Today, we were given the gift of being able to surprise Ruth with a flash mob for her- singing and dancing to Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend.” The idea was just under two weeks in the making, and it was such a beautiful, heartfelt expression of love from us all to her. I am overflowing with gratitude!

1. Ruth, who brings out the best in everyone who knows her!
2. Her daughters Kylia and Kari, who will go to the ends of the earth for her, and who secretly planned and plotted with me to get Ruth to the park on time and without her knowing what was going on!
3. Her husband Dave. I was so happy to see him when he showed up, I was about to cry! I knew Ruth’s special day wouldn’t be complete without him and both daughters (in this area! I’m sure Kelly would’ve been there too if she could have.)
4. Every single person who showed up to dance, film, take pictures, and support Ruth. There was a moment when we were doing the practice dance when I looked out into the crowd and my heart filled with so much love and gratitude I could hardly keep dancing. Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you. I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing you are.
5. Watching Ruth’s face when she got out of the car. She was wide-eyed and curious, open and fearless. I could tell she had so many questions, yet bravely put one foot in front of the other and followed us to the pavilion.
6. Before she sat down, she saw Dave, and I could see her shoulders relax, her face soften. I suspect she knew everything was okay once she saw him. Her love for him is palpable, and brings me to tears to witness.
7. Watching her face after she sat down, people got into position, and the music started. Her heart shone through her face, radiant.
8. She watched so actively, scanning deeper and deeper into the crowd to identify faces. Little bursts of recognition and happiness as her eyes lit on new people.
9. The heartfelt singing of everyone in the crowd. The laughs we got while doing our “running in place” and the finger shake at “don’t you let them!”
10. The children who joined in, the teenagers who unabashedly danced, the little arms that circled Ruth’s neck in pure love afterward.
11. The mound of flowers that began to build on Ruth’s lap, and the waves of beads that encircled her neck. Such a beautiful illustration of what happens when each person does one little thing and it becomes something substantial in no time.
12. All the amazing people I met, who love Ruth. I would love to meet you all again and really get to know you. I know our paths will cross again when the time is right.
13. All my friends who came who didn’t know Ruth before today. Thank you for believing in me and trusting that it would be something you would love to be a part of.
14. The reporter, Jewell Cardwell, and photographer Mike Cardew from the Akron Beacon Journal, who were so gracious and kind and nice. It was a pleasure to have you among us. Thank you so much for being there.
15. My mother-in-law, Polly, who selflessly devoted half her day to the event, helped with my little one (who had a blast hanging out with her grandma) and always gives so much of herself with such a pure heart.
16. Last, but not least, my wonderful, amazing, incredible husband, who rearranged his work schedule to be there, supported my crazy idea, listened to me talk about it nonstop, agreed to help, and offered wise advice in all the planning stages. I love you.

PS: The article is in the Akron Beacon Journal already! What a beautiful tribute!