A Perfectly Timed Sussy

It’s not uncommon to strive to have it all – career, family, the perfect work-life balance.  The reality is that when you work to achieve that balance, inevitably something has to give.  Most often that thing is finding time for yourself, whether it is to exercise, read the book that has been sitting on your nightstand, or just relaxing.

Meet Melissa.  Melissa is a wife, mother of four boys, and a nurse.  We received this nomination from Melissa’s friend and co-worker, Laura:

I would like to nominate my coworker Melissa for a sussy.  Melissa is a nurse and mother of four boys.  She is truly an amazing person.  [One of] Melissa’s son[s] was born with Down’s Syndrome.  Recently [his] health has declined requiring him to spend extensive amounts of time in the PICU.  For most nurses our job as caretakers stops when we walk out the door at night; for Melissa however, being a caretaker is a 24/7 reality.  What sets her apart is her attitude.  Melissa comes to work every day.  No matter what her reality is at home she puts on a smile and gives our babies everything that she has got.  Her grace in dealing with all life has thrown at her is truly admirable.  Melissa never gets a break and that is what I would like for her.  She told me recently that she misses spending time with her husband, but all the planning that would go into them going out for a night alone is just too overwhelming.   My idea for a sussy for her is a gift basket filled with snacks and maybe a bottle of wine that she and her husband could share at home.  If they can’t go out, maybe they can enjoy each other with a fun night in.  Melissa is a great nurse and an exceptional mother.  It is my pleasure to nominate her to be considered for a sussy.  Thank you!

We also thought that Melissa was incredible and deserved to have a date night with her husband. We quickly sent her a gift basket full of wine and cheese – perfect for a relaxing night in.

Unfortunately, while the sussy was in transit, Melissa’s son went back into the hospital.  True to her nature, Melissa was by her son’s side around the clock.  In fact, she emailed Laura in the middle of the night to let her know she had received the sussy, and was so surprised and touched by the generosity.  Sounds like the sussy nomination couldn’t have come at a better time!  Isn’t it funny how things work out sometimes?

We recently heard from Laura that Melissa’s son is back home and doing better.  We were relieved and happy to hear that, and shortly thereafter we received a kind email from Melissa.

What you are doing with this project is amazing!! I know for my husband and I as well as for so many others, the day to day struggles and difficulties can sometimes become quite overwhelming, and we start to feel as though as much as we need to focus on ourselves once in a while there are just not enough hours in the day to get in done.  The beautiful thing about your group is that you can briefly lessen the burden or just give people a moment to think about what is really important by your acts of kindness, things that may seem like small gestures are in fact a huge blessing!

So once again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for choosing us to receive this gift!

That, my friends, is why The Sussy Project exists.  Do you know someone who could use a sussy?  Email us at info@thesussyproject.com with your nomination!