Friday, December 5, 2008

Remarks From Susan

Susan wanted to update the blog and she asked that I (Justin) be her scribe.

There is so much that I want to say that I have been unable to express. I appreciate Justin and Zach for updating the blog for me.

I have learned that a lot of things in life just don't go the way we plan. This is by no fault of our own.

Quickly I'd like to express my gratitude to all my friends and family for all your love and support, and get out all my love for you.

To all my nieces and nephews, both here and to come, please know that it is important to build a Christ centered life.

To my cousins, you've been some of my greatest support, and I love you.

To all my friends over the years, you've kept me on the right path by doing what's right. And we sure have shared some great memories.

To my aunts, uncles, and grandparents, thank you for your examples and unconditional love.

And to my awesome husband Justin, thank you for loving me with all your heart and for caring for me with selfless kindness. I love you forever.

I know that God lives and that He loves us. I know that Jesus Christ died for our sins so that we might return to our Heavenly Father as we follow Him. It is through service to our fellow men that we show our love for our Savior.

44 comments:

thearringtonclan said...

Sweet Susan Thank you for coming in to our lives.. for such a short while but with a big impact..
Mathew and I send our love to you.
You are truly remarkable.
I KNOW where you are to go and that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ lives.. .. What would we do without the Gospel? It is true..
God Bless you
Maxine

Los Peña said...

Thank you Susan, Thank you Justin! I wish you knew how you have helped Jose and I, through our trial. You both truly inspire us, I want to be stronger, better, more faithful. Thank you!

Scott Cole said...

We love you so much! Thank you for your loving example of strength, faith, and courage. You are one of the most amazing people I have ever met, and I am proud to be considered one of your friends.

Anonymous said...

Oh Susan, Justin, Mortensens,
My heart cries out for you. I love you and my prayers are with all of you. I only wish there was more I could do. Susan, you are amazing! - always have been, always will be!
Jason F

Lauren Porter said...

You are such an example. What a strong testimony you have. Thank you for sharing it with us. My testimony is stronger because of your experience. Because of you and your experience each day for me will be different. I will act better, serve better and be better because of you. Thank you for sharing your life with me.

Anonymous said...

Dear Sweet Susan - a wonderful and uplifting message as only you can write. What an inspiration to all of us. Your life has touch me and so many and left us changed for the better forever. My family and friends and My Sunday school class has continued to pray for you and your family. The first thing the kids do when they show up each week is ask about you and I will read this letter to them when we meet next week. We love you for all the joy and humor and strength and guidance and inspiration you have brought to us. I know God is waiting for you to bring all that joy and laughter to heaven. Great rejoicing awaits you on the other side and while you will be so missed here, I will be so happy for you in that moment when all the pain that stupid cancer has caused will be gone and you can dance and run and play. Be at Peace. Thank you for all you have brought to us and for sharing your life. - Kathy Thomas

the Smith's said...

I know that Susan and Justin will be together forever. I am so grateful for testimonies and for the strength they give us!
We love you both!!!

Anonymous said...

What a special person you are Susan. Thank you for blessing my life and being an incredible example. You have touched countless lives and for your love and devotion to the Savior I am very thankful. Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for your pain and suffering but I am that much more thankful to know that you have a loving Savior and Heavenly Parents who are proud of you and who can offer you peace and comfort. Thank you again for living such a beautiful life.

Adam and Jessica Cooley said...

Susan, We love you forever!

Brooke Colvin said...

Susan, thank you for your sweet and powerful testimony. It is so true that serving others is what truly signifies our love for the Savior. I can tell through the many comments of others that you have shown that Christlike love and service throughout your life.

Because of your example, I have tried to be a better person. You have taught me to smile even when things do not seem to be going the way I hoped. You have taught me to give love and service unconditionally. You have taught me to cherish the people and relationships that matter most to me. You have taught me to look on the bright side of things and have a positive attitude no matter what situations life brings. You have taught me to keep an eternal perspective and to remember what is really important in this life, as well as the life to come. Thank you for your example and for sharing your amazing journey with so many people.

Justin, although I have never met you, I admire your courage and your strength. My heart goes out to you and I pray for the comfort, peace, and strength you need from our Heavenly Father.

