In September 2021, Susan spent time at the Little Purple House to process all that she’s been through, and build strength for the battles that still lie ahead. “I can’t thank you enough,” she told us after her visit. “I sooooo needed this!”
Susan
Caregiver for Herself
When Susan first reached out to us about visiting the cottage, she shared with us that the last year had been more brutal than anything else she’d ever been through. These are not light words coming from her.
In her 20’s, Susan lost her twin sister, Sarah, and father in a horrific car accident. Not long after, while she and the rest of her family were trying to find their footing after such tremendous loss, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Since then, she has faced 3 (THREE!) more gruelling bouts with cancer.
In the midst of the most recent battle, Susan also endured the heartbreak of a divorce. On top of that- BAM! A global pandemic. The isolation caused by lockdowns and the need to limit exposure to others meant she had to be her own caregiver for many, many months.
And so, when Susan told us she needed to get away in order to, “absorb, reflect, and let go of so, so much…” it was hard to imagine a more deserving person to receive a respite stay. But she also made it clear that one of the most helpful, healing things about her visit was to know that she could pay it forward to someone else. “What you do is so good, positive, encouraging… in every aspect! I’ve gone through 4 cancers and I KNOW the reality. I’m so grateful to do something for the Little Purple House! Makes my heart feel good (finally).”
Together, we created the time, place, and space to regroup. Turns out, a few days away from the familiar and close to the beach were exactly what she’d hoped for to rejuvenate. Susan settled right into respite mode upon arrival. She zipped out to the beach each morning to let the ocean work its wonders, and returned to the porch for more relaxing each evening.
Toes in the sand. One of lifes most wonderful (and therapeutic) little things.
When we asked Susan why it’s so important to carve out time for a getaway, she had this to say:
“I absolutely believe that a change of scenery helps change your attitude. And when facing difficult times, whether it’s cancer/divorce/death of loved ones, whatever…it’s essential to maintain a positive attitude. That energy helps get you through such times.
Sitting on the LPH porch reading a book, having toes in the sand at Wrightsville, walking along the river walk with an ice cream …. all of these remind you of the good in your life. For a little while you forget your worries and enjoy life.”
Susan also expressed that the time away was a precious connection to Sarah.“I used to go on bike rides/runs/walks and tell Sarah how the grass smelled or that I just saw a cardinal and doesn’t that flowering tree smell good…” Being in new surroundings during her visit helped Susan have more of those special, private moments of discovery with the twin she misses for all of lifes big pitches, but especially for all the little things.
