Irene is…
a character based on Suzanne’s own mother, Irene. Dying too young, at the age of 54, Irene was consumed by self-doubt and insecurities. On the outside, she was the life of the party and had too many friends to mention, yet in truth she was always in a state of inner turmoil, lacking a sense of inner peace. Within 2 months of a cancer diagnosis, Irene died, and at her funeral were, ironically, 54 bouquets of flowers!! There were also 6 priests presiding over her funeral mass, and the funeral parlor and restaurant were jam-packed with dear friends. Suzanne thought at that time “what if my mother could see this? And what if I could write a story that would make us all think about our own self-worth, and whether or not we would be missed upon our death?”
At that moment, the idea for Portals was born.
Tyrone is…
a High School student from a broken family who believes his life is pretty worthless. He starts hanging out with a different group of friends, and they start experimenting with drugs. One night they try Heroin, and Ty dies from an overdose. At his funeral, he sees that he left behind a beautiful girlfriend, a really good mom, a kid-sister, a large group of friends, and some special teachers. Through the Portal, Ty realizes that he actually had a pretty good life, and he hears all of his loved ones blaming themselves for not helping him. He finally realizes that the only one he can blame in the end for his death is…himself! This causes great discomfort, as he has spent most of his young adult life blaming everyone else.
This character was developed into a drug awareness film, which was sold to many area high schools, and was shown at the Conference for Hope in Augusta. It proved to be very effective, as most kids in the audience thought that Ty was dreaming during the Portals sequence. The truth is, dead is dead, and we had made our point: if you experiment with drugs, the end could be near, and you will only be able to blame yourself.
Tony is…
An unscrupulous businessman. He doesn’t care who he burns, or what people think of him. He figures it’s “just business”, and that all is fair. One night he is murdered, and at his funeral he realizes for the first time that he was truly hated by everyone he crossed paths with! He is also surprised to find that this bothers him, while he realizes that his murder won’t even be investigated or avenged!!
The author is hoping that this story will make people take a close look at their values. Would the world be a better place if more people were concerned about how they would be remembered; either as an honest, hard-working person, or a cheater and a liar? Remember the cliche, “you can’t take it with you!”
Harry is…
A successful lawyer who loves practicing law, but chooses to forego all the usual social entitlements so that he can go home every night to his ill wife. She is unable to leave the home, and she is therefore unable to accompany him to awards banquets, etc. Many of his colleagues just don’t understand how he can be happy, and they judge him as having a miserable life. In truth, he is happy, he loves his wife dearly, and he loves the law as well, therefore his life is full.
This story was written to try and help people realize that they really can’t understand another person’s life, and they should refrain from passing judgement and drawing conclusions. They also should stop the chatter!
Frank is…
The other character from Portals that is based on fact.
The father of 11 adult children, and over 25 grandchildren, he is very hard-working, and expects the same of his children. Unfortunately he does not share much praise, and one day he dies suddenly of a heart attack. Through the Portal, he is able to hear the thoughts and prayers of the large family he leaves behind.
This character is based on Suzanne’s father-in-law, Francis, and much of what happens in the story of Frank is true; even in regards to the funeral procession! The streets of Francis’s hometown were actually lined with saluting policeman and firemen, as his body was carried to the cemetary atop the fire engine he used to drive!!
This story was written in the hopes that fathers, sons, daughters, mothers, and all family members alike, would say those 3 little words more often. Suzanne is sure that Grandpa would’ve relished the opportunity to do so, if he had known how quickly his life would be cut short.
Reza is…
a fictional story that rings eerily true given recent headlines.
Reza is a refugee from Iraq who comes to America as a child, with one plan; Revenge. He meets clandestinely with members of his cell, planning a future date where he will kill as many of us Americans as he can. He becomes a member of our society, and soon blends in, enjoying the many advantages of being a minority while living in the land of plenty. He gets scholarships, then job opportunities, while working his way up the corporate ladder. Just as his plan is to come to fruition, he dies suddenly,and finds himself at the Portal. It is here that he realizes for the first time that his American friends and neighbors were actually really good people. In fact, they give off light as they approach him to pray; sometimes blinding light, dependant on the purity of their soul. He can’t believe that he was going to harm these people who had all been so kind to him! When his comrades approach, all he feels is the aching chill and incredible darkness of their all-consuming hatred. He tries to reach out to them through the Portal, to tell them that they were wrong, but it may be too late.
This story was written because we all know that there are Rezas living among us, waiting to attack. Having 3 children, Suzanne wanted to ensure that somehow, by some miracle, she could make their world a safer place. Maybe if those people wanting to harm us could realize that many of us are really great people, their hearts can change. Suzanne asks us to BELIEVE that this is possible, that the lion may someday lay down with the lamb, and people find the courage to forgive.