A name to remember…

Do you recall trying to decide on a name for your children?  This was a hard decision for my husband and I.  How in the world do you choose something that will stay with a person for their entire life?  To complicate things, both of our children were born prematurely and we were unprepared with a name.  I remember the person at the hospital repeatedly coming by and asking what name we had chosen.  She was like the “name police” until we finally decided.  When our first child was born, he was in ICU for some time.  What to name him was a topic of conversation often.  We’d mention a name and the nurses and other parents would say “nay” or yeah.

With the choice of a name being one of such importance, it amazes me that my very best survivor friend’s parents knew exactly what name was meant for her.  RUTH.  The name in the Bible that means friend; companion;vision of beauty.  Ruth was indeed all three.  Her beauty was both outside and inside.  She loved things of beauty and, as a result, sought out beautiful places in her travels.  I was so fortunate to be able to join her in doing this with our trips to places like Bald Head Island and Arizona..  Ruth’s beauty was probably best seen in her efforts to share the beautiful earrings she made with others in the chemo room.  I have seen fear in the faces of patients turn to smiles when presented with Ruth’s  beautiful earrings.  But, truly, what really gave comfort was the caring, gentle way she gave of herself in sharing them.

Ruth was a friend to me in so many ways. Have you ever just met someone and known that they were meant to be your friend?  Well, that’s how it was with Ruth.  We met at our support group soon after she was diagnosed.  Our bond was strengthened as we learned just how much we both enjoyed the same things.  When Ruth would have treatment, I’d take her and when it was my turn, she’d take me.  Of course, we would always do something fun when we were done.  Fun was an important part of our friendship.  We had a motto that we both lived by.  “When you feel well, you have fun and enjoy your life.”  We understood each other and had very deep talks and shared both our joys and fears.  Yes, friend describes Ruth perfectly.

My friend Ruth passed away last week and I miss her so much.  It will be hard to live in this world without her strength, her gentleness, and her fun-loving spirit.  I thank those of you that have reached out to me since her passing.  Nicky, her very best friend, and I are planning a Celebration of Life for Ruth on January 19.  If you would like to join us, please leave a comment with your email address.

A true angel.. Ruth…

Patsy

• Posted in: passing of friends