"Hug Somebody"
Sunnie Kahn Olson
Ode to Sunnie
Came into this world fighting
went out the same
There was never a more
appropriate name . . .
Sunnie.
This she brought to all she met
It was OK to let go
of your mask
and be yourself
around Sunnie
Her mind she proudly spoke
but never without grace
Heaven can only now live up
to it's name
"It's OK to let go"
we chanted
"I think I might"
she panted
But not without a fight
No . . nothing gets Sunnie
Without her say
So rest in peace, Mom. . .
We'll see you again
someday.
(by Lisa B.)
Comments By Friends and Relatives
"I love your thought for the day ..."
"You should know that for many of us being a second rate version of you would be great thing."
"You were there for me always and you were the mother I never had."
"You are truly an inspiration to me and I am in awe of your ability to think of others at a time when others would be feeling sorry for themselves."
"You touched my life in such a way that I will never be the same again. You are an amazing woman."
"I loved Sunnie very dearly. She was so funny and insightful, so warm and compassionate. I know I am a better person for having her in my life."
"We will miss Sunnie, especially her positive outlook on life, her intelligence and her infectious laughter and wit. We are happy that she has been part of our lives."
"Sunnie was the brightest part of any room she was in."
"I was always able to tell her ANYTHING."
"Sunnie touched many of our lives and will live forever in our memories. And for showing us the Sunnie WAY, ... be caring, optimistic and a zeal for live. She will be missed and never forgotten."
"Happy Thoughts, she taught us the meaning ... demeanor and positive attitude."
"I felt such deep sorrow because of the loss of the physical presence of such a vibrant, and spirited woman. YET I have a gratefulness that our lives crossed paths and a overwhelming sense of LOVE she left us all."
"I admire and continue to admire, your outlook on life. Too few people provide inspiration for others, but you are indeed inspirational... yesterday, today and tomorrow. You are one of those people that Affect others in a manner, whether you intend to or not. It is a GIFT, that many of were fortunate to receive over the years."
"When we were finished talking I felt so good. As I walked away I looked back and saw you were still beaming with happiness and with a big smile on your face. It occurred to me I had just encountered an ANGEL. I keep thinking how wonderful it would be if all people could bump into angels every day."
"John is right, not easy to fill your shoes - think we have a half dozen paralegal attempting to do what you do, Sunnie, as an army of one would handle... of course, your organizational wizardry sets the bar."
"What style and class... what courage and humor you have displayed to all of your family and friends. You have touched all of us and given us the opportunity to be connected to you in a positive and loving manner. Your sprit will always be a part of each of us. .. you have inspired each of us to be better selves. Thank you for who you are and for what you shared."
"Your strength and wisdom are unparalleled.Ý I wish that for myself and my children."
"We'll eat Godiva, wear funny slippers, always own something cashmere, go to Navy Pier, have a great purse and accessories, not to mention a great hat!"
"You know you have been one of the greatest, nicest, sunniest, wise and wonderful women in my life. ÝI have fond memories of each of our times together."
"You have been a steady influence on me and a great mom and wife and sister and friend and all things positive that anyone can be."
"You are a heroine to all of us."
"I think back to when we were children and how I loved playing with you and having sleep overs. ÝSome times when you had to practice the piano, I would wait until you finished and feel so very fortunate to have such a talented cousin. ÝWasn't your teacher Miss Bionkeeny? How fancy could you get? ÝRemember the soft ball games in the yard by your apartment? Sacred Heart picnics and the church hall....what kola dancers we all were as children. ÝThat was a happy time."
"Remember when we would all be dressed up in our pigtails and fluffy dresses and we would take a walk with my mom from grandma's store to the fish market by the bridge? ÝWe would press our little noses into the glass showcase and admire the golden fish (smoked). We would giggle all the way there and back. ÝOur night out! Helene, (my little Sunnie) you are our earthly saint. ÝYou give good direction and example to everyone."
"You are a wonderful woman whose heart has always been open and flowing with kindness. Your beauty and goodness will be a special part of everyone you've touched. ÝYour laughter is a gift that makes us all smile and feel special because we've share a moment in time with you."