More than a Miracle. Susan Smith

My survival hinged on many things: creativity, luck, fortitude, attitude, support, good medical advice, a sense of self, and above all, faith. I would come to rely on instinct more than once. I was not afraid to ask questions and seek advice from many and unusual sources.

My faith gave me the ability to believe in the miracle that saved my life, inspired me to fight for survival, and gave me the strength to never give up. It has continued to motivate me to tell my story in order to give hope and encouragement to others who face life’s challenges.

Many people provided help and support along the way. I have been fortunate to have had excellent doctors in my struggles with life-threatening illness.

Dr. Thomas Shea at University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill orchestrated my cancer treatment with dignity and grace. He and his staff provided skill and professionalism throughout the extensive chemotherapy and stem-cell transplant process.

The SECU Family House in Chapel Hill was so important to us during our long stay in an unknown place. They provided housing, food, and encouragement among others who were going through similar experiences.

I would like to acknowledge the generosity of the many donors who made it possible for us to stay there for as long as necessary.

I am grateful to my family doctor in Erie, Pennsylvania. Dr. Jack Yakish always listened patiently to my concerns, providing me with excellent advice throughout my adult life.

Fr. Thomas Dugan at Holy Cross Church in Fairview, Pennsylvania, provided guidance in helping me get in touch with my spiritual self. He taught me about the source of our creativity, that which makes us unique, regardless of life situations, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

*****

The love of friends and family sustained me. The special relationship I had with my sister, Ann Conway, was a great comfort. She and her husband, John, opened their home to us at a time in their lives when they were facing equally terrifying circumstances.

My husband, Peter, was my rock. He was an ever-vigilant caretaker and companion. His many efforts to distract and entertain me throughout the ordeal made it possible to feel capable of surviving. I will forever be grateful for his devotion.

I would like to acknowledge my brother-in-law, Edward (Ned) Smith, whose photography of sunsets on Presque Isle Bay in Erie, Pennsylvania, gave me inspiration for the front cover of More than a Miracle.

The Early Years

My childhood was very normal. We lived in a three-bedroom house on East Forty-Fourth Street in Ashtabula, Ohio. My sister Ann was fifteen months younger than me. We couldn’t have been more different if we had been born to parents in two separate states. Ann was athletically gifted, supersmart, and a born leader. Most of the girls in our neighborhood were Ann’s age. I used to envy her for having so many friends.

We shared a bedroom. Her side of the room was neat and orderly. Mine, not so much. My side was usually littered with wrinkled clothes, sketches, and Nancy Drew mystery books.

Joe, our younger brother by six years, had a room across the upstairs hall. He was a cute, funny kid who loved sports. He was the apple of my father’s eye.

*****

Every Sunday we attended the First Congregational Church where our grandfather was a founding member.

We never missed church unless we were sick.

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More than a Miracle. Susan Smith

More than a Miracle

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