Ruth – A Short Story of Love
Chapter 1 – To Be or Not to Be
Dana pressed the elevator button for the third floor. The hushed tones and antiseptic environment of the hospital were a stark contrast to the vibrant atmosphere of the mall where she and Mark had spent the last few hours enjoying lunch and buying new ski equipment for the coming winter season. The opening doors brought her back to the present and she exited the elevator moving along the polished floors to room 310.
The door was ajar and she could hear her grandmother’s familiar voice and realized immediately that she was reading to her grandfather who’s only response was the rhythmic mechanical cycling of the machines that were keeping him alive.
“Hi Grandma.” Dana announced her arrival from the door, not wanting to cause any alarm.
“Dana!” Mary exclaimed, noticeably brightened by her visitor but maintaining the appropriate hospital tone. “Come in, come in, it’s so good to see you, come say hi to Grandpa.”
Dana approached grandma and put one arm around her small frame, giving Grandpa’s arm a gentle squeeze with her free hand, “Hi Grandpa,” she obeyed, and then asked, “do you think he can hear me?”
“We hear with more than just our ears, sweetheart.” Mary smiled as she talked, looking not at Dana but at her husband of almost sixty years. Jack (short for John, if that makes any sense) and Mary had spent those sixty years free of serious health problems and were more in love today than the day they were married.
“I’m sure he knows you are here with him grandma, I heard you reading to him when I came in.”
“He has always liked me to read to him,” Mary mused. “in the evening or when we traveled in the car, but I would always run out of steam before he got tired of listening to me.”
“What are you reading today.”
“One of his favorites from the Old Testament, the book of Ruth.” Mary put her hand on the worn book that she had placed on the side table when Dana arrived. “I don’t know if he just likes that fact that it’s only four short chapters or if it’s because it is one of the true love stories in the Bible. He has become such a softie these past few years.”
“But isn’t that a story of Ruth and her daughter?” Dana queried.
“It is about Ruth, and her devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi. But like most stories in the Bible, there is more to be gained from the story of Ruth than a simple accounting of her life.
“You see Naomi had traveled to a far land with her husband and her two sons because of famine in her home country of Beth-lehem-judah. Her sons both married women in the land of Moab but in the course of ten years, Naomi’s husband died, and both of her sons died as well.”
“I guess I don’t remember the story of Ruth,” Dana raised an eyebrow, “it sounds a little depressing to be called a love story.“
“Yes, it starts out a little grim but there is a couple of verses that I’m sure you will recall,” Mary reached for her book and continued, “it’s verses 16 and 17 in the first chapter of Ruth. Grandpa’s tired of listening to me, you want to read it for us?”
Dana took the opened book from Mary and started, “’And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go;’” Dana looked up and smiled, “I do remember this passage,” and then continued, “’and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.’” Dana left her finger where she had stopped and looked at Mary. “Ruth certainly seems devoted to her mother-in-law”.
“Yes, and I think the relationship between them must have been mutual. Naomi had surely treated her daughter-in-law very special to have earned such praise, such unflinching commitment.” Mary paused for a moment and then continued, “But I also think that her words go beyond emotion and friendship when she talks about Naomi’s people being her people and Naomi’s God being her God. Ruth has been adopted as a member of her husband’s family, her husband’s lineage, and she has been converted to her husband’s religion, and gained her own testimony of God. She didn’t want to go back to her place of birth, her own people, or her old god. She had faith that if she stayed on the path of her conversion…with her faithful mother-in-law, that all would be well.”
Mary broke the short silence that had overcome the room, “Your grandpa may like this story so well because he can relate to some of the relationships in the story. He came to America as a young man and he didn’t have any family here, so when we were dating, he became very close to my family, my brother, your uncle Rob, and especially to my mother. When he converted to the Church, he did a lot of research on his own family lines but his relationships with my family were really strengthened during our family religious discussions.”
“So that happened before you were married?” Dana questioned.
“Yes, and it was a very special time in our lives.”
“So, when did you know that grandpa was the one for you?” Dana fidgeted with her hair and continued, “when did you know that you loved him…and that he loved you?”
“It sounds as though you are looking for information that has less to do with me and grandpa and more to do with something else,” Mary reached out and cupped Dana’s nervous hand in her own, “is there something you would like to share with me and grandpa? and does it have anything to do with Mark? you two have been dating long enough that I suspect you’ve had some serious conversations about what’s next?”
“Well, that’s just it grandma, we have been dating for a year and a half, we have a great time together, we’ve even had some serious talks about what’s next, but there’s something missing.”