Anonymous said...

Susan,

I have always thought that God only takes the "special" ones because they are too precious to be here on earth. Because those people have something so special that the rest of us do not get "it." Whatever that "it" may be.

It is through grace and people like YOU that God touches us, and loves us profoundly.

I only knew you for a very short time, but have learned so much in reading your blogs, I pray for you now, I pray for your friends and family, because cleary you have touched us all, and are a very special soul.

Blessings,
Kelli Trudel

Mike Steph Brooklyn and Carter said...

Oh Suz only you think of others at a time like this! Thanks for being so selfless and so easy to love! You have taught me to live each day to the fullest, I love you!

erika said...

Beautiful. Thank you Susan (and Justin)

Brad, Briene and Brayden said...

Susan Thank you so much for sharing your sweet thoughts and testimony. I am so grateful for the knowledge that we have I know that you will be taken care of and we will get to see you again. You are so loved and have been such a great example of christlike love and serving others. You make me want to do better. I love you tons!

Heidi said...

I think people should know that it took Susan pretty much all day to get this special post dictated to Justin. She worked very hard and spent what little energy she has left to send us her love and thanks. She did that for all of us. THANKS SUSAN!

I love you and will miss you. I'm happy for the relief and oppurtunities that are soon to come for you though. See you on the other side. ;)
Love Always,
Heidi

Amber said...

Hey Susan! I too am grateful for the time that we have been able to spend with you the past few days and even months. Thanks for thinking of us and helping us to find comfort in your continued love of Christ and heart filled with gratitude. I love the little message to all your neices and nephews-they lots you tons!

Brenton and Adree Jensen said...

Dear Susan,

Thank you for sharing your life with me. I enjoyed being your roommate for a short time, and sitting on the floor in your room talking to you. You were a wonderful roommate who helped me get out of my dorky RM shell. I love you and am forever grateful that I know you. Thank you for sharing your life and story with me. I have learned so much from you about service, love, laughter, and following our Savior.

Adree

Anonymous said...

Susan, you probably don't remember me since you were just a toddler when I knew you. Your family lived right next door to mine in Tempe and I was good friends with Zach. I just want to tell you how truly amazing you are! The way you have touched my life through your blog is beyond words. You prove to all of us that by living a spiritual life and believing in the truth of our Savior that we will reach our Father in Heaven and be blessed with an eternal life of love & happiness. Susan, please allow me to say thank you for being such a positive example and inspiration in my life.

Justin, I have never met you although, I think my parents have (Pat & Alice Andreas). I just wanted to tell you that from reading about all of the love & support you have given Susan during this difficult time shows what an amazing man you are. She is blessed to have such a sweet husband like you! More men should learn from your example!! God bless you both!
Celeste Bueno (Andreas)

Anonymous said...

We don't know you Susan and Justine, but we know your parents and we love them and have prayed for all of you throughout these months. Though losing you will cause many anguish, I think of the joy you will have meeting your Savior again. Thank goodness for the gospel and the knowledge the Lord has provided to us. Be in peace and we pray the Lord will provide peace to your family also.

Anonymous said...

ZDRAVO SESTRA! (Susan understands what this means)
We love you soooo much, you are always in our thoughts, and don't forget: you are a loving member of our family.
Love always,
Ana i Bibi (Macedonia)

Melanie said...

Susan I dont know you personally but what a remarkable woman you are. You have left a mark for good on my heart. What a wonderful life you have lived. How lucky we are to have the gospel in out lives and to know that famlies are eternal. Good luck I wish you nothing but happines and pain free.
Justin, My heart aches for you. I am so sorry to hear what you are going through. I hope you have found peace and comfort through all of this. How blessed you are that you have had Susan in your life here on earth but also the next life, What a sweet reunion that will be. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lots of love
Melanie (Adams) Jones

stewmel@cox.net
if you need anything at all

Kyle said...

Susan, thank you for sharing your beautiful testimony with us. You are such an inspiration and example to so many people.

Anonymous said...

