Susan Rathbone
It was on Blackthorn Street in Chevy Chase after swim team practice and a hershey bar that I first met Mrs. Belser. Vohn and I were dripping wet still in our swim suits, she was gracious, and with her warm smile asked if we’d like a dry towel and something to eat. We rushed up to Vohn’s room listening to the Beatles “White Album” on the turntable. Later that night we snuck out for a night swim at the pool. And the following morning we were offered a beautifully prepared hot breakfast from Mrs. Belser, no questions asked. She had an unshakable calm and a fierce grace, time seemed to stand still in her presence. Classy and glamorous she wore these sparkly gold sandals to the pool that illuminated and reflected back speckles of sunlight on her tanned legs. With summer’s arrival, I would dive under the pool water catching coins with Trish at Memorial Day events while she sat close by. She had a wide open heart and she graced every room she walked in.
Years passed and I didn’t see much of Vohn or Mrs. Belser, until one summer when my Mom and her were having lunch in Rehobeth and I went to her studio and saw her paintings. It was as if a whole new world had poured itself onto me. We commissioned her to do a painting of the beach which hangs prominently in the front hallway of our beach house and tucked away in my powder room is a small painting of a tiny house with the most beautiful blue hues, greeting me throughout the day. She had a talent beyond words.
As the years progressed I’d hear stories from my Mom about Pats adventures, ones that made me laugh, reflect and even cry. We saw Mrs. Belser two months ago, Mom was worried about her so we drove to the beach and they spent some time holding hands and I guess in their own ways saying goodbye. They left each other with hugs and a smile. I was lucky to know her through Vohn, my Mom, Nancy and her art. But mostly the world was lucky to be graced by her presence. Bless her beautiful soul, your light shines on Mrs. Belser.
Gone too soon.....
Susan Rathbone, June and family