I met Ruth in August that year when she came over to play. Long-legged and spirited, she brought energy of a different kind into Kaitlynn's life that summer. Then, in early fall, her aching leg was finally diagnosed as cancer, and she began the long journey.
Through several chemotherapy regimens, through the replacement of her femur with a titanium rod, through one siege of near-death and then a sort of recovery, she held true.
It was at her memorial service that I learned more of Ruth's journey. The minister clearly explained that she had never met Ruth, yet had the feeling that she knew her. Ruth's parents had shared with her an audiotape which Ruth had recorded during the past year. The minister described her listening experience as spending five minutes hearing Ruth speak and then having to turn it off to let the power and wisdom of this child sink in, as tears flowed, again and again. She shared some of Ruth's philosophy with us.
Her parents, who had adopted Ruth when she was an infant, described her as an old soul who knew so many more good ways about living life in this world than eight-year-olds normally do.
When a child like this grazes one's life and touches it with grace, one can only give thanks for the blessing of the presence received even as one sorrows for its passing.
So at this Christmastide, when alleluias resound among the sounds of guns and bombs, when will the people of the world, the members of each nation, say "enough. We've had enough of killing and dying. We've had enough of 'not any' and 'too much.' "
There is a better to way to live in this world. It's called sharing your resources and not taking too much. It's called reconciling with your neighbor rather than shooting your neighbor. It's called speaking truth to the powerful and reclaiming each person's own personal power. It's called being responsible for your corner of the world and keeping it in good order and environmentally healthy. It's called caring. It's called acting as though you love until you do.
May the peace of the child known as Ruth be with you.