Suz- I know you've heard this many times already, but I want you to know that I am a better person because you are in my life. We've known each other for a long time, and even though we were never extremely close friends, you have always inspired me. Thank you, for everything, but especially for your thoughts these last months on this blog. Because of you and Justin's strength and faith, I have found mine again, and I can't tell you how valuable that is. So thank you, from the very bottom of my heart. May God bless you and your entire family.
~Stefanie Thompson

jolene hunter said...

Thank you Susan for your blog and for sharing your sweet spirit and testimony with so many people. You have touched my family with your courage. Having lost my son Michael to cancer in 1997, I feel a special bond to you and your family. I know that Michael is doing his missionary work in heaven and watches over his family on earth. God bless you and your family. The Hunter family

Andréa Morrow said...

Justin & Susan.. we would really like to put together a video of pictures if you'd like. I can come up with whatever pictures I have and go from there..let us know :) email me dreadog7@gmail.com thanks

Anonymous said...

Susan, I don't know you personally. I know Justin and his family, but I just wanted to comment because of the effect you have had on my life. I have been reading your blog for only a few weeks and I spent almost all night catching up one night. The trials I have been experiencing in my life seemed so huge to me and unbearable, until I read your story. Words cannot express my gratitude to you for not only being the amazing person that you are, but for reaching out and telling your story with such selflessness and strength and testimony. Through your inspiration I have found a more eternal perspective on my life. I will forever remember you, though you may never know me in this lifetime, as I'm sure many many people will. You are truly amazing. And Justin and Susan, I'm so sorry about the experiences you have had. I know no one will ever know your pain, but you both have shown such strength through this I know you both will be blessed and will be together again someday.

Janine said...

Susan,

Your experience has made me have a lot of heart to heart talks with Heavenly Father as I am sure you have had. I just want you to know that although I do not know all that you have been through, I know that you are right...God does live and he has a plan for each of us. He will take care of you and Justin. I just know it. You are amazing. Hope you know that.

Tamra said...

Susan thanks for being an amazing example of faith and humble devotion to God! You truly have brought others unto Christ by your example! You and Justin are an eternal couple that I completely admire! I pray that His love will continue to provide comfort and peace as you've placed your lives in His hands!
Love you both
- Tamra

Anonymous said...

Justin and Susan,
Thank you for sharing your testimony, faith and lives with all of us. Your experiences have strengthened us all. Our hearts and prays are continually going out for the both of you.

Shawn & Jenny Brown

MommaChelle said...

I can't stop thinking about you and your husband and family. You are all such amazing examples and through reading your blog and seeing your faith has strengthened and reaffirmed my testimony of this gospel and of our Heavenly Fathers plan. Please know you are in our prayers an thoughts!
Michelle (Lake) Graf

Donna said...

Dear Susan, Justin, Mortensen’s, and family,
I have been blessed to have been privy to your blog and know you only though these pages. My sister, Dolly knows Susan’s Mom and we have kept you all in our thoughts and prayers for the last several months. Judging by the content of your outgoing messages and the incoming reply posts, one can tell that you have kept the faith through adversity. Good days and bad were written about in the same high spirit of your devotion to our Savior and His lessons.
The “easy” part of this transition lies now with Susan. The people she leaves behind are faced with the task of accepting what remains; Susan’s spirit, faith, love, and memories.
I can only imagine the sense of spirit Susan has and the sense of loss those who love her will endure, but she has left some powerful lessons and testimony that each of us has been the better for hearing. God’s blessings to all who love Susan, and a special message to Justin to find some measure of comfort in knowing you have fulfilled your marriage vows which tell, "To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part." And for Susan’s parents, the love between a parent and a child is nurtured over a lifetime and cannot be broken by the bonds of earth. Susan will live on in you and the memories you shared. It will be difficult to let her go, but she will be holding on to you until you meet again. Godspeed to you all.
Donna Wright
Indiana

MommaChelle said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

You are an inspiration to us all. I admire your strength. Although this is a struggle for you and your family. This experiences has strengthen not only your testimony but many other have been strengthen because of you.

It has been an honor to know you and your family throughout the years. I love you guys

Andrea

Janine said...

