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Each Day is an Opportunity to Learn: meet @sueinmn
Member Spotlights feature interviews with fellow Connect members. Learn more about members you’ve connected with and some you haven’t met yet. Nominate a member you think should share the spotlight.
JOHN: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect? What motivates you to take part in the community?
@sueinmn: When I was diagnosed with mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and pseudomonas pneumonia in June 2018, I had never heard of MAC. I am kind of a research nerd, so I immediately hit the internet looking for information. A few weeks later, further research brought me to Connect. I read all day, and immediately felt like I found a place where I could get real, research- and science-based information from people like me, not mere opinion.
JOHN: What about Connect makes you feel comfortable to share and to be open with the community?
@sueinmn: I found caring, compassionate and seeking people who were ready to support one another and who understood what I was living with. I immediately felt welcome.
JOHN: What groups do you participate in?
@sueinmn: MAC & Bronchiectasis and to a small extent, Caregivers: Dementia.
JOHN: Tell us about a meaningful moment on Connect.
@sueinmn: I think Terri (@windwalker) reaching out to welcome me was when I felt this was the place I could get support and answers. I have a caring and supportive group of family and friends, but it didn’t quite feel like they “got it” when I talked about the continuous coughing and fatigue, or the fear of the unknown with MAC — but Terri did immediately.
JOHN: What surprised you the most about Connect?
@sueinmn: The wide variety of topics and conditions on Connect, and the amount of information.
JOHN: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?
@sueinmn: People energize me — I am an extrovert, happiest when I am helping others, arranging outings or gatherings, or just hanging out. I would be remiss if I failed to mention the joy I find in hanging out with my husband, kids and my two small grandsons. My faith in a higher power and in the innate goodness in people helps me find balance.
JOHN: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.
@sueinmn: Hmm … that’s tough — I guess, strange as it sounds, learning new things. I am a university-trained volunteer master gardener, never happier than when I am helping someone solve a plant or garden problem. I am also relearning Spanish, a common language in both places where I live, so I can communicate with more people. A close second would be traveling, in the U.S. and elsewhere. We travel to new and favorite destinations for at least a month every year — we love discovering new places and revisiting old favorites.
JOHN: Do you have a favorite quote, life motto or personal mantra?
@sueinmn: My physical limitations do not define me; I will do as much as I can for as long as I can.
JOHN: What do you love about where you live or vacation?
@sueinmn: In my full-time home, I have lived in the same area all my life — I know the area, the people, the politics — and I am happy there. I have beautiful gardens that I will maintain as long as I am able. In my winter home, I live in a tiny home in an intentional community with people who have become my second family. We help and support each other in whatever we face, because all our families are far away. We explore our area and revel in the differences in culture and physical surroundings. For me it is an opportunity to learn something new just about every day.
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@contentandwell JK - Thanks for the invitation - over the past few years we have really begun to enjoy connecting with people in our travels - those with whom we winter in Texas live all over Canada and the US in summer, so we often meet to see a local sight (nothing like a local guide!) and share a meal. This year our travels will take us to Austria and Switzerland on a tour hosted by friends, and possibly to Southern Arizona & New Mexico to show our favorite spots to other friends...but who knows when we may head to New England.
PS I remember that road to Hana as well from a long time ago.
Sue
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3 Reactions@lioness - My vegetable gardens are small because we travel, and aren't always there to tend them. Instead I stick to perennials that pretty much watch themselves. We too love the Grand Canyon, so much so that every time we will be passing within a half-day drive of it, we detour to see it. We also love the Little Colorado River Canyon just to the northeast of the east entrance to the South Rim. If it were anywhere else in the country, it would be a destination itself, but it is so near the Grand Canyon that nobody seems to notice it except the local people.
Sue
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4 Reactions@sueinmn I went on a bus tour to the Grand Canyon and we saw a cowboy show also went the last leg of the trip by the Grand Canyon train.. Saw what looked like a Elk ? unsure never saw one before. Enjoy everyone here on Connect . My bio is there also if you want to read about me. Take care and have a good day
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5 Reactions@sueinmn There are actually hotels in Hana, which amazes me. It's lovely but I cannot imagine being at least two hours from anything, even on vacation. I like to know if I need something it's not too far away.
We chose to not return the same way but the way out was even worse than the road in. It was an enjoyable day overall though, although it did get a bit tedious at points.
JK
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3 ReactionsYes i live in Arizona but still have not gone to the east end. But yes Elk are common in AZ so it could have been.
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2 Reactions@danab Thanks for reinforcing this for me . The train ride to the Canyon was great saw little animals as well.
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2 Reactions@sueinmn Enjoyed meeting you. I too love those green and growing things. I am known as the plant doctor in my little community.
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5 Reactions