I’m 28 now, and I like to look up former teachers from time to time and see how they’re doing. I had a split classroom shared with Ms Larson, so while she wasn’t technically my teacher, I was taught by her often when we would merge classes, and she often did one of my favorite subjects with us, English/Spelling tests. I loved hearing about all her travels, and she was such a kind, warm hearted person. One of my favorite teachers I’ve ever had the pleasure of being a student of. I’m so sad to hear she passed, and I send love to all her friends and family. She was a wonderful, passionate teacher and left a lasting impact on me, and I’m sure many other kids as well. May she rest in peace. 

Suey once told me that she couldn’t wait to retire to Florida so her and Rajeev could buy a house and live in the same state with Bob & myself.   Two years ago Kirtie, Georgia, Patty and myself made her dream come true… we all left a piece of my younger sister in the waters of Lighthouse  Beach on Sanibel Island.  My younger sister is always with me on a Florida beach where she loved to sit and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the ocean. And if a close my eyes when I am in the Gulf waters, I can feel my spine tingle, letting me know that my sister , Suey is with me and at peace…. I will always love you dear Suey

Click link to see highlights:
Silver Strand Elementary School Garden Dedication

I've shared my story about Susan and our 35 year friendship.  In going through my life journey, I find so many little things that relate to our conversations and situations together.  I've often been excited to share some of them with her, and then I realize she is no longer with us, but certainly in spirit.

Last month I was in Playa del Carmen, Mexico and the owner of where I stayed knew the owner of the school we taught at  in 1992.  That school was such a crazy, drama in our lives, that I became so excited and couldn't wait to tell Susan about one more thing related to that loco job we had!  I suddenly realized she was with me in spirit.

Just before Susan passed, she told me about investing online.  I finally did it.  I so wanted to let her know I followed her advice.  But I could only say a prayer that she is with me, guiding me.  I remember our conversation, as though it was yesterday.

I bought a condo in Miami this week.  Susan always recommended Redfin Realtors.  I took her advice on that one too, and it has been a wonderful experience.  I want to share all of that with her, and I do in her spirit.

I'm in Miami now, wanting to remember our trip we made to her uncle's condo, sometime in the 90's.  I remember we went to a crocodile refuge and I bent down to take a good look at the crocs mouth (speech pathologist!) and Susan just freaked out.  I can still hear her voice.

Just before Christmas a year ago I had a gathering at my condo before going to the Pet Parade on Fifth Ave and Susan (as always) brought me a little gift.  I had my tree and my coffee table decorated with all her gifts from all the years.  Even she didn't remember all of them!

I look forward to going back to San Diego soon and reuniting with some friends connected with Susan.  I know she is smiling down on us for all we shared.  And how could she leave without showing me my debut on Judge Judy that she taped for me?!  Well, I guess Rajeev will have to do the honors!

I’m attaching the card I never got to send.

This is a quote Susan wrote on the first page of her journal. I say this to myself when the sadness of missing her overcomes me. It puts a smile on my face and I become grateful for having had Susan be such a important part of my life.

Thank-you God and Barbara Larson for putting Susan on this earth and allowing me to be her husband and life partner. The amazing memories we created and shared together give me strength to move along.

One of our fav songs we play for each other.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9u3c65LHIY

By Plain White T's, 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4
Give me more loving than I've ever had
Make me feel better when I'm feeling sad
Tell me I'm special even though I know I'm not
Make me feel good when I hurt so bad
Barely getting mad
I'm so glad I found you
I love being around you
You make it easy
It's easy as 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4
There's only one thing
To Do
Three words
For you
(I love you) I love you
There's only one way
To say
Those three words
That's what I'll do
(I love you) I love you
Give me more loving from the very start
Piece me back together when I fall apart
Tell me things you never even tell your closest friends
Make me feel good when I hurt so bad
Best that I've had
I'm so glad I found you
I love being around you
You make it easy
It's easy as 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4
There's only one thing
To Do
Three words
For you
(I love you) I love you
There's only one way
To say
Those three words
That's what I'll do
(I love you) I love you
(I love you) I love you
You make it easy
It's easy as 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4
There's only one thing
To Do
Three words
For you
(I love you) I love you
There's only one way
To say
Those three words
That's what I'll do
(I love you) I love you
(I love you) I love you
1, 2, 3, 4
I love you
Rajeev Jain (devoted and loving husband)

Christmas Eve in India by the Ganges River 

Susan and I left on a trip to Mexico from San DIego.  She was always well organized and knew exactly what she wanted to see and do, and I was happy to follow!  I remember she took me out into the hills of Oaxaca bike riding.  Susan fell a few times but a not matter;  she just got up and kept going.  

