LETTER: Susan Lorimer continues to be positive force

To the Editor:

Greencastle and Putnam County have lost one of our most amazing, generous, and supportive members. Susan Lorimer, owner and operator of Big Bounce Funhouse Rentals, fought a valiant battle with cancer that took her way too early. Along with her husband, Andy, Susan poured her heart into a business that has blessed everything from DePauw University to individual families to local business. I know they blessed me.

Andy and Susan were one of the first families I had the pleasure to meet when returning to the community, and it quickly became apparent just how large their hearts were. Susan especially would go out of her way to bless the families of our daycare and — in time — she would step into the role that was only natural for her, the CEO of Fun.

It wasn’t surprising either when Andy and Susan came to me several years ago with the desire to add a complementing event to First Friday. They specifically wanted our local families and kids to have something to look forward to each month during the summer. They had only one stipulation. They insisted it be entirely free. That is how Second Saturdays were born.

Not that it was ever free. From the beginning, Andy and Susan contributed the entertainers and the bounce houses, along with some of their own employees at times, to make these events happen. That’s precisely how it was this last month when South Indiana Street was filled with kids and families taking in an amazing aerial acrobatics and juggling show.

This Saturday, Big Bounce Funhouse will be blessing our community all over again, even as Andy and Susan’s kids grieve her loss. I know Susan will be smiling down on the event. Recovery Raw will be hosting a free, family fun day at Robe-Ann Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to raise more awareness about addiction recovery. Additionally, food sales from the event will go to support The Isaiah 1:17 Project, which was a cause Susan got to hear about even as she began her fight with cancer.

I can’t begin to tell our community how much Susan lived to see others blessed by these sorts of events. I was able to visit with her at the last Second Saturday when all of the kids were enjoying the show, even though she had to stay in her car to watch as a result of the pain. She made it clear that she wanted to bring the Silly Safari back for June, and I am not surprised that Andy and Susan followed through on their promise.

As so many know here in our community, that’s the sort of people Andy and Susan are: Hard-working and constantly trying to support others. So, in honor of Susan, I simply ask that you share the word. Let your families and friends know. The Silly Safari will be there from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. It would be wonderful to see our community blessed by this event, in honor of a woman that has blessed my life and blessed so many as well.

Sincerely,
Wes Kendall