I call Susan my "Summer Friend". We golf together most weeks from May through September and then barely speak through the Fall and Winter! My schedule didn't allow for any May tee times this year and so this was the first week we were able to reconnect on the links. Finally!
I know Susan from two years spent working together in Airdrie. But that was seven years ago and since then she and I have both changed schools either one or two times. Thankfully Fox Hollow has a great ladies league where we can take as many mulligans as we need and still win awesome prizes at the end of the season.
More people ought to know Susan as she is an inspiration. She is independent and fearless. She is multi-facteted and multi-talented, and yes - these are different things. I admire how Susan tackles new challenges without a second thought. If someone invites her to do or try something, she will do it. If it is suggested she go somewhere, she will go. If she gets an idea in her head on her own, she will pursue it. And most often she does these things on her own, not even necessarily knowing anyone upon arrival. She melds with ease into different social groups and makes new friends in the process. This isn't easy for most adults to do as we "think" we have enough friends. While golfing she tells me about the groups she's joined, the church she has become a part of, the trips she's planning, the tennis/golf/hiking/skiing/camping invitations she has accepted and about all the projects she is undergoing at her home - roofs, fences, lighting, painting and the amazingly gorgeous garden she maintains. She knows the best books to read, movies to watch, markets to frequent and recipes to try. She is a phenom!
She is also a fellow dog-lover and, this past winter, lost her puppy partner of 17 years, Toby. For all the time we have spent over the years, chatting about various things - especially our pooches - the fact that Toby passed this past winter was a missed opportunity for me to be more supportive. We don't keep up with each other over the winters and, if it weren't for FaceBook, I might not even have known. I ought to have done or said more... :(
But now, a truly single gal, Susan is back on her game and as busy (or busier) than ever. She has joined golf groups online and is driving to Vancouver island in a couple of weeks to kayak, do yoga and drink fine wine with her sister. The members at her tennis club will miss her. It's only for a couple of weeks but I will miss her too. My golf game needs the practice and our "time together" each year is so fleeting! I will look forward to hearing about he adventures. I'd say I was living vicariously but even THAT would be so tiring for me!
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