Journal of Sacred Work

My first impression of her was dislike, why? Who can recall after 50+ years but I never would have guessed that Sue and I would become best friends in 4th grade, inseparable; joined at the hip. We spent a great deal of time at each other’s homes and even though we have lived on opposite ends of the country, we have remained close in heart through all these years. So many memories of our coming of age, more vivid are those early days than in all the years that followed.

As Providence would have it our mothers were both born on February 17 and so this date holds a very special meaning for both of us and our moms were very fond of one another.

Susan’s mom, Candi (left) was vivacious, beautiful and loving. I thought
 of her as my second mom. My mom, Lee, short for Elizabeth (right), had a pure and gentle heart overflowing with Irish hospitality and because of her I knew what it meant to be loved.

At age 15, my world seemed to shatter. My dad lost his job after 33 years at King Features Syndicate in Manhattan. We moved to Brattleboro Vermont and our family split apart with four of my older siblings choosing to stay behind.  It seemed as though Sue and I were being ripped from each other’s arms when we made our sacred pact. When we turned 18, no one could stop us. We would get back together and travel.

We worked and saved our money to purchase a Volkswagen and as promised, at age 18,  we set off on an unchartered adventure that led us across country and eventually all the way to Guatemala. We camped at KOA camps, ate peanut butter and honey sandwiches and encountered life while making friends all along the way. 

Susan's essence is the epitome of her mom, outgoing, fun loving and a dear friend to everyone she meets. She remembers everyone by name and people feel seen, known and loved for who they are in her presence. I hope I share in my mom's essence for her love of family and friends and her gentle caring nature. 

All these years through thick and thin Sue and I have remained close friends and are part of each other’s, “La Familia.”  Some unusual circumstances… my sister Pat, was dating a young man, Bob she met while working at Korvette’s department store. To our surprise, Bob turned out to be Susan’s cousin, (their fathers were brothers) and my sister’s future husband. Therefore, Susan’s cousins are my niece and nephews!

I came to love living in Vermont and the friends who embraced me. Since Bob was Susan's cousin her parents let her acompany Bob and my sister for weekend visits.

When Woody and I were married, Susan, her family and Candi came across country in a mobile home to attend the celebration. They picked up Barbara Pica, our dear childhood friend in Oregon and drove to S. CA. Along the way Barbara played her flute and Susan guitar as they practiced the wedding song to perform at the ceremony.

On a very sad twist of fate, my eldest brother Phillip was killed in a car accident 9/24/1977, the morning of Susan’s wedding and I was to be her maid of honor. Susan’s mom said, “Maybe Liz will still be in your wedding.” I had not even considered that possibility but I was able to find the courage through Candi’s faith in me.

My brother Johnny died on Nov 1, 2008 shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. It was All Saint’s Day and Susan’s birthday. During his illness Johnny was at Westchester Hospital and while inpatient, I kept him company from early morning to late evening and then slept at Susan’s house each night, which happened to be located just around the corner. Her hospitality and support were such a great comfort.

As with the Yin and Yang of life, our lives have been intricately intertwined as if by fate. We have experienced the joys and heartaches of life. Enjoyed the abundant richness that life offers and deeply mourned our loved ones whose presence we miss.

Today we celebrate the life of two vibrant souls; Candi Maio and Lee Sorensen and although our mothers are no longer on this earthly realm, their loving essence continues to shine brightly, encouraging us to fully embrace the joie de vivre as their legacy and beautiful essence of their  unconditional LOVE into infinity and beyond.

Liz Sorensen Wessel