Sunday, May 17, 2009

Susan at Work?

I think so.

A friend of the Mortensen's, Tessa Patterson (14 yrs old), started a business last year making and selling cookies. Susan used to be a client (but for some reason I don't remember ever eating any of those cookies). After Susan passed away, Tessa decided to continue to make Susan's cookies and randomly deliver them to a stranger every week, or to someone she thought could use some extra cheer, along with a quick story of Susan's life.

Below is a comment left yesterday by one of the people Tessa and Susan have affected with her cookies.
Anonymous said...

"I am blown away. A beautiful young woman handed me cookies today in the parking lot of a grocery store. I hadn't shopped at that store for 6 months. She told me Susan's story and that she gives Susan's cookies to people at random. My husband has colon cancer, and is having another surgery on Monday. I cried and cried in the car. I felt like an angel was hugging me. May God bless your family and shine His light on you."

May 16, 2009 3:32 PM

Thanks Tessa for doing this for Susan. I'm sure she helps direct you to those who could use those cookies and the message.

13 comments:

anna said...

Amazing! It doesn't surprise me at all Susan is already busy at work. What a woman!!

Amber said...

That is pretty cool-thanks for sharing. I love that she is able to remember Susan through service.

Jen Perkins said...

That is an amazing story.

Unknown said...

That is such a tender story. I do believe it to be part of the "tender mercies" that are often found in the scriptures or quoted at conference.
Two amazing ladies! :) Thank you for sharing!

Jen said...

That is amazing! What a special blessing for Tessa.

Becca said...

Susan touches more lives than we know.

Stacy said...

That is so neat. We are always thinking about you! Brady and Stacy

Heidi said...

Very cool! Thanks for posting it!
Heidi

thearringtonclan said...

And somehow she is STILL touching lives... What a wonderful idea..

Austin and Whitney Cooley said...

That is an amazing story. Susan has changed my life for the better in so many ways... What an amazing woman, still working hard!!

Tara Fisher said...

Justin that story made my cry. That is so sweet! We miss her.

Leslie said...

i wanted to write and tell you how very sorry i am for your loss.
it has been 19.5 months for me since i lost my husband. only someone who has lost a spouse can truly understand the feelings and the emotions that it brings to your soul. the ache and pain in your heart. the heartbreak that feels just as physical as it does emotional.
an anonymous person left a comment on my blog today to check out your blog and offer advice. i am not sure what advice actually helps, but if you want to chat, talk, email, whatever... i know that is what has helped me the most... corresponding with people who know what it feels like.
anyhow, i would be more than happy to help in any way i can... even just being a listening ear or reading the words that you want to share in an email.
take care of yourself and God bless. i am sure your sweet wife is watching over you.

leslie *
from utah

Los Peña said...

The Brave Little Soul
By: John Alessi

Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. She especially enjoyed the love she saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day she saw suffering in the world. She approached God and sadly asked, "Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?" God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people's hearts." The little soul was confused. "What do you mean," she asked. God replied, "Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone." The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, "The suffering soul unlocks the love in people's hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love - to create this miracle for the good of all humanity."

Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain herself. With her wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied. "I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts! I want to create that miracle!" God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you". God and the brave soul shared a smile, and then embraced.

In parting, God said, "Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed." Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through her suffering and God's strength, she unlocked the goodness and love in people's hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys, some regained lost faith - many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased.