Thursday, August 14, 2014

Miss Ru


This is the way I prefer to think of Miss Ru - always that beautiful smile, always a loving sister, a loyal friend, a truly wonderful daughter.  

Miss Ru moved off to heaven and left us last Wednesday night. I know I've been absent from the blog, but it's been almost unbearable. I still expect her to come in and visit with me, ask me why I'm not sewing, and who's getting the next quilt. 

Please don't misunderstand me. I wouldn't bring her back if I could. She spent the last seven and a half weeks of her life in intensive care units. Doctors and medical staff, for the most part, did all they could to get her the help she needed. Cystic fibrosis is a mean disease, and Miss Ru fought it with all that was in her. She never let it define her, but brushed herself off after every battle, put on her makeup and high heels, and got right back to living her life. She was truly the strongest, most courageous person I've ever known. But her little body had just taken all it could take. As the minister at her memorial service said, "Wouldn't you have loved to see her step into heaven and take that first free, unencumbered breath?!" Yes, I would, and I'm so happy she never has to suffer again.

I do not intend to stay in this place of grief, but there do have to be times of tears and laughter as we remember our precious Ruthie. Life will never be the same for Mr. Muddling and me, nor for our other children, but we will see her again and I take great comfort from that. 

Give those you love a big hug. Kiss them and tell them you love them. Be sure that you, too, have the promise of being reunited with loved ones on the other side of this life.

And since I haven't told you lately, I love you. I value your friendship in this blog world. I pray that your home is a happy one and that you find joy in living. With all its disappointments and sorrows, it's still a wonderful life!

Hugs and kisses,

18 comments:

Karen said...

Your post is a wonderful tribute to your beautiful daughter. My heart goes out to you and your family. I know there are no words to ease your pain but I do want to let you know how much I am thinking of you at this time. I am so pleased you have such wonderful memories of Miss Ru and can be proud of her amazing approach to all she encountered.
Thanks for your words of wisdom.

Sheila said...

I think of Miss Ru often and am sorry to hear of her passing. I will remember her as a sweet and beautiful young person with a loving smile. Thank you for sharing pictures and words about Miss Ru. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

Oh Elaine, I am so very sorry. I know that you and Mr. Muddling will miss her so much, but I pray that you will find comfort in your memories and in knowing that she is breathing easy with Jesus now. {{{hug}}}

Thimbleanna said...

Oh Sweet Elaine -- I haven't stopped thinking about you since our e-mail. What beautiful pictures of Miss Ru -- always with that pretty smile. Your sweet girl will always be in your heart. XOXO

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

Miss Ru's beautiful smile is the way I will remember her too. She certainly was courageous til the end. I love you too Elaine. You are the symbol of love for others in your actions and words. God bless you and your family.

ipatchandquilt said...

The love you all have for Miss Ru is felt all to the other side of the world and beyond.
I wish you may find the peace to feel that love for ever and ever.
Esther

Susie Swanson said...

Oh My Goodness Elaine I'm so very sorry. I knew she was really bad and been praying for her and ya'll so much. My heart aches for all of you and I know there are no words to say at a time like this to give much comfort but you all are and will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Yes, take comfort in knowing you don't have to watch her suffer anymore. May God wrap his comforting arms around all of you.

Phyllis said...

I am so terribly sorry for your pain and loss. I am thankful for the memories you have of your beautiful daughter. May God wrap you with his grace and comfort.

Tricia said...

What a beautiful post and a beautiful young woman. I am sorry that the world will not be able to have her light in it as we need it so. You will be in my thoughts. I will hope for peace for you and your family.

Eggs In My Pocket said...

Oh, Elaine..............my heart goes out to you. I am so very sorry. No words can ever really make the pain you feel go away. Just for the record.....I love you dear blogging friend. May God put his arm of comfort around you. Hugs to you, Kathleen

Empty Closet Quilting said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss and I am praying for peace and comfort for you at this difficult time.

Karendianne said...

My dear Elaine, I am terribly sorry for your loss. I knew something was wrong, I just knew it. I am sending you the warm touch of friendship and the healing light of an active prayer in this moment. May you know you are not alone and we are all here for your comfort and support. Blessings, *karendianne.

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Oh, Elaine, I'm so very sorry about Miss Ru. My heart goes out to you and your family. I'm been praying for her, but she's at home in heaven. She was a beautiful girl with such a sweet smile. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Susie Swanson said...

Thinking alot about you these days my friend. I can't even imagine your heartaches but I'm surely praying for you.

The Woodbury's said...

I am so very sorry to read about Miss Ru...What a wonderful smile she had! Please know that I am thinking of you, and that you will be in my prayers. In reading your post, I found your faith to be inspiring, and I'm so glad that you have that to bring you some measure of comfort.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry, Elaine! I cannot even imagine. I pray that you and Mr. Muddling will feel God's presence and grace at this time.

eva said...

Love & Hugs to you and your family too!!!!!
xo
eva

Margaret said...

Your daughter was beautiful and glowing with personality and joy. You must miss her terribly. Your tribute to her is full of love and very poignant to read. My parents lost two of my younger brothers at 16 and nearly 24. I don't know how they survived. My husband died at 59 which was also extremely difficult but not the same as a child. Although we have to move forward, we can never completely move on.