[tmtranscripts] Susan Kimsey-Christensen's Memorial Service

[Donna DIngillo]

Dear Friends:

Yesterday, we gathered to celebrate and remember Susan, our beloved
spiritual sister and friend.  On a picture perfect day with the sun
shining brightly, in a serene chapel filled to almost overflowing with
friends, family and members of her spiritual community, the setting was
full of her spirit, resplendent with a gorgeous variety of flowers
reminiscent of her love of nature, as loving tribute was paid to Susan.

And what a service it was!  There were inspirational readings from The
Urantia Book, the minister read Tim's touching letter to Susan, beautiful
poems were shared, Caitie spoke with such eloquent emotions as she
expressed what we were feeling about Susan's graduation.  We shared our
experiences with Susan as members of the congregation spoke up about
Susan's influence in our lives in so many areas ranging from the
spiritual to very material--such as her involvement with her women's
investment club, and laughing at experiences that only Susan could make
come alive.  Her personality is so diverse and widely encompassing and
she brought into whatever realm she entered that unique blend of
enthusiasm, optimism, sound advice, and most of all her compassion and
kindness.  Boy, is she going to be missed!  

The service ended on a beautiful note of Caitie reading a vibrant letter
written by Susan's dear friend, Carol Rosen.  This sister-in-spirit,
unable to attend the service, has been active in the political arena in
bringing awareness to the planet about the urgency to de-weaponize space
and is a vital spiritual force in bringing universal values to the
political setting.  She was busy in a letter writing campaign for this as
well as preparing speeches as Carol is currently working with Congressman
Dennis Kucinich as he considers running for President in 2004.  Their
particular collaboration has a wonderful spiritual tone which is sorely
needed now in Washington.  Carol shared how she and Susan have been
working to forward the campaign to bring peace into space and how Susan's
legacy through her generous contributions is now the creating the
environment for this to become a reality.  What a wonderful way to end
the tribute...Susan's commitment to this cause will surely keep her alive
as this momentum grows through Carol's tireless campaign.  Thank you,
Susan!  

After the general reception following the service, the spiritual
community gathered at the home where she spent her last months, as we
laughed and remembered some of the humorous and numerous ways she touched
our lives....each of us has special memories how she instructed, advised,
joked, and generally made her presence felt within us in a very intimate
and heart-felt manner.     

It was a memorable day and one that we all shared as a community in
celebrating this unique precious gift of Susan during her brief sojourn
on Urantia.  Our love goes with her on her new adventures as she
discovers more wonderous meaning and joy in our Father's universe.  May
Susan's light shine on and fill our hearts with her special glow!

In Michael's love,
Donna D'Ingillo