Today we took Werner's mother to the funeral for her dear friend Ruth. They got to know each other late in life but struck up an incredibly close friendship. EVERY NIGHT when they were in Bremen, they'd alternate calling each other at 11PM - when the rates went down - and talk for an hour. EVERY NIGHT. Ruth came with Mutti to Florida in 1988 to visit Werner when he was teaching at FSU. Ruth's husband had died some years before and they never had children; her closest relative was niece and her husband who live some hours away from Bremen.
But the church was her home and it was heartwarming to see all the white-headed ladies there giving special comfort to Mutti but also to each other. At least two of the ladies - both well into their 80's - had come to the service by bike!! One has a tricycle in deference to her hip replacement, but another of the ladies still gets around on a two-wheeler. Wow.
Ruth had an infectious laugh and could hardly talk without smiling. I think this picture - from Mutti's 90th birthday - captures her spirit well.
Auf Wiedersehen, Ruth.
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