Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Sweet Ruthie

She would call me in college and leave messages on my dorm room phone. "Honey, its your old friend Ruthie. I was just thinking of you. Don't call me back I don't want you to waste your money. I love you."

She would send me cards for even the most obscure Hallmark holidays. Inside she would always write something about being my oldest friend and always that she was thinking of me and loved me.

One time when I was home I picked her up and took her out for lunch. She tried to pay without me noticing... luckily I caught her in the act!

She had more life than some 20-year olds I know. Her life was an example of dedication to God, commitment to her church, and faithfully loving those around her with everything she had.
A car crash last week put her in the hospital with broken bones. The doctors said they wanted to keep her there for three months - much too long for a woman like Ruthie to be stuck inside. I called her room at the hospital when I heard the news. She told me, "Don't you worry about me - I'll be fine. I love you." I told her I loved her too and hung up Ruthie's phone call for the last time that night. Within a couple of days her lungs gave out and she went into a coma.

Tonight her granddaughter called to let me know that she would be taken off of life support this Thursday. It's the right decision. Ruthie loves Jesus, her body is already gone and it's time for her to spend eternity with Him. I know she'll be there to greet me someday too!

But that doesn't make it easier. I love her. She is my friend.

7 comments:

Mo said...

Awww. I didn't hear about that : ( She was one of a kind. I'm sorry your heart is sad...but so happy for Ruthie to meet her Jesus. xoxo.

Susan said...

Thank you for your Post on Ruthie we attended GCC for years until moving to Tn. last summer. My family always sat near her and we became friends. She would send our daughter notes and cards in the mail. Besides being excited to attend church every week we were also excited to see Ruthie.She will be missed by so many. We are sad today.

J Aquila said...

The weekends will never be the same for some of us who serve on the platform, and are used to seeing Ruth, worshiping right along side us.

She was such a great encourager to me and many others who volunteered on the team.

Thanks for sharing this, Amber.

Judy Dillon said...

Hi Amber~

I had heard of Ruth's accident at church from Dr Bob. I knew right away who he was talking about even tho he didn't give her name! She is such a sweet lady! I got to know her pretty well and sat by her sometimes at church.

I have a funny story to share about Ruth. She noticed one autumn night at church that I didn't have any socks on with my clogs. She was so concerned about that. She asked if I didn't have socks on because I couldn't afford them? I said "no Ruth, I just don't have any on." She told me that she could go buy some socks for me and give them to me - but I assured her I could afford them and just didn't have them on! I always think about that night when I see her and sometimes we laugh about it!!!

We all will miss Ruth and that gorgeous white hair of hers and of course that awesome smile!

I love your blog and following along with Ruby's growth! She is so lucky to have you for her mommy Amber!

Unknown said...

Ruthie was a special Saint of God who loved with everything she had. She always had a smile and a hug for all of us. She leaves a Godly legacy for us to follow. I will miss her terribly. I know Jesus welcomed her home with open arms. She is now free of all that restrained her physically. Thank you Jesus for sharing her with us.

Mark Beeson said...

Thanks for this post Amber. Ruthie has been very special to me. I'll miss her too.
You were a good friend to her Amber. Your kindness marked her. She spoke of you everytime she spoke with me.
"How's Amber?"
"Tell Amber I love her."
"Is Amber here today?"
Ruthie loved you very much. If only every elderly saint had a young friend who valued and celebrated them! I'm proud of you Amber. Well done.

allison said...

This is bringing tears to my eyes! Friends like Ruthie are a truly sweet blessing. It is so awesome to think she is with Christ right now! You were lucky to have her in your life, and Amber, you're going to be just like her many years from now.