November 8, 2009

Dear Sue,

I really want to thank you again for agreeing to attend Higher Ground’s annual retreat and introduce our members to Laughter Yoga.  When you first came to the retreat and saw that the group was all guys, you were really scared that it wasn’t going to be a good session because men just don’t let loose and enjoy.  What turned out to be a hesitant moment on your part, turned out to be one of the best moments for all of us.

• Massage chair and the other massage therapy room were wonderful, thank you, but   Laughter Yoga was the best!
• Sue was excellent! Very informative.
• Loved the “laugh theory” idea.
• Laughter gal was great- so we could laugh at ourselves.
• The laughter was healing.
• Loved the laughter presentation!

I met Sue in New York sometime near the beginning of this century at a three-day training course.  She was very noticeable - tall, elegant, and sophisticated - she radiated a powerful, positive force.

Completion of this course included a listing in an online directory…Sue and I were obviously connected, because our bios were switched!  For a short while I was credited with a lot more knowledge and experience than I actually have, and all I could say about my temporary alter ego was WOW!  I am sure Sue was surprised to be listed as a former exotic dancer!

It was exciting to have so many qualifications, even though the mix-up was short-lived.  We really bonded the following year in Seattle at another course and once I figured out that there was more than one Birmingham in the States, I visited Sue in Michigan from Toronto.  On one of those excursions, I attended her Laughter Yoga course and that practice has been a delightful and enriching boon to my skill set.

Sue is an inspiration, a great and generous friend, a consummate life student and devoted educator.  Her humour and life experience make her a wonderful compassionate leader.

Lots of Love and Che-hee-hee-hee-hee-hee-heers!

Rosemary
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Simply put, my most vivid, cherished and regular recollection of you, Sweet Sue, is your “holy trinity” -  your smile, our laughter and your spirit!  That’s the memory  that’s stuck with me of the person I met on the first night of our Laughter Yoga training.  That’s the person I have come to know and love.  I don’t think I have ever told you this, but sometimes when I feel like succumbing to some daily trial or tribulation, my CLYT pops into my head with a hearty “ho-ho-ha-ha-ha” and makes me forget my troubles long enough to keep on keepin’ on!

Love, Sheila
Eugene, Oregon