I set this post up a few days ago as a pre-set mid-month reminder. Then I came back today (6/14) to edit with an addition as I learned the sad news that one of our fellow crusaders took her last breath. With a heavy heart I pass along the awareness to you as I'm sure many of you count her as a friend, and know that She Matters.
I first met Sue Pieper online - years and years ago, before blogs, before facebook. We hit it off, the way you do through typed words in emails and forums, occasional calls, similar humor, and shared interests. I was a lucky girl to meet her in person twice - and she was the real thing - warm, funny, sweet, and a fireball of enthusiasm. She made collages, assemblages, paintings and jewelry, and much more as she was a curious soul and loved to be making stuff. She joined us in several crusades....and even got her husband Gary to participate. In No. 12 we learned she had a crush on Prince and loved being near the water. In No. 16 she actually journaled *faints*. For No. 18 Sue and Gary both carved stamps for the first time. And for No. 19 they both took on stencil cutting and spray paint. For No. 22 & 24 she reminds us to pay-it-forward by giving blood, and takes on writing her private final wishes when she faced surgery a few years ago. She was a prize fighter when it came to health issues - but met the challenges with grace. I love that she shared how thrilled she was to snap a photo of a crow (in the last link). I will consider the crow my Sue-sign and will give her a wave whenever I see one. Join me in blowing kisses to the sky.