Ruby's Journey: "A Ruth Friend"

Ruby has become an instant friend and trusted confidant for me over the past two months.  I am often amazed by how similar our lives and personalities are.  Though we met several years ago at my daughters graduation, we only recently became friends.  Life has a strange way of bringing you what you need when you need it.  Life knew I would need a level headed, humorous, speed racing,  friend when Ceara went abroad, so it gave me Ruby!  Thank you life!!!!!!!  

Champion: my  first question is how did you respond when you heard, I have cancer?

Ruby:  When Ceara told me you had cancer she teared up and I had never seen her cry. So my first reaction was for her .  I felt like, you poor child, so I just embraced her, and let her talk and just tried to encourage her.  I also thought my gosh how much more can you take cause I knew you had already been through a lot .  My first reaction was shock then I felt overwhelmed for you guys, cause I felt like you guys had to be overwhelmed.  Especially Ceara, cause  I knew she was already worried about not being able to be there for you fully because of school.  I felt like how could something else different have happened to you.  

But that was my reaction.  What else did you need to know?

Champion.  I also reacted first to Ceara, and with shock.  I remember thinking I just dropped Ceara off at school how is she going to handle this.  So I'm very courteous about how people transition from their first reaction to caregiver.  Because some people can make the transition some people just can not and they just kind if disappear.  

Ruby:  I'm a nurturer by nature, so when I found out Ceara was going to Costa Rica I  said to her let your mom know if there is something I can do, let me know.  Then when she left I reached out to her and said I mean this let me know what I can do, and she said  I know there is something so let me ask my mom.  But I wasn't having any problems for myself cause I'm medically inclined my self. My concern was for you and for Ceara .  

Champion:  any tips you would give a caregiver? 

Ruby:  serve in the way that is most natural for you.  Like I'm a cooker so that's why I bring you food.  

 Champion:   Ruby has shared with me  many times devotional a and reminded me to eat when I forgot, and helped me with getting port bandages off  and open honey packets like it was when the nerve neuropathy numbed my fingers making it difficult.  My tip to champions based on what I have learned from my friendship with Ruby is to take the help when you need it.