Day two: In Memoriam

Susan Dawn Shilcock
(June 30, 1949 - July 22, 2005)

At seven the family went to a memorial service for a friend of ours who died Thursday. A lot of people were there, and it was an interesting feeling, to be surrounded by people who you don't know and probably never will, and yet to be united by a single purpose.

Susan made an unquantifiable difference in my life as a child. I dropped out of school in second grade (citing creative differences) and found my way to Open Connections.

Open Connections, or OC for short, was where I made my first friends. I didn't learn anything like the multiplication table or the capital of Alaska, but I learned more important things.

How to relate to people. How to sled down a hill on my knees. The many applications of magnifying glasses on sunny days.

I have only vague, scattered memories of Susan, as I was but a lad when I was around her the most, but looking back I can see much more than I did.

The service was well-done. I think it was a fitting tribute to the memory of one who helped so many and stood fast in the face of insurmountable, spirit-crushing obstacles.

The service ended with this:

Magic Penny

Love is something if you give it away,
Give it away, give it away,
Love is something if you give it away,
You end up having more.

It's just like a magic penny,
Hold it tight and you won't have any.
Lend it, spend it, and you'll have so many
They'll roll all over the floor, for...