Late as ever. I love your memorial to Susie. It brought back so many things that I’m quite overwhelmed by it. I was writing a response to a poem of Li Po’s when I read it and was reminded of a letter I sent her while she was in California in which, amidst all sorts of opinion bluster intellectual posturing politics Peterheid gossip and books and music and poetry, I wrote a couple of pages raving about the compact resonance that is Li Po’s poetry (whom I’d just discovered). I was delighted she enjoyed him too. So here’s my version which seemed appropriate to me and I hope to you
I celebrate Susie through your love and respect for her. Through your beautiful living words for her. LOVE the sound of her. Love to you and family. To life. x
I was remembering the Bridge Street flat. And parties at Lathocker. And the wolf-whistling men campaign.
Not to mention the ridiculous issues leading to weekly tinned custard (oh, sorry I just did mention it)
She was an educator to us all - pointing out truths which were new to us then, absolutely obvious to us now. And not just her voice - she had an lovely laugh too. Her spirit lives on within us.
You are an amazing educator too, though. I remember a confused young me asking and receiving your counsel as an older and wiser (at least a year older) in the Whey Pat, I think it was. Important to me at the time - but you'll have forgotten it by now! Love to see you in Inverness sometime.
It’s incredible how much of a positive impact Susie made on the world, during her relatively short life, that was so tragically cut short. I especially love that she was a great “shake em upper”, and for all the right reasons. Her principles and creativity live on through you and her beautiful daughters, Jo.
Dear Jo, What a magical tribute to Susie. Thank you. A celebration of a wonderful and gifted friend, and of a particular span of time that shaped us in ways it is easy to forget. The last time I saw her, in hospital, she was bemoaning the fact that she couldn’t eat chocolate (because of what it did to her digestion) when it should have been a time to have just what she wanted - she could see the silly side of things right to the end. Much love to you, Helen
Thank you so much for that Jo. As I read your piece I can hear Susie's voice so clearly in my ear. She was a mentor to so many of us in so many ways. Thank you.
This is so beautiful. I never met her but feel that I have now . Thank you x
This taught me so much about her, I loved it and I love you. I’m so, so lucky to have been raised by you both xxxx
Late as ever. I love your memorial to Susie. It brought back so many things that I’m quite overwhelmed by it. I was writing a response to a poem of Li Po’s when I read it and was reminded of a letter I sent her while she was in California in which, amidst all sorts of opinion bluster intellectual posturing politics Peterheid gossip and books and music and poetry, I wrote a couple of pages raving about the compact resonance that is Li Po’s poetry (whom I’d just discovered). I was delighted she enjoyed him too. So here’s my version which seemed appropriate to me and I hope to you
For Susie
Efter Li Po
Fae some gate en bit nae richt near at han
a han is pluckin oot a melody
that owerhings the roch souch o the win,
the shingelt soum o sea, baith wheeshtit
by its jingelt voice at’s fleein hine abeen
syne threidit aa throw eenanither files
I’m mindit by iss midnicht sang o livin
in easyoasy bluesy simmer’s time
that fashes me wi thochts o gerdens tint
an left ahin lang syne by me. An you …
To life, Jo. To life.
I celebrate Susie through your love and respect for her. Through your beautiful living words for her. LOVE the sound of her. Love to you and family. To life. x
I was remembering the Bridge Street flat. And parties at Lathocker. And the wolf-whistling men campaign.
Not to mention the ridiculous issues leading to weekly tinned custard (oh, sorry I just did mention it)
She was an educator to us all - pointing out truths which were new to us then, absolutely obvious to us now. And not just her voice - she had an lovely laugh too. Her spirit lives on within us.
You are an amazing educator too, though. I remember a confused young me asking and receiving your counsel as an older and wiser (at least a year older) in the Whey Pat, I think it was. Important to me at the time - but you'll have forgotten it by now! Love to see you in Inverness sometime.
It’s incredible how much of a positive impact Susie made on the world, during her relatively short life, that was so tragically cut short. I especially love that she was a great “shake em upper”, and for all the right reasons. Her principles and creativity live on through you and her beautiful daughters, Jo.
Xx
This piece is deeply, deeply moving. I only met Susie once (I think) but you bring her magnificently to life. A beautiful memorial and tribute
Such a poignant and powerful tribute to a wonderful woman and a life well lived and loved. x
What an amazing tribute dear Jo!
Much love! xx
Dear Jo, What a magical tribute to Susie. Thank you. A celebration of a wonderful and gifted friend, and of a particular span of time that shaped us in ways it is easy to forget. The last time I saw her, in hospital, she was bemoaning the fact that she couldn’t eat chocolate (because of what it did to her digestion) when it should have been a time to have just what she wanted - she could see the silly side of things right to the end. Much love to you, Helen
So beautiful Jo - you have really captured her infectious love for life. Thank you
Thank you so much for that Jo. As I read your piece I can hear Susie's voice so clearly in my ear. She was a mentor to so many of us in so many ways. Thank you.
I am glad I knew her, even if not closely. And getting to reconnect with you has also reconnected me to those times. Love life and love love!
Her memory is indeed a blessing for all of us. X