#SusieStrong – You’ll Never Walk Alone

Trials have a way of defining us as a person. Not the challenges in and of themselves, but the way we respond to them. Do we run and hide? Do we stand up and face them? Are we strong enough to weather the storms of life?

Some of the most inspiring people I know are those who have not only withstood the trails life’s sent their way, but faced it head on with grace, laughter and strength. But they rarely stop there. These living, breathing miracles take it one step further. They find a way to use those same experiences to help, inspire and give hope.

One of the coolest things about the internet, and blogging in particular, is the people you get to know along the way. It was through blogging that I had the pleasure of getting to know one of the coolest people I know. She has a zeal for life that can’t help but bring out joy and laughter in those she touches. Her Wild Rides have become notorious….from her Polar Bear Club Excursion to her Helicopter skiing to so many more adventures, she’s kept us entertained. Susie Lindau is one of those people who you can’t help but admire and enjoy watching as she attacks life.

Recently she was diagnosed with breast cancer. When she shared the initial news, on her blog post titled The Boob Report – Roadblocks and U-Turns my first thought was that I seriously hate cancer, followed quickly by my certainty that Susie would rise to the occasion with this disease just like she has every other adventure in her life. She’s just that kind of woman. What was more, she was smart enough to share the experience with her friends and let us all find our little ways to be there to love and support her through this time.

Most of you know that music is a medium I use to express my thoughts, and today is no different.

After Susie shared with us in her The Boob Report – Laughter Is The Best Medicine that she would be undergoing surgery today, one of her other awesome blog followers came up with the idea of showing her our support through our blogs. I was thrilled to participate. Susie is a constant source of inspiration to me! Doubt how badass she is? Read the links I left and see what I mean.

If you know Susie and would like to wish her a speedy recovery, please feel free to comment. If you don’t know her, but would still like to wish her well, I welcome you to do so and to check out her blog and see why she’s so well loved.

Here are a few other folks today who’ve joined in the campaign to cheer Susie on as she kicks cancer’s butt:

Gloria Richard

BrickhouseChick

Jess Witkins

Tameri Etherton

To close out, I’m posting a song that has always helped me feel strong and reminded me that the strong know when to lean on those around them.