Even though it has been a while since I last blogged (life has been quite interesting...), I am touched every time I learn about how my blog helps other women. I have met with some deaf women via video to answer their questions about uterine/endometrial cancer or hysterectomy. One of those women was Susan. But what made Susan unique was that I already knew her. I met Susan in 2002 when I moved to San Diego. I remember she was so warm and welcoming. Moving to a new place can be challenging and I have done a lot of moving in my life. Susan's warm nature was like an open embrace to welcome me to San Diego. Over the years, we have met up with other woman walkers. At the beginning of this year, a mutual friend told me that Susan was diagnosed with breast cancer and then they found out she had ovarian cancer as well. I was happy to talk with Susan. We met via video a couple of times and talked a lot using Glide. She said she read all of my blog posts. She had many questions about undergoing the surgery to help her prepare for her full hysterectomy. While I was supporting her through the preparation and recovery, she was selfless enough to root for me to finish my Ph.D. She was ever so optimistic after her hysterectomy. I remember the day she sent me a Glide message proudly showing me the series of photos that Laura Harvey had taken of her fingerspelling cancer in American Sign Language. The letter C was shaped with an extended middle finger to represent "fuck cancer." We bonded over those photos and agreed... yes. Fuck cancer. She was hopeful.
I was so heartbroken to learn that she passed away last Saturday. I struggled on Saturday evening after learning of her passing. "Why? Why?! Why take this amazing person from this earth?!" With the current trying times, this world needs someone as sweet as her to lighten up things.
Susan, your soul will still shine on. Thank you for allowing me to be a resource for you. Until we meet again someday... hugs.
