The Life Of Suzanne

A Eulogy For Nana (Suzanne Bunge) written November 2022

Over the last few months, I’ve been reflecting on the life of my grandmother -thinking about memories made & life lessons I’ll be taking with me as I step into the next chapter of my own life. I wanted to share some of those with all of you today as we gather to celebrate Suzanne’s life.

When reminiscing about my Nana, many memories flood my mind. One of my favorites is: Nana bringing me a Whopper Junior in her Louis Vitton purse at family holidays.. I was not a picky eater & didn’t have an iversion to holiday meals, but I, like many kids, enjoyed the occasional fast-food burger. My Nana knew this, and so she brought them for me. She was always thinking of others. When I visited her with my boyfriend in January, before heading back west, she was prepared & proud to host us: when we walked into her room, she had her bingo winnings laid on the bed for us to choose from. She had a cart in her room full of snacks for her caretakers -she never wanted them to be without a sweet treat. She was always looking for ways to give to others. The lesson here: to give more than you receive.

I went to a friend’s wedding in October, just two weeks before Nana passed away. During the groom’s speech, he tearfully thanked his family & friends for showing up on such an important day of his life. He said that it seems these days, people only get together like this for weddings and funerals. We all nodded & raised our glasses to the happy couple. We ate, drank & danced the night away. But his speech stuck with me, because it’s true for all of us. We always think we have more time: a rain check for that fishing weekend with dad, a phone call to mom when you’re not so stressed out, lunch with your friends when you have the energy. But the truth is, we really don’t know how much time we have. All we have for certain is today. When I saw my grandma last in September, I knew in my heart I was saying goodbye, I just wish it wasn’t the case & that I could freeze or turn back time. The lyrics of a Cody Johnson song say it best:

So take that phone call from your mama, and just talk away.
Cause you’ll never know how bad you wanna, til you can’t someday.
Don’t wait on tomorrow ‘cause tomorrow may not show.
Say your sorries, your I-love-yous, ‘cause man you never know.
If you’ve got a chance, take it, take it while you got a chance.
If you’ve got a dream, chase it, ‘cause a dream won’t chase you back.
If you’re gonna love somebody, hold ‘em as long and as strong
and as close as you can,
til you can’t.

The lesson: time is precious, tomorrow is not guaranteed.        

In reflecting on my grandmother’s life, my life and life in general, the most important theme that came up is: family. Family was the pride & joy of my Nana’s life. Although our family is small & scattered about the country, our love and loyalty knows no distance and goes beyond the limits of time. The walls of my grandma’s room were filled ceiling to floor with family photos: graduations, vacations, celebrations and everything in between. Although we weren’t all in the same place at once in more recent years, when we are, it’s pure magic. Time stands still, and the light of our loved ones who have passed on shine through us. I know the proudest titles Suzanne ever wore were no doubt Nana & Mom. And of all of the things Nana has ever given me over the years, the greatest gift she’s given me and this world alike is the gift of her two daughters: my mom and my aunt, Tracy & Lisa. I think my cousins would agree. My aunt has always been a second mom to me, and I know my cousins would say the same about my mom, Their relationship is something out of a sitcom & often defies logic. Their love & loyalty inspire met o be a better daughter, a better sister, a better aunt, a better friend, a better person. To show up, unconditionally. I’m lucky to have them guiding me and am forever grateful that my Nana brought them into this world. I know she is here with us today, so happy we chose an Italian restaurant for the luncheon, so happy we are together -and so proud of the legacy her family has created. The life lesson here: the value of family.

So today, as we celebrate the life of Suzanne, may we remember to always give more than we receive, to show up & embrace our family & that time is so very precious.  May we let the best of all of those we love who have gone before us shine through us every day, and may we never take another day for granted. To Suzanne ❤️