Actually, I though thoughtful was a mood choice. I probably told some of you that once upon a time my Dad played at dog sled racing. That and owning huskies made it exciting every March to watch the coverage of the Iditarod on Wide World of Sports. I remember Libby Riddles, Susan Butcher and the moose attack. Then the next year Susan came back and won. And won and won. Inspiring the t-shirt that is quoted in this subject. Yesterday, she died from leukemia. She had two young daughters. It is a horrible disease. But this entry is to be a tribute to a woman who inspired little girls everywhere.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003178716_butcherobit.html
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE2D71F3DF93BA25750C0A966958260
1 comment:
Another mushing legend gone, another grieving family left behind and a lot of shell shocked fans, who were so hoping and praying that Susan could be healed,are devastated. The promise of meeting again on the trails beyond the blue is a comforting thought and as long as people remember, Susan will not be really gone from our realm.
It is a bitter sweet thing now, taking my young charges to the Palmer muskox farm. Susan worked there once, combing the beasts for the coveted Quiviut, there is still a faded photograph of Susan and a muskox in one of the chutes. Susan also handled for Iditarod founder Joe Redington, SR, as many of the old timers remember. Joe gave many of the mushing greats their start, 5 times champion Rick Swenson also started at the Redington kennel and now Vy, who perpetuated those facts, including Joe's mushing to the top of MtMcKinley with Susan (A Guinness Record), need to be retold by us, the reluctant heirs of these tales from the mushing trails.
Godspeed Susan, hook up your silver harnessed team and blaze your trail across the sky, it was a privilege knowing you and of you. Our heartfelt condolences to Dave and the children!
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