In memory of my Aunt.

I have thought a lot about what would be my first blog post, and even have quite a few saved as drafts. Nothing has felt right, until my idea came a few nights ago while looking through old pictures to prepare for my amazing Aunt’s celebration of life this weekend.

Aunt Suzy has always been one of my biggest supporters and my safe person, I knew her love was unconditional and I could go to her for anything. She was the first person I told which college I chose, when I started to get paid on Instagram, when I became an ambassador for Huntington’s Disease Youth Organization, or when I got a scholarship to attend the Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s Annual Convention. She would say “Wow! I don’t know what that means but congratulations!” While there was a few years after my dad died that we didn’t talk every day, we always kept in touch and still talked frequently. After that, we talked and sent pictures daily. While I continue to miss her and grieve her every day, I also think it is very important to honor and celebrate her life.

Aunt Suzy had many obstacles thrown her way throughout her entire life, but she fought her way through all of them and never lost her humor or youthful attitude. She was truly still a kid at heart. She loved her brother, my dad, so much and my dad was always so proud of her and my cousin. Aunt Suzy loved Christmas and chocolate. She would, and has, kept her Christmas tree up all year. She loved Lake Taconic and we spent so many summers there all together. She loved sweet tea and baths. She loved the Henry Ford museum. She was so kind and caring and always opened her home to me when I visited. Out of all those things, she loved her family the most. Her daughter, grandsons, and dog were her whole world. She always lit up when talking about any of them. I know they were the reason she fought for as long as she did. To know Aunt Suzy was truly a gift and an honor. She brightened everyone’s world around her.

If you are able to, a donation to Huntington’s Disease Society of America/Huntington’s Disease Youth Organization/Help4HD in the name Suzy Lyons, would be greatly appreciated. Each of those organizations are incredible to helping those affected by Huntington’s Disease and trying to find a cure.

We love you always, Aunt Suzy!