A shooting star streaks across the sky, getting our admiration and attention, but then leaves us too soon. And so it was with my friend Sue, Sue Stahl. Sue left us last month. I did not expect it. It shocked me. It seemed so counter to her enthusiasm and perseverance that I knew. But like everyone we know in life, we never know other people entirely.

I of course understood that Sue struggled with her challenges, living with cerebral palsy all of her life. She became a dedicated advocate for those disabled with physical challenges, like her. She ran for the Portland City Commission ("Stahl for All!"). I, my sister, and several other close friends donated to her campaign; we met at McMennimens at Kennedy School, got into the "Stahl for All!" slogan, chanting it in the pub after several pints, and we all committed to contributing to her campaign. She did not win that campaign, but she did chair for years the Portland Disability Commission.

Sue committed herself to help others. In her words: "I deal with ADA issues every day. I'm glad I have the support within the ADA community and within the city to not only help my needs but also help the needs of others who are not able to stand up, speak up, and advocate for themselves."

I first knew Sue when she was an MPA student at Portland State University, taking my classes. After her graduate work I became her mentor and then her friend. Some of you may have met Sue at Leslie's Christmas ships parties, or perhaps at to Channels Edge. I took her sailing on the Columbia several times, and when at the helm she loved surprising us with wild turns. But mostly, as a friend I would meet Sue somewhere to drink a good microbrew and talk.

Sue, you fought so hard during her life, for yourself and then for others. Maybe fighting with CP as you got into your 40's became too hard, and as a friend I must accept that. It hurts that I can not see you again, but I thank you for being my friend, for all of those conversations over a great microbrew. I intend to toast you again at some of those same Portland places where we met, and my toast will be a loud - "Stahl for All!"

If you want to read more about Sue, you can read an article in the Willamette Week, listen to an interview of her when she was running for Portland Commisisioner, or look at her Facebook page.