Raquel Shanks-Lee
I remember when I met Susan, I do not remember my age, but believe me, I was much much younger! Anyway, she and Kenneth, my and Mary (Beth's) biological father was at my great-grandma's house. She was introduced to me as Kenneth's girlfriend. Then when they told me they were getting married, again, it was at my great-grandms's house. I remember asking her if I stll supposed to call her Susan or Mom since she was hoing to be my stepmom, her answer was nothing but a Susan answer, she said. "In the words of your Grandpa, "I don't care what you call as long as you don't call me late gor dunner"" Then she said, "No, seriously, you can call me whatever makes you comfortable!" Once again, I was at my grest-grandma's house when I found out she was pregnant with Beth! I was so excited, I told her I wanted a Sister as I already had two brothers. When the day came fir me to meet Beth, I was at my grandparents house. Susan always made sure that while Beth and I were growing up that I could see Beth as much as possible! Even after she and Kenneth divorced, she made sure that Beth and I could see each other. Even after I grew up and went into the Navy, as I am 14 years older than Beth, she made sure I could see Beth whenever I came home on leave! In fact, anytime there was something significant in my life, graduation, baby showers, my first wedding, she made sure Beth was there to celebrate with me! I greatly appreciated that about Susan, I loved her deeply and I will miss her greatly! I am so glad she found happiness with Bill, and Bill loves my Sister and my niece and nephews like his own, same as the man I call "Daddy" loves me and mine as his own! I sm so glad Bill and Susan raised my Sister to me the woman she today, and I am so grateful and will be forever for Susan for allowing Beth to be in my life as she didn't have to after she and Kenneth divorced! Susan was special to me in my younger days and I regret not staying in touch with her after I got older! Never take for granted people in your life that you think will be around for a long time and you will fo it "tomorrow!" Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today! I miss you Susan and my love and condolences go out to all her Family and Friends! Have a Blessed Day and keep the home fireside burning for all of us who are left down here, Raquel R. Shanks-Lee
