I watched the slow expiration of her body for 3 days and it reminded me of the way my own father died, only without the painful echoes of cancers triumph. She didn't look like our 'mimi'...the woman full of energy whose lively spirit mirrored her daily garb, right down to the matching plastic bangle bracelets and headbands. You wouldn't have found a fleck of black or brown in her closet...we found it overflowing with so many pink and purple jump suits that she had managed to expand her wardrobe by transforming her bathroom into an extra closet, with clothes hanging where there should have been a shower curtain. The tiny room she occupied in this retirement home would have impressed TLC. Where many folks seemed to be left in this place to die, she came to live...and I imagine all those people will miss her shining presence.
Ruby 'Lee' Humphrey left an impression on everyone she met, and I will never forget the unconditional love and optimism she injected into all of our moments together. The glass was never half empty and the grass was always greener on her side. She was the epitome of compassion and kindness to all living things. Her service is in a few hours...and I will do my best to read a passage in church to people who probably knew her even more intimately than I. The whole little town of Waynesboro Virginia is likely to show up. I will try really hard to imagine often, when I think of her, that she is dancing (she loved to dance) with my Papa who she lost years ago...who she spent over 50 years married to and missed so bad it hurt to hear the longing in her voice as she spoke his name. I will imagine Lee and Charlie are dancing to their sweet reunion in a better place...and that together they will watch over all of us left here to fulfill our own lives. At 80 (something) her life was full. Full of love. What more can any of us hope for?
