Letter #8 Model of Living Fully

​Dear Beloveds of Ruth
The Hospice nurse was here this morning and said that while it is impossible to say for sure, Ruth could be with us for quite some days yet.
Her responsiveness was diminished this morning but is returned somewhat this afternoon.

She remains free of pain and emotional distress. She holds her mala and sometimes works the beads with her functional left hand.
One of my students, a surgeon, once gave me some great advice. “If there is not a blocked airway or spurting blood there is not an emergency”.
What is happening here is not at all an emergency.  It is the natural and inevitable cost of birth.  The precious newborn that was to become Ruth Denison has followed the usual course and is now preparing to vanish back into the mystery.
Part of the lesson I am taking from this time with Ruth is a refreshed commitment to live life fully.  Ruth is a consummate model of living fully.  From a pretty girl in Prussia prior to WW2 to a world renowned Dharma teacher she had a pretty remarkable ride of a lifetime.  As she continues to this moment she has practiced the dharma.  She has also dived deeply into love, relationship, dance, and creativity in every action.
 I will keep you posted.
With love and gratitude.

Satki

Sonja and Nick

Nick

Jill

Dorothy

Robert with Ruth two years ago Garrison teacher conference