Susan...after reading of your experience, I have had a lot of heart to heart chats with Heavenly Father as I am sure you have had too. I too don't know why things happen. I just know they do. I want you to know that I have felt a sweet peace about everything and know that you and Justin will be okay. God is acutely aware of you. Know that. I have learned that through the years. I hope you find reasons to smile. You have given me a reason to do so.

Kristin said...

Susan, this post was truly from your heart. These are very powerful words and will always be remembered. We loved you and Justin!

I also have to say congrats on the honor at the UA football game. I will always remember the ASU/UA game we went to together. You sat in the ASU student section wearing your red and blue with pride. You were not shy about cheering for the Wildcats in the sea of Gold. And I hate to say that UA won the game! You loved the school and this tribute is perfect!

Taylor Earl said...

Justin and family, may God honor the prayers of so many people who are pleading him to send his comforting spirit to each of you during this time. What a sweet reunion you will have with Susan one day. No doubt she is being embraced by loved ones on the other side of the veil. She is no longer in pain, she is at peace, and she is happy.

Jess said...

Dear Susan,
You are amazing. Thank you for sharing your journey with all your friends and family through this blogspot. My life has been blessed by your courage, testimony, optimism, and determination. I have prayed, fasted, and thought about you constantly since the beginning. I wish Heavenly Father's plan were different. But I can see that He has already granted you peace. Now I guess the rest of us have to find it! I'm so grateful to know you and your family.

With love,
Jessica (Holm) Kempton

Anonymous said...

What an inspiration your life, your faith, your willingness to serve others has been to untold numbers of people, and your influence will continue. Your willingness to share your experiences, thoughts, feelings and great faith on your blog is a very generous, far reaching act of service.

Sometimes God calms the storm and sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child. Your calm beautiful expressions of gratitude, faith, and encouragement to others show that God’s comforting arms are around you. We have been and will continue to fervently pray for you and your wonderful family. You are amazing Susan, and we love you.

Ed and Kathy Cole

andrea said...

Thank you for sharing your testimony and thoughts with us. We are praying for your comfort and peace, and for your family who will miss you terribly until you are united again. You are an amazing woman! And we are all lucky to have known you, in whatever way we were blessed to. Thanks for reminding me to treasure every moment. This life is so short compared to eternity, and I know you did the best you could with the time you have had. You and Justin sound like you are perfect for each other and I am so glad you have him to love you and take care you.

Anonymous said...

Susan -
I will miss your smile and "energizer bunny" energy (even in high heels!). Thank you for all your inspiration and courage. My prayers are with you and your family, and my life is enriched for having had you in it!
Go with God, may His arms enfold you in His love, and His peace fill the hearts those wishing you well in your final journey home.
CathyD, NY

Pam said...

What a wonderful example you guys have been to others. I am grateful to hear that Susan is now free from pain, but I know you all must be so sad to see her go. May you feel peace and comfort during this time.

Anonymous said...

Susan my dear,
I want to share with you an experience a friend shared with me.
Recently I have been disappointed with life. I just felt like everything was turning out so far from what I wanted and I was just miserable, sad and frustrated. Then one day at church this cute old man that I had never spoken to before tapped me on the shoulder and said "my dear, do you know why we get disappointed?"
In my head I could think of a million reasons why I was personally disappointed but I replied "well for lots of reasons I suppose. Why?"
And this sweet little man said something I'll never forget. He said "We are only disappointed when we don't want what the Lord wants for us."
I know sometimes we are asked to walk into the unknown, and we find ourselves asking how and why we came to be in such a predicament.
Yet what a sweet reassurance to know that come what may, the Lord has a plan for you and I. That
He wants what's best for us. How grateful I am for a God who gives me what I need instead of always what I want.

I know that there is so much in store for you. Know that you are loved and my prayers will be with you and your family.

The best is yet to come.

Anonymous said...

Susan,your testimony has always been amazing. But its even more amazing now. Thanks for being an angel to so many. Your light will continue to shine as it shines in the lives of others you inspired by your example. I love you!

Anonymous said...

Wow! I do not know Justin or Susan but was touched by this website. May God continue to bless you Justin and obviously you know that families are forever.