1. God

I saw the poem on Ruth’s blog  but  didn’t know that she has passed.

We didn’t meet in person.  We met here.  And then exchanged emails.  Honored with her words, whenever I received them. Words of appreciation and encouragement.

I was so moved by the Dance for Ruth and the benefit for her, and grateful to Crystal for her role in both of these events.

And the love of Dave and Kylia and Kari, and how much she loved you.

She also loved watermelons.

And wrote of a beautiful childhood memory of irises growing along the east side of her childhood home.

And her enjoyment of the largest steam engine train.

And Ruth worked in a gallery for many years as well as teaching.

I love Ruth’s story about, and love and appreciation for, her brother Gene

There was also a story she told about the preacher who decided to do something about complaining in his congregation

Ruth wrote, in gratitude to her husband and daughters, “Life is too short to spend it worrying.  Life is for living, laughing and loving.”

That’s how I will remember you, and this community that surrounds you.