This is how I will always remember Ruth, head thrown back, laughing. I took it many years ago at Disney, she was dancing with a Mardi Gras band ❤️

 A few weeks ago I told my friend Ruthie I knew that the retired, active lifestyle we are enjoying right now, has an expiration date. She emphatically said “that’s right”. Ruth lived her life to the fullest and most of my biggest adventures were with her. She was just as comfortable flying business class to Europe as she was taking a bus with bullet holes through the razor wire lined streets of El Salvador (yes, we actually did both). Ruthie never let her fear stop her from missing out; helicopter rides, the big WHOOOSH ride at Great America, hiking the Nepali Coast, mountain biking in Sedona, she always gave it her best with a positive attitude, laughing along the way about where they would land the rescue helicopter. So much fun. Who could’ve know what a deep lasting friendship we would have when I met her in the mid 80s. 

Such an incredible ability to laugh at herself. One of my favorite memories was a long car trip, her daughters were doing the whole ‘she’s looking out my window, I’m taking your nose’ thing. All the adults were a bit frazzled from this,seemingly not Ruth until she blurted out “GIVE YOUR SISTER BACK HER NOSE!” The laughter was hysterical with the sudden realization nobody had anybody’s nose! No one laughed harder than Ruth. These and so many more memories make me smile tinged with a deep sadness. She lived life to the fullest and shared it with anyone that wanted to be there. 

I talked to Ruthie on the phone most days. We talked about everything from God to laundry, we were on the phone when the planes struck the twin towers. We cried together and laughed together.  She left us way too soon. Not much chance I have another 35 to foster a friendship like ours and no chance I will ever meet another Ruth. Here’s to you my friend, I will miss your presence forever.