Between Tears & Laughter

Never in my wildest dreams had I considered writing my life story, but the persistence of my dear late brother George Searle prevailed. Herewith is a composite of heartbreaks and humor, sadness and silliness, love and learning.

This has been a daunting task. From the flood of memories, I had to catch those that might resonate with readers. As soon as I thought I had finished writing, another memory would slip into my sleeping or waking hours.

Some memories randomly appear in more than one place, usually for purpose than for lack of proofreading. I implore readers to overlook such randomness.

“Tell the story of the mountain you climbed.
Your words could become a page in someone else’s survival guide.”
Eleanor Roosevelt

Reviews

Hello cuz: I finished reading your memoir last night. My congratulations to you! What a wonderful accomplishment (writing it – reading it was so easy). It’s beautifully written, and it keeps moving, weaving unexpected characters and locations in and out of your life. Of course, the editing is flawless, and the subject matter diverse (just look at that Table of Contents!). It all fits together as it is a life story. Whose life moves from A to Z without passing through all 50 states (places, experiences, friendships, tragedies, etc.)? I think you hit ‘em all. Congratulations, and thanks.

You are a chip off the old block, CO SGT Simon Giffin of the 9th CT RGT Continental Army (1776-1781). I loved his Diary, and I love yours.

As always, Your Cuz Phil

I just recently finished reading your book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and I’m so glad that George encouraged you to do so! Obviously through the many years, George shared various things that the family was doing, so I was quite familiar with a lot of it which made it even better. One thing I would like to know, however: Are you sure you don’t have a twin out there somewhere living a parallel life? What you have done and gone through seems way too much for one woman! Incredible! I did especially enjoy reading about George. I must say that this is the first book I have been named in, and I am warmed by your generosity and grace. — Linda Szyszko

I am thoroughly enjoying your book. Your writing is fun to read and extremely informative. You write so beautifully about family while connecting all the dots as you go. I’ve learned things about family that I’ve never known, and people I’ve never met. You write in a way that brings them all to life. Thank you for this accumulation of family information. It’s wonderful and a real treasure. I’ve never had roots before and this work of yours has given me roots. — Cousin Pam

Bravo, Susan!

I just finished reading your memoir, Between Tears & Laughter. It is wonderful but like drinking from a firehose, hard to absorb and retain all the details of the many fascinating characters, family, friends, associates, and husbands (!). You have indeed lived a full, adventurous, eventful life that makes the lives of average people seem insignificant, low energy, and not very meaningful.

I was very touched by your tribute to your mother and by your coda following the last page of your memoir. And I love Dr. Borland’s description of you on pg. 211. Would that everyone of God’s children woke up each day believing something wonderful was going to happen. Even if any given day disappoints, you go to bed happy, believing that when you awaken tomorrow, something wonderful is bound to happen. As they say, “Attitude is everything…pick a good one.”

The countless travels and jobs, how did you have the time to fit it all in or remember everything? Fluent in Arabic! And one of your husbands, Bongo, was a gangster serving a life prison sentence! And you mingled with the Coors family, patted Robert Redford on the back, and knew Harry Caray! (My first book was Setting the Record Straight: Baseball’s Greatest Hitters.)

Thank you for mentioning my historical novel, For Love and Liberty. I am honored. Your subhead captured the essence of what I tried to convey, to wit “Editing for Posterity.” I am grateful to have had you edit my second novel as well, The Unexpected Visitation, a provocative, uplifting Christian story written from a Catholic perspective. It is tinged with melancholy for readers of all faiths who possess an open mind and a receptive heart.

So glad you captured your meaningful and fascinating life in your memoir. A life well lived.

Stephen Grimble