The People Who Shape Us

Susan and I at my graduation from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio (2016). A full-circle moment with someone who’s guided me since high school.

I’ve been lucky to have people from all walks of life become part of the fabric of my story. Years ago, a mentor once told me that much like herself, I “collect people.” I’ve always considered that one of the greatest compliments, because I truly believe my friendships are among my proudest accomplishments.

As another graduation season comes to a close, I’ve found myself reflecting on my time at Ohio University. I was fortunate to attend college, and it fundamentally shaped the course of my life. With that in mind, I wanted to share a note I received from my “Aunt Sue” when I was graduating from high school and trying to find my own path.

Susan was my mom’s best friend. They grew up together in Houma, Louisiana, and based on the stories I’ve heard, they were inseparable through all of life’s ups and downs. After my mom passed, Aunt Sue became a role model, a source of strength, and someone I’ve turned to time and again when I needed encouragement. She became an integral stitch on which my own story was weaved. She taught me so much about life, love, etiquette, and… gumbo (a recipe which has been enjoyed by many, known by few, and sworn to secrecy).

Reading this letter brought back so many memories. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Dear Ford,

I was so happy you included me in your graduation announcements. I can’t believe you are already at this point in your life. Given your mother and father, I am not at all surprised at your accomplishments. In fact, this has caused me to look back on when your Mom and I graduated.

Here was the funny thing about your mom; in most schools, there are fairly distinct groups. We had the popular group, the super smart group, the stoners, the jocks, the nerds, and for the most part, these groups did not mix. Your mom was the exception to that rule. I can attest to the fact that she could easily be considered part of all of the groups listed above, except the jocks, although she dated a few of those too. People were shocked when they announced the honor roll or the new members of the National Honor Society, and your mom’s name was always on the list.

When we were seniors, our school decided to quit holding senior field day, which up to that point was a special day towards the end of school, where the seniors got the day off and had their own field day. Well, our class was up in arms about the loss of this special day, and, for some reason, the “goody-goody” kids were really ticked. Well, they just weren’t having it and decided to stage a “sick out” on the day our field day should have taken place. They chose a park for the whole class to meet at and held the field day just as if it was sanctioned by the school.

Well, when it came to being bad, your mom and I had been around the block a time or two. We instantly knew that everyone who attended would be in big trouble, because we knew the school would have to make an example of our class, so the two girls who cut class more than anyone at school chose to go to school that day. We were practically the only students, and we were right.

The school came down extremely hard on those who missed. Probably the most significant punishment was that they stripped all of the kids in the National Honor Society of their membership, which meant they would no longer get to graduate with honors. I will never forget that sash around your mom’s neck on graduation day. She was one of the few. The memories of the rest of the night are a little foggy, but I know we had a great time.

I hope you and your family will one day get back to New Orleans, and let us entertain you. I know your mom, dad, and brother are very proud of you, and I am too! Tell your dad to drop us a line and let us know what your plans are. We want to keep up with you and yours.

Much Love,

Miss Susan