Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Dear Ruthmary: The first time that you really saw me at George Mason Drive in Arlington I had my feet practically sticking out of the trash can while I retrieved my blender and all my new checks for our new address. My helpful teenagers had accidentally gotten 'Throw out" and "Save" mixed up. The first time that I really saw you was when you accidentally locked yourself out of your house while you were shaking out a rug. You had on your bathrobe and some fuzzy slippers. Bindy was home for lunch and let you in and you knocked on our front door. I had worked all night and was also in a robe and slippers. Well, we had coffee, talked about our kids, found out we both drank Martinis -- I gin, you vodka. It was as they say, the beginning of a beautiful friendship. We loaned and borrowed things -- actually everything. We had adventures. We bought your dog, Violet, together. When Bill came home from a trip and saw this tiny dog and asked who it belonged to, you initially told him the Barrys. He asked what the hell it was there if it was the Barrys? We laughed about all the crazy times we had. There were times that weren't so nice for me. You were a stalwart and loyal friend throughout some not-so-good times and, yes, we both managed to have some fun and laughs even then. You taught me how to drive again and were unbelievably patient. We celebrated my victory at the DMV with the best lunch in town. Through all the years, I always felt so lucky to have you as a "best friend". I still do. Love from Linda. Dear Ruthmary: Linda has said so well what a wonderful friend and neighbor you had been and I can only second her thoughts. I will never forget your special laugh and how ready you were to let go with it. It always infected the whole crowd whoever was there. You were also special in the way that you always said what you meant and never tried to touch it up. It was always straight Ruthmary. I was always especially thankful and grateful to you for the kindnesses you extended to Linda when we were apart and the way that you included me in your heart when we got back together. I don't think I ever thanked you for that before, for which I am sorry. I love you and Bill too, and always will. Rick Barry