After our ride, we went to various vendors' shops.  (Susan's home is full of remembrances of her many trips.)  This time, she saw an adorable hand painted child's chair.  I couldn't imagine her bringing that home!  How?!  Well, don't ask me how, but she managed to bring it on the plane with her!

Every time I saw that chair at her house, I had to smile.  Knowing Susan for 30 years, it was no surprise to see her demonstrate her constant tenacity for Life, once again!

I met Susan in 2001 in San Diego through our mutual friend Paula. The three of us had a lot in common since we were all teachers still early on in our careers and each of us had just returned from studying, traveling or teaching in Mexico or Guatemala. We all loved the Latin American culture, food, music and men- so we had a lot to talk about! Having just moved here, Susan was living in a hostel in Little Italy and getting around using public bus transportation which is no easy feat in San Diego. But she persisted and eventually found a permanent teaching job and a more comfortable place to live. As we all got busy with our careers, we lost touch for a few years, and by the time we reconnected, Susan had married her amazing husband, Rajeev and continued traveling the world with him.

The three of us girls would occasionally meet after a long teaching day to catch up for dinner at one of the various ethnic restaurants Susan loved to experience. If it wasn’t for her, I would not have known about all the hidden gems – Pokez for Mexican, Sushi Deli for Asian, Aladdin for Mediterranean. She taught me so much about food along with many other things like art, hot yoga, homemade essential oils, investing for retirement. Susan was very knowledgeable and well versed about so many topics and current events, so when I needed information about something, I knew I could reliably reach out to her and get the honest, accurate scoop.

Susan truly loved helping other people. Her sincere kindness, abundant generosity, selfless caring was contagious, and a perfect example for all the generations of children she taught.

I am missing my dear friend beyond measure. It was a blessing for me to have been part of her life and in my heart she will always be.

I had the great privilege of traveling with Susan, Rajeev, Kirsten and Jaci to Peru in 2009.  I went into this trip knowing this was going to be another travel inspiration.

We did a 3-day hiking tour around Machu Picchu, camped, saw ruins, and learned about the life of the Incas.

The hiking was very challenging and it was important to maintain a strong and positive mental attitude. Susan was "my rock" and a determined and positive force that would push me to keep forging forward along the trek amidst any breakdowns or doubts. 

She was so incredible and so caring of others.  She wanted to experience this amazing trek with all of us together, in unity!  Alas, we arrived, and as the fog lifted from the mountains that morning, we were all at peace! ❤

I was over the moon, thrilled, and extremely excited when Susan invited me to venture to Senegal and travel to Bonconto Village where Kirsten served as a Peace Corps volunteer. This was an especially culturally and enriching trip and I am forever grateful that I had I had the privilege of sharing this memory with Susan and Kirsten. 

Susan was right by my side as we experienced this amazing journey of love, family spirit, resourcefulness, and living happily and simply with less.  I truly learned the art of humility.  

On this trip my luggage was delayed from NYC and did not arrive to Senegal on time.  We had a 10 hour drive to the village and I had to deal with the luggage situation later.  Susan always had a solution to any problem and loaned me her clothes to wear for several days.  She proceeded to give me her African pants trousers which I wore for several days.  Our running joke was that I had to wear these "clown pants" until my luggage arrived. She quickly took my mind off of the situation, brought the situation to a positive light, and totally made me laugh! The rest of our trip was so incredible and I will forever cherish this memory.

Susan wanted to have a destination wedding. In her usual fashion Susan did her research and decided for us to get married in San Pedro town.

San Pedro Town is in the south part of Ambergris Caye, in northern Belize. Its sandy streets are lined with wooden houses, seafood restaurants and beach bars. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a channel in an offshore reef. It features dive sites with parrotfish and moray eels, plus nurse sharks and stingrays at Shark Ray Alley. To the north, Bacalar Chico National Park protects wildlife and the Chac Balam Mayan ruins.