For Ruby with Love

We have lost a soul that was near and dear to many of us, to a disease that is no respecter of persons.  

I have spent many a jolly evening in Ron’s company - from situations as far apart as watching him entertain a wild crowd full of middle fingers to working alongside him in a 12 step workshop. Smoke breaks outside, deep thoughts to be shared, including “maybe these people are full of shit”, but also learning to pray, whatever that means.

 But perhaps the most jolly evening was the night Ruby was born.  Still with the smoke breaks outside, while the ever patient Dawn labored on, as she does.   As many of you know, Ruby’s birth was followed by months in the NICU as she underwent heart surgery as a newborn babe.   More smoke breaks outside, more deep thoughts.  More love and light and life than you could really fit in real time.  So much fear, so much faith.  

Ron wanted nothing but the best for Ruby and perhaps his most poignant contribution was choosing Dawn as her mother.  Dawn and Ruby have been a solid rock for each other and will continue to be through this transition. She is my bestest friend, so I might be biased but I also think she is gods gift to children.

 Losing Ron is one of those gut punches that you kind of saw coming, but there is no being ready.   There is no being ok with it, it just sucks. 

Ron shone with the brightest light whenever he could, and he made Ruby smile and laugh. You could feel the love from a mile away.  Ruby starts a college program next month, and the whole world is in uncertainty, before this fell on their shoulders.  His contributions in child support will be felt, as well as his abiding love.  What can we do for Ruby to help her life be a little more comfortable this year?  Ron would just love that. I know, because he told me so.   

At the moment, it’s unclear how we can collectively mourn, but Dawn and Ruby will feel your support. Thank you.