I tried to shorten this, but just couldnt...remembering Ruth-- My heart has been so heavy since learning of the sudden death of my dear mentor, advisor, preceptor, crazy, hilarious, deeply loved friend! The clouds in Pittsburgh were heavy and dark yesterday as I was driving to WV, which seemed appropriate for the day/week many of us were/are having, full of emotion and longing. I cant help but hear Ruth, though telling me is anybody doing any work here today? Come on, people! I met Ruth as a new MPH student and the first day I spent in her office I went home and told my new husband she hated me. She was a fiery spitball and I could barely keep up! Ruth pushed and molded; she laughed and said hard things. She was a safe landing spot for so many; hundreds and thousands sat in her office and spoke of things too dark for others; too shameful for many, but not for Ruth. Ruth had a way of pushing just enough to inspire and propel; to aggravate and endear. The School of Public Health (PH) didn’t have a program that was exactly what I was looking for when I started my MPH; no matter to Ruth- she encouraged me to create my own and supported and connected me as I did just that. She was my cheerleader, my mentor, my 2nd Mom and confidante as a new wife and graduate student. Ruth made me question things I thought were a given; she called and called with endless ideas and opportunities, and she walked beside me every step of the way. Ruth taught me to write curriculum, and helped me create a workshop for community members to come together to discuss how to strive towards cultural competence in healthcare, the first of its kind in our state. We did this together not only in the classroom (although I did take and love several of her classes), but in her kitchen, at the table in her sun room, and the floor in her living room. She chastised me for bringing her the draft of my health manual on the computer rather than printed out for her to edit, and her pencil (never pen!) flew and flew. Her criticism made me better and her delivery allowed me to see that her heart was for me. In 2006 Ruth and I went to Tanzania together with a group from Amizade and let me tell you- you don’t really know someone until you’ve peed in a hole in the ground together. Ruth taught us never to pass up an opportunity to pee, and the stories and antics on this trip are too numerous to write. Ruth was a crusader for PH even on this trip- arranging home visits with community workers and observations in the maternity ward. She asked questions, chided us to pay attention, and connected with so many people during our time there- other students, children in the orphanage, women who were victims of rape creating crafts to earn a living, families who welcomed us into their home. Ruth never met a stranger and could talk to anyone; always getting a laugh with her great wit and humor! Ruth supported me when after graduation I took a job working with issues of justice and advocacy rather than the one with a steady paycheck and benefits (the real benefit was the one I chose was across the hall from her office)! She listened and teased as I developed my first classes at WVU, became pregnant, endured a loss, and moved to southern California. We stayed in touch as we had our first child, Owen. He was born with a cleft lip that we didn’t know about and she was one of the first people to comment on his baby pics- telling me of his beauty. She encouraged me as a new Mom with 2 babies in 15 mos, she visited us in CA, and yelled at me for losing too much baby weight. Ruth sent me resources and links as I began my PH career in Pittsburgh and talked about the house were buying and when her room would be ready. Another close student and friend of Ruths, Janine Dzuba, and I stayed with her this winter when Janine gave a presentation for one of the classes here at the school of public health and Ruth introduced me as one of her daughters, with some embarrassing stories and lots of love mixed in. What a gift that day and night were- the 3 of us reminiscing and laughing, listening, and walking through life together. Ruth was my mentor and dear friend. She influences me still as a public health professional, an advocate for women’s rights and issues of justice for the underserved; as a program director caring for my staff; as a wife working through the chaos of life with my husband, and as a mother enjoying great adventures with my boys. She was compassionate, loud, funny, and gentle. She was kind and strong, and tireless for the things and people close to her heart. She loved her family so very much (you would probably die if you knew all of the stories she’s told us!), and she was a very proud Nana always sharing stories of her grandkids. The world has endured a great loss in her death, and yet her legacy will live on forever in the hearts of many. I miss her terribly, and I don’t quite know what to do without her. Know we’re thinking of you all during this time and sending you great love and prayers of peace. Take good care, Rockin Ruth, you are so deeply, deeply loved...Megan
Posted on: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 17:02:59 +0000
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