Well, when I logged onto the challenge site just now, I had every intention of writing a quick ditty about bringing another case of empty bottles to the transfer station for the Lion's Club to redeem, which did happen today. But while looking at the blank screen, I felt like something (someone?) tapped me on the shoulder and suggested I write about the power of friendship and how it truly embodies all the elements of this blog: service, support and volunteerism. So I'm doing it! And it will be dedicated to the dear friend we just lost today, Ruth, and her devoted friends Jane and Philip. Ruth has been my parents' neighbor and dear friend since forever ago. We have all grown up and old together, through many cheers and tears, celebrating life and love and loss together. The absence of Ruth's remarkable personality, filled with generosity, compassion, humor, intelligence and kindness, will be greatly missed by all the extended Rinck family....but especially by my parents.
The truth about friendship is that it's quite easy when life is showering you with happiness and good fortune. But the defining measure of friendship is when life gets complicated.. When you're faced with a hail storm of sadness, fear and frustration that requires time, patience and understanding. And it was in the confusing final months, leading up to the desperate final hours of Ruth's life, that my parents proved themselves to be the ultimate friends to a woman who would have certainly done the same for them. They are truly a couple that will stay on the front lines until the finish, offering unwavering support and service to those who need them most. We can't pick many things in life, but we can pick our friends, and clearly, Ruth, Philip and Jane all chose wisely.
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