Posted on 11/18/2014 7:24:33 PM PST by PROCON
We at PJ Media were saddened to learn that the daughter of Victor Davis Hanson, author, educator, and PJ Media columnist, died on November 13 after a short illness.
Susannah Merry Hanson was 27.
In a beautiful, moving tribute to his daughter, Dr. Hanson tells us of Susannah’s marvelous gifts:
Susannah, known to her family and friends as “Suzy,” was beloved by anyone who encountered her infectious laugh and her zeal for life and adventure. But she was perhaps best known for the human kindness she extended to everyone she met. She was especially drawn to the sick and elderly, which reflected her sense of public service. On the European trips she ensured that no tour member was ever left alone or without companionship.
Her family and friends feel blessed that even for such a brief time that they were able to be with such a kind soul and accomplished talent. She grew up packing fruit and working in the fields of the family farm, a childhood that fostered a singular work ethic, gave her a sense of independence and fearlessness, and grounded her in reality and modesty wherever she worked and traveled. She loved the San Joaquin Valley, and despite her residence and visits abroad, she always managed to return to the farm, where she felt most at home with her family and childhood friends.
Please keep our friend and colleague, Victor Davis Hanson, in your thoughts and prayers
Indeed thoughts and prayers for VDH and family.
It is not the order of things for parents to bury their children. What an awful heart hurt
Sadly, I am a member of that reluctant fraternity. When I lost my daughter, it was shortly after her 21st birthday. That was 21 years ago, and several times each day she still visits my mind and my heart.
I learned a lot, then, including a few things I can never forget. One was that C.S. Lewis called God the cosmic sadist, after the death of his wife, in his book, A Grief Observed.. Another was that Victor Hugo wrote a series of poems after the tragic death of his daughter.
I am sure that Dad Hanson would be overwhelmed if everyone who admires him and his family only knew how to reach him, myself among them.
What has been to me a constant comfort is what I found out so may years ago to be true :
"Next to Love, Sympathy is the noblest passion of the heart."
Peace and comfort to you, Mr. Hanson, and our deepest sympathy and my prayers are with you and your family.
Indeed I have heard and can easily imagine it is the toughest thing any human has to endure. All I can offer VDH and you is my heartfelt condolences and prayers of support.
I can't imagine. As a father of two adults, I just can't imagine.
Thanks for sharing your story and grief...
27 is way too young
Such sad news. I’m so sorry to hear this. Dr. Hanson is a favorite of mine and this is very troubling, especially as a Dad of a 27 year old adventurous daughter.
From Dr. Hanson's website,
For those who may wish to contribute something in her memory, her Dad wrote...
Remembrances may be sent to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (340 W Fallbrook Ave Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93711).
You can see from the photos that she loved her Dad.
They both wore very natural smiles.
This is such sad news. Heartfelt prayers for Dr. Hanson and his family.
Thoughts and prayers for the Hanson family.
Condolences to the Hanson family for their terrible loss.
As someone who’s also lost a child, I can only try to comfort you with the hope that you will heal in time. I did.
Thank you for including that information.
Deepest sympathies go out to VDH and his entire family.
Sad the hear. Prayers for Suzannah and her loved ones.
Count me among those such as yourselves who know too well the loss the Hanson family is enduring and will continue to endure. It is a loss that never goes away.
Prayers to the Hanson family, that they may find comfort in God’s promise of being reunited again. May their burden be eased as they find their new “normal”. In Jesus’ name.
ping request
I am so sorry.
Prayers up.
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