Mary Jane (MJ) Suttor has spent the last 20 years as a high school English teacher. In these endeavors she has also advised school newspapers and yearbooks as well. In addition to these assignments, Mary Jane has been a high school theater director who has led several plays to state one-act-play honors.

Most recently she has added the responsibility of high school media specialist to her resume and has managed the school media centers, elementary through high school, for the last five years.

Graduating with Bachelor's degrees in English as well as a second degree in Speech communication and Theater, Mary Jane has been a life long supporter of the arts.

Writing has always been a nurtured love in her life. Instead of pursuing a writing career herself,she has introduced and shared her love of writing and literature with teens.

As a writer for Helium, Mary Jane has enjoyed fostering her own love of writing again and appreciates all the opportunities that are offered.

Inspiration for her writing comes from growing up in a large family on a Midwestern farm, as well as her husband and children. Her love of family,their beloved pets and their united appreciation of the outdoors provides unlimited possibilities for writing.

My passion is ...

learning-there is so much of life I have yet to explore

I know too much about ...

teenagers

My parents always told me ...

my education was the most important job in my life

My childhood ambition ...

become a nurse

My favorite memory ...

a speech student telling the class that his simple card trick was going to "Blow Your Mind Away"-which became an inside joke that cracked up the whole class and myself the rest of the semester. One of the things that makes teaching a great time.

Why I write ...

pure enjoyment

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

Michael J Fox's Always Looking Up

My first job ...

a janitorial assistant at my high school for the summer

My best moment ...

every moment I've spent with my three kids

My inspiration ...

family, nature, the touch of child's hand, the laughter of a friend, and a great cup of coffee

Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: Saying good-bye

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"You have a good day now," whispered the priest in the intensive care unit for her ears only. He emphasized the "you". I remembered it seemed like they had a sacred little secret together that none of the family was meant to know.

After days of pain, my mother passed her final Saturday nearly pain free. When my brother came from out of town, she was sitting up in bed reading the newspaper. He appeared skeptical and thought my sister and I were alarmists. There was no way that Mom was nearing the end. She had a great day smiling and laughing with her family and enjoying the simple plea...

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Writing:

Rating:

• Channel Steward
• Marketplace Premier Writer
• Creative Writing Bronze
• 3Writing Contest Winner
• Teacher
• 3Marketplace Articles Sold

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