Diana, My Friend: A Remembrance from Susan Baldwin

The first time I met Diana, she had our family over for dinner. She had lots of activities for Juliana and Sumara, and Bill just went with the flow. She sat me down at the kitchen table, moved things out of the way and gave me instructions and materials to make a woven basket....we made our baskets together and talked the whole time. It didn't take long before I thought “We are going to be great friends!”

We just clicked.

Through 20+ years of friendship we discovered how much we had in common. We took our girls to chorus for 9 years, weekly trips to Shady Maple, bargain shopping, collecting treasures, lots of museum roaming with the kids, great Halloween times at Radley Run, and of course, yard sales! She was the best shopping buddy ever......

Then things changed with the discovery of her Breast Cancer. Ever optimistic, we still did most of our favorite activities together. However, within a year or so, I found out I had Breast Cancer also and we kept in touch but it was increasingly difficult to pal around together.

One day Steve and I were visiting Diana and she told us her cancer was back, settled in her bones.

I helped Diana for about a year dealing with the cancer and life around the house. Never, ever did I hear her complain about anything, even in her darkest moments of pain. She was always thinking of other people and how to help them or give them something, she enjoyed nature and flowers, checking her rain gauge, keeping the birdbath filled, and all the wonderful visitors that dropped by. She accepted her position gracefully and maintained dignity throughout all the changes. She was truly the Bravest person I have ever known. I will keep her in my heart forever.......wonderful memories of a wonderful lady.

August 16, 2010