Cindy's Eulogy from Susan's memorial

For everyone who couldn't physically be there, but was there in spirit.

I’m Cindy, Susan’s oldest niece. I am here to tell you about my Aunt’s life. When writing my eulogy, I thought about all the things that I could say, when she was born, where she was born, where she went to school, but then I thought……are these tidbits of facts the best way to describe her life? If you want to know when she was born or when she passed away, the dates are on the program in front of you. What’s more important than the dates, is the small tiny line written in between them. This small line holds a great deal of significance. It represents the time that she was given.

When I look around this room, I see her life before me. Each one of you that is seated here as well as all those who have had her in their prayers are her life. You are the small line in between the dates. You don’t need me to tell you about Susan, your heart already knows who she is. The special memories that you have all shared with her, privately or as a group are gifts that she has given to each of you. She spent her life giving of herself, forging new friendships everywhere she went, accepting people for who they are, and all the while, living with the faith that God had a plan for her. His plan was for her to spread his word, not just by praying or attending service, but by living by his word. She gave of herself to all those she met. She never tried to push her religion on others, but was ready to teach when one asked to be taught.

Her life was about people, the people she met, the people she helped, the people and animals she loved, the people she will miss, and those who will miss her. You can choose to keep the gift of her memory private or you can share them with each other so that they live on. I learn more and more about her life everyday, because people have shared their memories with me. Her life can’t be summed up by dates and tidbits of facts. Her life was about all of you. A few days before she passed, I asked her a question…..Do you know how much you are loved by all and she answer yes I do. So for any of you who feel like you didn’t get to say your goodbyes and tell her how you felt, don’t worry, she already knew.

We all agree on one thing, quality of life far outweighs the quantity. I asked if she felt that she had achieved what she wanted in life and she said yes. Then I told her, God must be ready for you. You have achieved in your lifetime, what many may never achieve in 100 years. You have come full circle and know where you are going.
On the day she passed, there was a passage written on a calendar beside her bed. This calendar was given to her as words of encouragement for each day. On June 20th, the passage was from Colossians 3:2-4, and it read

“ Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.”

Some may say that it was a strange coincidence that this was the passage for that day, instead I believe it was a validation that her life was based on God’s will. It was written on the calendar that God would choose this day for her, and so she followed him with all her faith.

To end, I chose a poem that I think really express my aunt’s wishes:
"The Final Flight"

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free,
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard his call,
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I’ve found that peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My Life’s been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch,

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.

So in memory of Auntie Susan, I repeat her favorite line, if I don’t see you here, I’ll see you in the air.