Prologue / Epilogue

I usually dive right into posting pages from my travel journal after returning from a vacation in France. This year is different. Everything is different. You see, my precious mother, Ruby, passed away on December 28. Craig and I and Desmond had just arrived in Lyon when we received the news. The memory of our first day there is a hazy blur of grief. We barely remember anything beyond our tears and sense of loss. 

Ruby Eileen Blaine had Alzheimer's disease and congestive heart failure. She was confined to a wheelchair due to a bad knee and the risk of falling. But those things do not define her. They did not and do not define the amazing woman who was a joy to all who knew her. 

My beautiful mom at age 18

Though mom had a hard life growing up, she remained an optimistic, energetic person who never let the dark days of her childhood cast shadows over her adult life. Her first marriage gave her a son and made her a widow in quick succession. She later married my dad, Wilbur. Tragically, they lost their first baby in infancy. It was a rough beginning to a long love story.

My parents on their wedding day

Vacations in Colorado were such good times!

As far back as I can remember, mom sang, laughed, and sparkled as she went about her daily activities. How she managed such a vibrant and positive attitude while cleaning, cooking incredible meals, and taking care of her husband and nine children was quite an accomplishment. She found time for church activities, many hobbies, and volunteer work as well. When dad passed away over a decade ago, mom's sparkle faded for quite a while. Though she never stopped grieving, she eventually regained her smile and shining light.

Sweetness through and through

Ruby adored her family, which grew and grew as the children reached adulthood and became parents themselves. It seemed she was always holding a baby in her arms. Her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, and even a few great-great grands were all special to her. She filled photo albums with pictures of her family. One of those was dedicated to Halloween shots because she loved seeing the kids in their costumes. Christmas, of course, was a special time for all of us because mom made it magical. She put so much love into everything she did.

Ruby holding one of her first grandbabies

Craig with mom.
Her baby doll brought comfort to her.

Just before Christmas.
This is one of the last photos of my mom.

I hadn't intended to make this a eulogy, so I'll end with saying that Alzheimer's disease didn't get the best of Ruby. She never lost her smile, her laughter, or her love for people. All people. She brought joy to all of her caregivers and the staff at the nursing home, and even the family members of other residents who would come to mom for a hug or one of her sweet smiles. And when mom would wheel herself through the facility, she'd stop to pat the shoulders of other dementia patients and give them a word or two of encouragement. She never stopped giving. She never stopped smiling. And she never stopped shining. So, shine on, sweet mama, shine on. Your light shall never be dimmed.

Mom in Hawaii with one of my children.