As some of you know, my wonderful, universally beloved, Grandma Ruthie passed away a few days ago at the monumental age of 100. She was an amazing woman full of laughter, love, and positivity that could turn even the most dour day around. She lived an incredible life, she traveled the world and raised three wonderful kids, about a thousand grand kids, and about a million great-grandkids. By the end of her life, she was ready to go. She’d seen all she would see and done all she would do and she was at peace with that. While this was somewhat sad, it also gave us the chance to say the things you want to say to someone before they turn out the lights and close up the shop. But, there’s always more to say to someone who has made such a colossal impact on your life, so here goes:
A lovely tribute to a lovely woman. I was privileged to meet Ruthie a couple of times over the years and believe that your column really captured her spirit. You were lucky to have her as your grandmother and I'm sure she felt blessed to have you in her life, as well. Thanks for sharing such personal feelings.
Will, I knew and loved your Grandma Ruthie for nearly 60 years. She wasn't just my friend's mom, she was a kindred spirit. I miss her already and will keep her in my heart always.
Your tribute to Ruthie is one for the ages and you, most certainly, were incredibly fortunate to have had known her from the days of sitting on the kitchen counter "batter begging" thru the time of the last hug which you posted here. That's some journey you were able to have with her and I know that you loved every minute of it and truly loved her. She was a special woman to all who knew her, Valerie and I were so grateful to be included into the world of Ruthie, with or without your parents. As you said, for all those who were lucky enough to meet and know your beloved grandmother, Ruthie, will hold a special place in our hearts and memories. Thank you for your heartfelt tribute.
Last week's essay was joyous and an absolutely magical adventure. 'Twas quite a mind-teaser to attempt to unravel the mystery as I read along and, at the end, a delightful surprise! My immediate thought was for you to find one terrific animator or illustrator and turn this into a children's book or an animated short subject. Your essay has tremendous potential! Give us more and WRITE ON!
Oh Will... this is absolutely beautiful. The love that you have shared with us has brought me to tears (and my guess is I’m not the only one). Thank you for this post. You were/are blessed. That special love never goes away. Keep talking to fabulous Ruthie ❤️
Hey Will, you honored your Grandma Ruthie well. A good writer can bring smiles and tears to your eyes. You brought both to me. Thank you! I had a granny that I couldn't pronounce that name when I was a small child, so I called her "Yanny." Since I was the oldest grandchild, everyone else after me called her Yanny. I loved and respected my grandma as you did with your Grandma Ruthie. Thank you for bringing back the wonderful memories of my grandma. I'm sure others will feel the same way reading your tribute to your Grandma Ruthie. Continue writing from your heart and soul! ❤️
Very sweet and touching tribute to your grandma, Ruth, who I remember from my early childhood, when I hung with your dad. Anyway, Will, you write beautifully, especially when the subject is something near and dear to you. My wife Elaine and I send condolences to you and your family.
An icon. I say it all the time but GRANDMAS ARE SO SPECIAL and I feel so lucky to have met your exceptionally special one.
Such a beautiful tribute to what must have been an incredible human in Grandma form. 💞
A lovely tribute to a lovely woman. I was privileged to meet Ruthie a couple of times over the years and believe that your column really captured her spirit. You were lucky to have her as your grandmother and I'm sure she felt blessed to have you in her life, as well. Thanks for sharing such personal feelings.
I’m sorry for your loss, Will, and RIP to Ruthie. She seemed like a perfect grandma. Very touching tribute.
A beautiful tribute to your grandma. Shared.
Will, I knew and loved your Grandma Ruthie for nearly 60 years. She wasn't just my friend's mom, she was a kindred spirit. I miss her already and will keep her in my heart always.
Beautifully said. I also only had one grand parent growing up and treasured her they are so special
Way to make me laugh while reading this lovely post. Thank you for sharing Will.
I share your love and feelings for your grandmother ❤️
My father-in-law will be 100 in April, Catherine & Michael’s grandfather who also attended the Grandparents Day
Will, this will be a two-fold comment.
Your tribute to Ruthie is one for the ages and you, most certainly, were incredibly fortunate to have had known her from the days of sitting on the kitchen counter "batter begging" thru the time of the last hug which you posted here. That's some journey you were able to have with her and I know that you loved every minute of it and truly loved her. She was a special woman to all who knew her, Valerie and I were so grateful to be included into the world of Ruthie, with or without your parents. As you said, for all those who were lucky enough to meet and know your beloved grandmother, Ruthie, will hold a special place in our hearts and memories. Thank you for your heartfelt tribute.
Last week's essay was joyous and an absolutely magical adventure. 'Twas quite a mind-teaser to attempt to unravel the mystery as I read along and, at the end, a delightful surprise! My immediate thought was for you to find one terrific animator or illustrator and turn this into a children's book or an animated short subject. Your essay has tremendous potential! Give us more and WRITE ON!
Oh Will... this is absolutely beautiful. The love that you have shared with us has brought me to tears (and my guess is I’m not the only one). Thank you for this post. You were/are blessed. That special love never goes away. Keep talking to fabulous Ruthie ❤️
Hey Will, you honored your Grandma Ruthie well. A good writer can bring smiles and tears to your eyes. You brought both to me. Thank you! I had a granny that I couldn't pronounce that name when I was a small child, so I called her "Yanny." Since I was the oldest grandchild, everyone else after me called her Yanny. I loved and respected my grandma as you did with your Grandma Ruthie. Thank you for bringing back the wonderful memories of my grandma. I'm sure others will feel the same way reading your tribute to your Grandma Ruthie. Continue writing from your heart and soul! ❤️
Very sweet and touching tribute to your grandma, Ruth, who I remember from my early childhood, when I hung with your dad. Anyway, Will, you write beautifully, especially when the subject is something near and dear to you. My wife Elaine and I send condolences to you and your family.
Beautiful, Will. We all will miss Ruthie, but to say she lives on in you and all your cousins is an understatement. What a woman.
I never had the pleasure of meeting her and still you made me cry at 4p on a Tuesday all alone.
A wonderful, endearing, and heartfelt tribute!