Thank You, Mommy and Daddy 🌻

As I continue my journey, I find myself finally understanding you both more deeply.

Mommy — you were quiet, steady, and strong. You poured yourself into being a wife and mother, creating a home filled with peace and order. You protected our space from chaos, and in doing so, you gave Daddy the sanctuary he needed after facing the world outside our doors. You filled our lives with the warmth of baking, the beauty of crafts, and the gentleness of your spirit. I see now how much of that I carry within me. Like you, I love the peace of home, the quiet moments, and the comfort of simplicity.

Daddy — you were a man of the people. From your early days in Agate, Colorado, where farmers of different races worked side by side, to your work in Seattle with churches, community groups, and organizations, you embraced diversity and justice. You supported low-income housing, minority alliances, and the voices of those often pushed aside. You stood with the NAACP, the Urban League, even the Black Panthers, always in your steady, thoughtful way. You helped found the Crisis Clinic, ensuring care for those in need. I see now that my heart for people, my respect for differences, and my drive to share voices comes from you.

Together, you taught me to embrace all people and to honor the humanity in everyone I meet. You taught me resilience, love, and faith. And while it took time and life experience for me to truly understand, I now see the fullness of your example in my own life.

So today, I say thank you. Thank you for raising me in love. Thank you for showing me strength in different forms — quiet and outspoken, gentle and bold. Thank you for being the foundation of who I am and why I live the way I do today.

I respect the memories of who I once was, and now I embrace who I am becoming — and so much of that is because of Lou.

With love, always,

Your daughter, Susan 🌻