Remembering Susan at Mother's Day by Melinda Matthews

As Mother’s Day is upon us it is with a heavy heart, tears in my eyes, and great sorrow that I think of a woman who I absolutely loved and adored. At the same time, when I think of Susan, a broad smile emerges and I find myself chuckling. I enjoyed every moment I spent with her. I know Mother’s Day and many other days that follow will elicit these emotions, especially for my dear dear friend Jennifer and her sisters Wendy and Karen.

From the start, as a teenager, Susan warmly welcomed into the family. Swimming in the pool, tagging along to antique shows or museums all were punctuated by a culinary experience. Each restaurant was carefully curated by Susan (a trait that has surely been passed down to her daughters). Christmas was always an especially magical time at the Clickner household. Every nook and cranny stunningly decorated; transforming the house into a winter wonderland. Another ritual bestowed upon her daughters to live on in perpetuity.

However some of my most memorable and fond moments with Susan were the simple things. Her amazing facial expressions, she could communicate so much with very few words. Her warmth, sense of humor, laugh and the twinkle in her eye. Her astonishing memory, knowledge, curiosity and interests. Her lists....oh the legendary lists! Restaurants, arts, places of interests were meticulously procured often producing weekend and summer schedules that would exhaust even the most energetic among us.

Over the years there are so many so many wonderful memories that I treasure, not the least of which was helping me choose my wedding dress. I commemorate my friendship with Susan as she did for Jennifer and I every year. She will live on in my heart forever.