but I hide it well. It is a shear miracle that this young 55 year old woman is able to spend time with me. Although her outer appearance is ravaged by this dreadful disease, her inner spirit is fully vibrant.

Sue is a real character. She has the most amazing nails painted fluoro orange and pink. They are stunning and this afternoon she is getting her hair dyed to make a statement. She certainly has not lost her sense of humour. Sue’s wheelie walker has a plaque on it “My name is Fred” and something along the lines of “Don’t ignore me, you are welcome to sit done and have a chat with Sue and I”

Sue is also a very orgnanised lady not wanting to leave anything unfinished before she passes. She has made sure all her funeral requests will be fulfilled including the music, where the service will be held, what photo is to go on her coffin and how her makeup and hair needs to be done. She is a woman who knows what she wants.

Sue has outlived her oncologists’ expectations. Her days are short here on earth. Her body, her speech and her limbs are failing. Yet – I am sitting with Sue in conversation. Sue has some crocheted squares she had been working on. I ask her “Sue, what are you making?” She replies, “I am making blankets for the Beaudesert Hospital. You know, the beds in there are very boring and the patients need bright colored blankets to cheer them up. I’ve nearly finished four. It’s taking a bit longer than I hoped as I only have one good arm now. The other won’t work.”

I want to cry. It takes every part of my strength to hold back the tears of what I am witnessing. This selfless act of kindness overwhelms me. Yes, I am in a season of seeing the true character of others. Sue’s true character has been revealed to me and the only word I know to describe the essence of Sue is “Beauty”.

For years to come, long after Sue has departed this earth, the patients at Beaudesert Hospital will be able to enjoy the essence of a truly remarkable and selfless woman. They will immerse in that little bit of brightness that Sue will bring to their day through her colourful crocheted blankets.

My friends, meet Sue. God Bless You Sue.