There are certain times in my life, that I have just known that there was something that I NEEDED to do. Attending Sue Pulvirenti’s book signing was one of those things that just seemed really important, even though I didn’t know why. But I would soon be given the answer.
Sue was under the care of Hospice as she faced her final few months of a seven-year-plus battle with breast cancer. And in true Sue fashion, she did not let here time during her treatments go to waste. She had begun writing her book Massai shortly after her husband passed away from cancer in 2010, and she completed it during her treatments in 2014. Her dream was to see the book published, but she never imagined that her dream would become a reality.
But thanks to the DreamCatchers, a group of 12 amazing students from Red Mountain High School and their advisors, Massai is now available on Amazon and Sue got to see her dream come true. It was a gift that reached far beyond this one lady because her book has touched the hearts of many and will continue to do so.
The DreamCatchers also changed my world with their kindness as I never would have met Sue if not for all of their dedication and hard work. She was so thankful for the experience as she mentioned in one of the emails we shared, “Everyone involved in making last Saturday work are the most wonderful group of people I have ever met. They didn’t even know me and now I’m getting more and more friends – especially friends to thank for their love.” She couldn’t believe that people would do all of that for her. Her gratitude and appreciation were a reminder to be thankful for what we do have rather than bitter over what is missing or the troubles that we face. This was just one of the lessons that I learned from my brief but life-changing friendship with Sue.
But now for the more difficult part of this post, Sue passed away on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12th at Hospice. And while I know that she is enjoying much-deserved peace and happiness, I am saddened by her loss. She was such a kind and loving soul who, even on her most difficult days would send out a motivational email to dozens of people. She always thought of others first and how she could best help them, not what they could do for her.
While the DreamCatchers brought a great deal of joy to Sue’s life, I am certain that she changed each of their lives and the lives of many more people with her love. Not only will Sue’s legacy live on in Massai and in her children but also in the hearts of each of the DreamCatchers who worked with her. Thank you, Sue, for the many ways that you have made this world a better place, the love that you shared and the inspiration that you have been and always will be to so many.
So sorry to hear this news. While she must have been more than ready her passing is indeed a loss. I know her friendship and shared love of writing will remain with you always. What a special feeling you have knowing that someone you love was instrumental in making the book signing the beginning of your brief but rewarding exposure to your friendship with this amazing woman.
Kathy, so very sorry to hear this, but how comforting to know how her example, her life, will go on in the lives of so many others including yours, and because of you, mine! The circle of life is never ending, and it’s all about love—lasting, omnipresent, vital energy! She was a gifted writer and reading her book was most inspiring to me to to put off until tomorrow what is in my heart to do today!!!! Amen and amen!!! xxxxoooo
This is an amazing story about an amazing woman! As a writer, I know the diligence and effort that goes into completing a manuscript let alone the rest of the processes before pushing the publish button. For one to finish a novel as she was dying is nothing short of super human that the Marvel gang would love to have on their team. I applaud the Dream Catchers for taking on her wishes and making her dream come to fruition. I wished I had met this fine lady–perhaps I still can by reading her legacy–Massai. We all leave a bit of ourselves hidden within the pages.
After reading your post inspired by Larry Yoke’s comment, I realized I had missed this post, so came back to read it. Sue must have been a wonderful inspiration to you and many others. How wonderful for that group of young people to help her realize her dream before it was too late. I checked the book out on Amazon and read the “see inside” portion. It sounds like an interesting book. I will keep it in mind next time I purchase something from there. Thank you for sharing this story. God bless.