Reflections on Family
I’m going to tell you a story you’re going to find hard to believe. My in-laws, Don and Ruth Jones, were married for over 70 years. Mom died on May 7, 2014, ten years ago; we got the call about 9:30 p.m. Exactly three years later on May 7, at the same time, Dad passed away. I never felt sad about his passing because he was exactly where he had wanted to be for the prior three years—back with Ruthie. But exactly three years, almost to the hour?
Those who knew Ruth and Joner, which was his nickname, knew how close they had been all their adult lives. Ruth shaking her finger at Joner was such an iconic image, their granddaughter, Lori, recreated the scene with her new husband in one of her wedding photos. So it’s easy to imagine Ruthie up in heaven shaking her finger and saying, “Okay, Joner, three years is long enough. Get up here now!” And he went.
Two more short stories. Years ago I had been talking with them about a study on aging. Statistics showed—and still do—that women over 70 can’t lift 10 pounds over their head. As they were unloading groceries, Mom picked up a 10-pound sack of flour and lifted it over her head several times saying, “Look, Chet, I can do that.” It still makes me smile 20 years later. Paula says it was always a waste of breath to tell her she couldn’t do something.
Dad had a number of sayings that he accumulated over the years, but my favorite has to be this one: “Don’t force it—get a bigger hammer.” Spoken like a truck mechanic. Ruth and Joner were a hoot, and I miss their sense of humor. They were all about laughter and unconditional love. I hope the same can be said of us all.
What are you prepared to do today?
