A Funeral for a Friend

During my very few years in this life, I have had very few friends who I have been close to die. Today I attended a funeral for one of those few, Mrs. Susan Thompson Dayton. I met her about 20 years ago when her family moved into my neighborhood. She was my dance teacher, one of my Young Women counsellors, my Bishop's wife, and mother to boys who tortured me during my pre-teen and teen years.   She looked like Snow White, and was more gracious and loved than that fairy tale character could ever have been. What was remarkable about Susan was that she was always busy and always serving people. One of the speakers asked us to think of a time when she served us, individually, and then we had to tell the person next to us what that service was. Mine was that she helped me get ready for my very first dance audition. She choreographed a routine, and when I was cast she helped me be my best little 8 year old dancer self. She was a doctor's wife, a mother of five boys, the state PTA president, a member of the World Organization for Women, on multiple stake Relief Society presidencies, etc, etc... I consider her life and I hope to accomplish at least a tenth of what she did. As I listened to stories of her life and lessons and wisdom she taught those around her, I found myself wanting to be better than I am. To reach outside of myself more often, work harder in everything I do, and to be more faithful in the church. I am determined not to forget today's inspiration.

Good-bye, Susan. Thank you for leaving this world a far better place than you found it and for encouraging me to do the same. I will miss you!