Dear Tracy, 

It’s #mommymusemonday! 

This week, I’d like to talk about the wife of one of my dad’s mentors and father figure: Susie. 

A quiet warrior in this life, one would never suspect the battles she has faced. An Army wife, a mother to a genuine confirmed Catholic miracle, and a friend to all…she inspires me every single day. 

Susie, regardless of her height, is like an oak tree who invites all she loves to rest in her shade, in her love.

Her son came home one day with my father and opened her heart to that gangly kid and loved him like her own. A love I knew how to give your sons, Tracy, because she led me by example.

My extended family has a tendency to play favorites. It should come as no surprise that I was not the favorite, but it wasn’t something I could understand the ‘why’ of growing up. You don’t think kids will notice, but we do. And we see you when you turn around and treat our children the same way. I have always felt that lack of love, but I do not feel its loss because of Susie. 

Susie opened her arms and loved me. 

Just loved me without conditions and without expectations. Just loved me with so much pure love. Her heart taught mine that family isn’t biological. It’s love. 

And then 30 years later turned around and loved my son just as deeply so he will never feel that loss either. I’m sobbing as I write this, because I feel as if I’m failing to note how important this woman is to me. How fundamentally important she is to the woman I am now. Her love has been a constant anchor in my life that has often felt so turbulent. Her front porch a welcoming sanctuary away from those who didn’t understand a bookish teenager with braces. Her kitchen an endless fountain of empathy and sweet ice tea. Her arms, her home, her heart has always been open and taught me by example to keep mine open as well. 

Army wife to Army wife, she empathizes with the trials of being alone for months at a time. What it means to teach your son to be a good man when your husband is away defending our country and freedoms. What it means to eat dinner alone. What it means to seek grace and gratitude in the washing of a dish after feeding your family together after months apart.  

So, this week…I’d like to recognize and thank my dear friend for her continuity and love that was born the day I was. I love you, Susie. Thank you.

Love,

Jess