In the 70s, a couple moved into my neighbourhood in Siglap. They threw a housewarming party. The teenagers in my neighbourhood went and of course I made sure I was among them. It was there that my friendship with the Myers began and grew over the years.
Warren and Ruth Myers became good friends with my family. Their home became my hiding place. They travelled a lot. Whenever they were away, I would write to Ruth. I always made it a point to keep photocopies of my rantings to her because the letters formed part of my journals.
One time, I had forgotten to make a copy of my letter. I asked Ruth if I could borrow it back. I was surprised and amazed. She had made markings on my letter as reminders to pray about the things I told her about.
Another time, Ruth wrote me a letter. It had many starts and stops. She said she had been carrying the airletter around – her half-written letters – one for her son, one for her daughter, and one for me. It wasn’t only that she was family to me, but that I was family to her!
A few days ago, I got the news that she had had a fall and was critically ill and in the last few days / hours of her life. The email came a few minutes ago that she had gone to be with Jesus.
When my sister passed away in 2002, Ruth wrote,”Our momentary loss, her unspeakable gain.” And that is what I feel today.
Today I celebrate the life of my mentor, “mother,” and friend, Ruth Myers. She went home to be with Jesus on 8 November 2010, a day short of her late husband Warren’s birthday. She was 82. I thank God for the blessing and privilege of being loved by her.
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