The world truly lost one of its best. Not a fan of the human race but Susan O’Malley provided hope in a landscape of despair. Knowing her for many years, she truly was an amazing person, wife, friend, and artist. She was welcoming and friendly without an agenda. The reasons are too numerous but one must make an attempt. BTW, she saved me.
Susan and I were trying to start a family at the same time. We would share the experiences of infertility along with the physical and mental toll of starting a new medication cycle. When she learned that she was pregnant with twins, I discovered that having a baby was no longer a possibility. Her excitement and joy eased my extreme sadness. If anyone could be given the gift of motherhood, it would be sweet Susan O’Malley.
I wanted to crawl into a cave and withdraw from the world. Susan had a keen sense and would encourage us to meet for dinner, attend art lectures, or to connect. She forced me out when my first instinct was to hide from the pain. Susan gave me the ability to see the light and will to participate. Regardless if she knew or not the outcome of her positive actions, it was a part of her DNA to bring out the best in everyone she encountered.
Susan’s art and life reflected her true nature: generous with time and completely engaged in a moment. At a gathering (Susan called it FRIENDSGIVING), she gave each guest a print with the words:
“IT STARTS HERE MY FRIEND
YOU ME US HERE WE ARE
AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN
IT’S LIKE A HOLIDAY WITH
YOU NEAR THE SPACE LESS
SPACEY THE AIR MORE AIRY
THE THINGS MORE EVERY
THINGY SO ALL IS GOOD
YOU ARE HERE”
Over a year ago, my family made a small donation supporting MSA research in honor of her mother Lupita O’Malley. Susan sent a box of art cards shortly afterwards as a thank you. Last week Sunday, I broke the seal and opened the box for the first time. To my surprise, inside was a card from Susan with the words: “I am so grateful for your support and feel blessed to have you in my life…”
On February 25th, Susan passed with her baby girls: Lucy and Reyna. Her legacy will extend past my inadequate words. I took her positive presence for granted. I will work harder, be nicer, and try to be better. Susan will be missed but her kindness will linger in our hearts forever.
The links:
http://advicefrommyeightyyearoldself.com/
http://www.romeryounggallery.com/artists/Omalley/index.html
http://artforum.com/news/id=50448
http://montalvoarts.org/participants/susan_omalley/
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