Thursday May 5, 2011 Eulogy presented at Mass for Susan Szczepanski: Since the very beginning of SueA¢??s journey over two years ago, IA¢??ve wanted to tell everyone about her. About her courage, her pain, her faith in God and the example she set for us to follow. IA¢??ve wanted to tell everyone about what an incredible person she is. How positive she was and determined to live her life, not in fear of what was before her, but to live it to the fullest, despite her fears. To challenge and push herself and, all of us, to BELIEVE. To believe that a cure was possible, or if not, that it was okay that she was going home to God. As I sat down last night to write some notes about what IA¢??d say today, I was really at a loss for the right words to capture what was so special about Sue. About what made her a truly unique human being, and about what made her so special to her family, her friends and so many others. She played so many roles in this life to the best of her ability. I just couldnA¢??t find the right story or words to show how gentle she was, how strong and determined she was or how thoughtful she was for everyone but herself. IA¢??m not often at a loss for words, but itA¢??s so difficult to describe the selflessness of Sue and the love each of us had for her. She was so genuine, so focused on others, and so undeniably positive and determined. She wanted the best for her children and her family. She was fun to be with and NEVER took herself, and anyone else, too seriously. She could laugh at lifeA¢?A¦ even in the wake of death. Sue would never give upA¢??not for herself, but because she wanted to be with her family as much as she could. She was really at peace with returning to God and even when we learned that her time with us was nearing the end, she showed us how to face fear with courage. Sue showed us all how to challenge your spirit to be more than you can be. To the very end, Sue was focused not on herself, but on the rest of us. ThatA¢??s the way she lived her life and showed us all how to live it gracefully and with dignity. ItA¢??s said that God is present in all of us. I know that God lived in Sue and We have all felt His presence through her. I know the sadness we are feeling inside is the loss of the presence of God. But I also know that we will be with Sue again one day in Heaven. IA¢??m comforted by the firm belief that sheA¢??s at home in Heaven and no longer in pain. She struggled for so long never complaining onceA¢?A¦ and now sheA¢??s at peace. I know if Sue were here with us now, she would want to say how much she appreciated all the love and support you have have shown her especially over the last year. Sue knew that God was working through all of you to give her the grace and strength to face her battle. I know Sue is alive in all of us and I know that sheA¢??ll be present in all that we do. We will all miss her dearly while we continue on our journey through life, but be comforted by the belief that if you just look hard enough, You will be able to see her in all of us now. Farewell Suzie Q, Blessed are YOU, the pure of heart, for today you shall see God. May you Rest in Peace. Love Always, Your cousin, Pamela Jane