The Bus Trip

By Vicki Katsadas

In the heart-wrenching memoir, The Bus Trip, a mother revisits the poignant journey of love, strength, and indomitable spirit as she navigates the most devastating loss of her life – the passing of her vibrant daughter, Susu. From the exuberant days of Susu’s childhood, filled with laughter, teenager years filled happiness and togetherness, college years and blossoming into a young adult with a future so bright, the incredible bond of a mother and daughter, the universal tunes of Barney, to the heartbreak of a leukemia diagnosis in her early 20s, this tale paints an intimate portrait of a family bound together by unbreakable bonds. 

  

Through every hospital visit, every lab report, and every tear-shed moment, the memory of Susu – adventurous, witty, and ever-loving – stands as a testament to the power of love that transcends life and death. As the pages unfold, readers are invited to bear witness to the transformative journey of grief and remembrance. A mother filled with inspiration from her daughter and a family clinging to the love to guide them through this unimaginable journey.

  

For every parent, sibling, and individual who has loved deeply, The Bus Trip is a deeply moving story which serves as a profound reflection on the beauty of life, the pain of loss, and the eternal nature of love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Mar 28, 2024
• ISBN: 9798886930856

Vicki Katsadas

Vasiliki Katsadas, known by friends and family as ‘Vicki’ or ‘Koula,’ was born in the sun-kissed lands of Greece. At the age of six, her family journeyed to the United States of America, initially settling in New Castle, Pennsylvania, before establishing deeper roots in Erie where they remain today. Following the heart-wrenching loss of her daughter, Vicki and her son sought solace and a fresh start in Chicago, Illinois. Professionally, Vicki is deeply entrenched in the medical field, where her passion is evident in her dedication and service. Outside of work, she finds solace in the world of art, expressing her emotions through diverse crafting mediums. Each piece she creates is a tribute to her daughter, infused with love and memories. Navigating her grief is a daily challenge, but Vicki faces each sunrise with resilience and hope.

Book preview

The Bus Trip

Vicki Katsadas

Austin Macauley Publishers

The Bus Trip

About the Author

Dedication

Copyright Information ©

About the Author

Vasiliki Katsadas, known by friends and family as ‘Vicki’ or ‘Koula,’ was born in the sun-kissed lands of Greece. At the age of six, her family journeyed to the United States of America, initially settling in New Castle, Pennsylvania, before establishing deeper roots in Erie where they remain today. Following the heart-wrenching loss of her daughter, Vicki and her son sought solace and a fresh start in Chicago, Illinois. Professionally, Vicki is deeply entrenched in the medical field, where her passion is evident in her dedication and service. Outside of work, she finds solace in the world of art, expressing her emotions through diverse crafting mediums. Each piece she creates is a tribute to her daughter, infused with love and memories. Navigating her grief is a daily challenge, but Vicki faces each sunrise with resilience and hope.

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my daughter, and to my father, who passed most recently.

Copyright Information ©

Vicki Katsadas 2024

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

All of the events in this memoir are true to the best of author’s memory. The views expressed in this memoir are solely those of the author.

Ordering Information

Quantity sales: Special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the publisher at the address below.

Publisher’s Cataloging-in-Publication data

Katsadas, Vicki

The Bus Trip

ISBN 9798886930337 (Paperback)

ISBN 9798886930344 (Hardback)

ISBN 9798886930856 (ePub e-book)

ISBN 9798886930351 (Audiobook)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023920818

www.austinmacauley.com/us

First Published 2024

Austin Macauley Publishers LLC

40 Wall Street, 33rd Floor, Suite 3302

New York, NY 10005

USA

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On May 4, 2018, after a sleepless night, my 24-year-old daughter, Susu, came to me and said she had to leave. I thought, it’s so early in the morning. Where are you going?

Mom, I need to go; just rest, I held her in my arms, and we clung each other for a while. I kissed her forehead, then her cheek, and gave her a peck on the lips.

I love you so much, my little Susu, I called her Susu since she was little girl. At that moment, her 16-year-old brother joined in on our hug. I started singing the Barney song Susu loved when she was young: I love you, you love me, we’re a happy family, and with a great big hug and a kiss from me to you, won’t you say you love me too?

The three of us intertwined in this great, big, reassuring, and calming hug. The love for each other formed a connection that was so strong, it took my breath away. Her brother kissed her on the forehead and told her how much he loved her. He always called her baby and she adored it.

After our long embrace after many hugs and kisses, Susu left.

Shortly after, I heard a knock at the door. It was strange, and I wondered who would be here. I opened the door and couldn’t make out who was there. I saw a body, but the light was so bright I couldn’t see the face clearly. I saw legs, but the rest of the body was like the Brightest sunshine. He said, I am here to take you on a trip. What trip? I asked. Are you sure you have the right house? Yes, he said.

I said, Excuse me, but I don’t know what you are talking about, sir; I’m honestly not interested.

He said I didn’t have a choice. A heaviness fell upon my body.

Who are you? Why are you here? I asked.

I am here to accompany you on this trip, he replied.

I felt like I knew why he was at my door, but I didn’t want to admit it.

I couldn’t argue with him; I felt so tired and overwhelmed. Something in me knew this trip was coming.

He said he already packed my bags for me.

I looked at the bags; they were so big and looked so heavy. I cannot carry those. I’m sorry; I don’t have the energy or strength, I said.

He said not to worry about the bags; he would carry them for me.

I asked how long I would be gone, and he said for the rest of my life. For the rest of my life. This is not what I expected my life to be.

I didn’t like him; I was very irritated by this whole situation. As much as I didn’t want to go, I knew deep inside I had to. The strangest feeling I ever experienced was that I felt this heaviness surround my body, as if a ton of bricks were on me. I could barely move. I just didn’t want this, not for me not for my family. I asked him, How was I supposed to leave everything I knew behind? My whole life behind?

What about my family, my children?

He said he already took my daughter, and she was making the trip ahead of us. I yelled "No please, why? I don’t want this to happen to her. My poor daughter, my poor baby…oh God, why?

Where is she?

He said, She is safe and was ready to go. Wait a minute, I thought, I know my daughter, and she would not want to leave us behind; she must have been upset. He said, "She was sad to leave you, her brother, and the rest of the family, but she knew she needed to make the trip. I welcomed her with open arms and big hug and took away any of her fears.