Mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt & friend. I believe in treating everyone with courtesy and respect. As a kid I was shy, physically fearless and happy. Now, I'm happy, confident and independent. My gifts are my integrity and empathy. I fear being rejected. I used to hang onto the old story that I don't belong. I always felt like I had to pass some test to be friends with the girls, and I never passed. I'm friendly with a lot of people and well liked but have very few close friendships. I think I may come across as aloof, but I'm really not. I'm just introverted and can be reserved until I get to know someone. My worst day was when my first husband was diagnosed with stage 3B lung cancer at 49. I was 46 and my kids were 19 and 16. It was out of the blue and devastating. It was 8 1/2 months from diagnosis to death. 8 1/2 months of relentless stress and anxiety. I had heart palpitations so strong I thought I was going to have a heart attack. After he died, I thought the grief would swallow me whole. I grieved for the loss of my husband, the loss of my best friend & the father of my kids. I grieved for all the things in our kids' lives that he’d miss. I grieved for my children and the pain they felt. There was a black hole by my side for the first 6 months, waiting for me to fall in. I was hanging on by a thread but knowing my kids needed me kept me from letting go. Today, I’m excited about my first grandbaby coming in April, about autumn colors & things happening at work. My new story is to live each day with gratitude and contentment. Happiness comes from always living with loving kindness towards yourself and others. Beauty is found in someone who is kind, thoughtful and comfortable in their skin. In 10 years I hope to be enjoying retirement, grandchildren, loved ones and the outdoors. I'm proud of my children - how well they're doing and the role I played to help them get there. I’m proud of my hiking accomplishments and making it to all 48 peaks of the white mountains. I believe in kindness and helping people when you can. I’m Sue. I am loyal, honest and straightforward. I love to spend time with family and friends.