I first met Susan taking a political science course involving US-Soviet relations. We had much in common in terms of religion, politics, movies and entertainment. Upon standing in line to buy Stevie Ray Vaughn tickets together, I realized how special Susan was, a lively, driven 20 year old aiming to be a lawyer who could sing, dance, act and was also a sorority president.
Susan's father ran a furniture supply business, and she grew up in a rich background complete with luxury cars and a large swimming pool. At 5 foot 10, her legs were the nicest pair I'd ever seen, and for the first time in my life I realized what being in love meant.
I didn't want to make a mistake with Susan but the chemistry between us was so strong. I decided to ask her out, suggesting we meet at a restaurant with me taking an Easter Seal bus as usual. Susan said not to - she'd pick me up. She showed up in a 1975 gold Cadillac, and was the first woman to ever carry me into a "regular" car on a date. We'd go out as often as possible and talk for hours even if most times, it was terrible weather. That only brought us closer.
As time went on, my father would remind me not to dream because I could never marry Susan or have the right to love her. But when I thought back to incidents like her being lost in fog after seeing Tony Bennett, or a time when she almost broke her back lifting my wheelchair into the trunk of her Mustang, it only made me love her more.
Susan never stopped seeing me. I loved Susan with all my heart but could never tell her. She knew my feelings but we never consummated our relationship. I couldn't even kiss her.
I got my B.A. in History and then went into the Faculty of Education for teacher training. In the end, their analysis was that I was more fit to be a college professor because I lectured too much. Knowing this but not wanting another grueling four years of study, I chose to take a diploma program in teaching and developing programs for adults.
In 1981, Margaret Bayley went to Sooke with her new husband to open a bed and breakfast business there. Margaret and I had dinner at our favourite restaurant, 11 Corsaro, a few nights before she left. I told her to keep in touch and requested the pianist play "Till the End of Time", which really touched her. She really loved me and maybe we should've made out, but my heart belonged to Susan.
In 1981, Translink had taken over from Easter Seals as transport provider for the disabled, and had gotten rid of Kitty Hudson without even thanking her for her 35 years of service and improvement. Tim Louis, who had never liked Kitty, had the nerve to say publicly that he was responsible for bringing in the vehicles that Handy Dart would use, which angered me since we both knew the truth. It ended our friendship and forever put us on opposing sides.
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After getting my B.A. in Foreign Policy History, I began looking for jobs in the spring of 1981. I knew Susan would want stability if we had a future together, but I couldn't find work except for possibly promoting a magazine on exotic dancers' lives. I rejected this, not knowing how important dancers would figure later on in my career.
I continued to see Susan but now made us be buddies like Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland or Montgomery Clift and Elizabeth Taylor to avoid the later pain as I began the Diploma in Adult Education program in 1981.
In 1981-82, Susan began articling at a family law firm as we attended many events like Sandie Utas' marriage and "I'll be Back Before Midnight", a play starring Gillian Barber, who later ran Capilano College's Acting School. In 1982, Susan began dating another man, a "frat boy" who was going into real estate - someone who could give her what she wanted. As their relationship became serious, Susan confided her love for him and I listened, though in my heart I hoped it wouldn't last. We saw Lou Rawls and after the show, Susan told me she had accepted his marriage proposal. Having a drink in the bar, I told her that if she's happy then I am too. I would never love anyone like her again.
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| Susan and Vic, 2016 |
