I ran across this passage Ruth had written years ago. I recall Sara being one of Ruth’s high school friends. We never met, or if we did, I’ve forgotten, because I haven’t heard her name in several decades.
One of my favorite memories of being with Sara was sparked by the mention of a VW. One cold, blustery Saturday in our senior year, Sara and her mom picked my mom and me up and we headed for an all-day shopping trip to Grand Rapids. Today that would be no big deal, but in 1965 you had to dress up to go shopping in GR. That meant nylons, heels, and a dress with your best winter coat. If you’ve ever ridden in a 60’s VW, you will understand that Sara and I spent the trip in the back seat freezing and asking for the heat to be turned up. I don’t remember what we bought but we both vowed that we’d never buy a “Bug”. We also decided that any shopping we needed to do could be done in jeans and sneakers in Kalamazoo or Plainwell.
As I read her words I chuckled because Ruth was driving a VW bug when I met her. Her dad had bought it for her sometime during college. He thought she should commute to Western Michigan from Plainwell, but Ruth had her eyes on living away from home and ended up going to Michigan State. It was there she learned to hate all things associated with the University of Michigan. Her hatred stayed with her throughout her life. The only time she rooted for Michigan was when they played Ohio State. I’m waiting for the kickoff for this year’s game as I write this.
Ruth included this observation with her writing.
There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you well, pray for the ones who don’t. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living.
And then there was this quote.
‘”Today may there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you’ve received and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love. It is there for each and every one of us.”
I’ve been with my California kids in the Coachella Valley (commonly referred to as Palm Springs) for the past couple of days. I’ve driven by dozens of places Ruth and I frequented over the years, and each sighting has enhanced my grief. I wish Ruth was with us as we planned.
The best I can do this day is take solace in the quote she recorded a couple dozen years ago and join her in celebrating Michigan’s win.