I believe many of you who read this blog also visit Dishnet and so you likely already know that a week ago today Susan Dishman “soared to heaven above”. How glad I am that her earthly sufferings are over and that she is now in glory, in the very presence of God and experiencing eternity. Yet I ache for her family and friends who miss her and feel a huge sense of loss at her parting. The way she lived her life is a huge encouragement and example to me and I count myself immensely blessed to have known her. If you think of it in the days, weeks and months ahead, please remember to pray for her family and those who were closest to her, especially her dear husband John, that he and all of them will be comforted in their time of sorrow. And if you haven’t already, stop by www.dishmans.net and read John’s beautiful eulogy to his beloved wife. Praise God for this sweet and faithful family.
My wife mentioned this to me this morning. Pete was a friend and college classmate of hers.
We have prayed for the Dishman family and are truly saddened for their loss.
However, I must comment on how small the world is. Tricia knew the Dishmans as a schoolgirl up North. Then came back in touch with the family in TX. Tricia married my husband, Mark’s brother. Now I read that Paul Baxter’s wife was a college classmate to Peter Dishman, and Paul Baxter was a college friend of Mark. It is just amazing to me how people can travel in what seems like large circles only to find little connections
within them.
This message is to John Dishman. First of all, I offer my deepest, heart-felt sympathy on the loss of your lovely wife. The loss is new and you have a heavy heart, yet you appear to be surrounded by loving, caring friends and family.
You must know how lucky you are.
I suffered a loss as you did and I found myself very much alone. My husband passed away in 1997 after seven years of suffering with heart disease, and finally, lung cancer. I was left to care for our teen-aged daughter by myself.
Yet I can attest to the fact that time is a powerful healer, as is faith.
My daughter, now twenty-two years old is a student at SMU (my alma mater) and she is doing remarkably well. She is a bright, sweet, well-adjusted young lady that would have made her father proud. We often think of her father and we honor his memory. Knowing that he is no longer in pain is a tremendous comfort to us.
Since my husband’s death, I have gone to culinary school. Cooking has been a life-long passion for me. It is a way of expressing a wide variety of beautiful things.
Somehow your story has touched something deep within me and I want to express some fellowship.
Perhaps if you are up to it, a group of my fellow chefs can prepare a dinner for you and your family and friends. If this sounds like something you would like, let me know. I would be happy to talk to you about it first over the telephone. I can be reached at (972) 335-3495.
Maria