“What is it?” Mary probed, “if you two are in love you shouldn’t be stressing over it, you should be enjoying one of the most exciting times of your life.”
“Love.” Dana paused and looked into her grandma’s eyes, “I think we are in love, we act like we’re in love, but the word has never been uttered by either one of us. I’m afraid of his response if I tell him that I love him, I’m afraid that it may change what we do have into something different, something less than what we have now, I’m afraid that he might feel pressured…I want more of what we have now and I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize us. Does any of that make sense Grandma?”
“Oh, I figured as much sweetheart, men are typically scared to death of commitment, and we are typically afraid of pushing too hard but believe me when I tell you that if we don’t push a little bit, well, nothing would ever happen. There is an art to directing how things go, and sometimes, if you want to see things move, you have to set them in motion yourself.”
“I’m not afraid to push just a bit to help things along Grandma, but Mark isn’t one that needs a lot of help to make things happen. That’s one of the things I like most about him, he is focused and confident, he doesn’t need my help to figure out what he wants, Mark isn’t demanding, but unlike others I have dated, he has a strength that….,” Dana stopped, “I’m sorry Grandma for rambling on about my little problems while you’re dealing with…all of this.” She shrugged her shoulders and surveyed the room, letting her gaze finally rest on Jack.
“Let’s sit down dear,” Mary motioned to the two chairs positioned between the bed and the window, “I hope that you do have to deal with this, someday,” Her tone was serious but her expression revealed a hint of Mary’s trademark smile that brightened any room, “that would mean that you have lived a wonderful and fulfilling life with the man that you love. Truth is, your grandpa is smiling on the inside right now because your description of Mark fits my Jack to a tee.” Mary’s eyes were swollen with the ever-present tears but this time they were accompanied by a genuine, full smile.
“I never thought of the two of them being alike.” Dana looked at her grandpa and tried to peer through the weathered lines to the young man he once was.
“Things were a lot different back then, some say a simpler time, and they may have been, but I can tell you that people are complex no matter how old they are or in what century they live.”
“Are you saying that my problems sound like your problems? Just in a different time? I would love to hear about how you and Grandpa teamed up to conquer the world.” Dana moved to the edge of her chair. “But I know that you must be tired.”
“I’m not too tired to tell you one thing sweetheart.” She leaned closer to Dana, “I don’t want Grandpa to hear this” she said with a smile. “I once stood in the very shoes you’re standing in now. Jack was on fire with the Gospel and he would spend any free time he had studying, discussing, and learning doctrine with my brother, the missionaries, or anyone else. As a young immigrant, he was busy all day trying to make ends meet and to get a start wherever he could. He already knew that he would be working for himself building something. We had been dating for over a year and had discussed our future together. But like you, the magic word of commitment hadn’t passed the lips of either of us. I knew that we were in love but I was a little concerned that I was losing his attention and I knew that our relationship had to evolve to something more.”
“So, what did you do Grandma?”
“Well, we frequently walked in a local park, mainly because it didn’t cost anything, we didn’t have any money. Anyway, I suggested that we go for a walk and he agreed, which delighted me because it was a beautiful, sunny, fall day. I found a quiet spot in the park where we were alone and positioned him an arm’s length away where he couldn’t disguise his response. Then I looked at him squarely and said very slowly – I LOVE YOU. He had no choice but to acknowledge the statement, which he did with his eyes and his face long before he muttered something that vaguely sounded like, I love you too.”
“Oh, you are sneaky Grandma, I guess Grandpa regained his composure.”
“He did, and our relationship was never the same…it didn’t cure his workaholic tendencies but I never again wondered about his priorities. I’m not suggesting that my tactics will work for you but now you know how your Grandpa and I came to be.” Mary leaned back in her chair, “Thank you for coming by Dana, I know you have places to be”
“I will be back tomorrow, maybe we could read more of the story of Ruth?” Dana stood and gathered her things and gave Mary a hug.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Mary acknowledged.
Dana hooked Mark’s arm as they reached the bottom of the steps that led to the asphalt walking path around the lake. Pausing on the first step, she held on to Mark as he reached the lower elevation, swinging him around to look directly into Dana’s searching eyes.
“I have something to tell you,” Dana announced while keeping Mark at bay by placing a hand on each of his shoulders.
“Sounds serious,” Mark replied with a smile.
“Don’t know,” Dana started, “would it be serious if I told you that…I – Love – You?”
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(Love – to be or not to be)
The challenge, to say aloud the phrase of commitment, a suspended offering, vulnerable is the author, intimidating the suspense, tendered silence as response is formed, pensive anticipation confirms what the eyes have already revealed – Received and embraced? Or has all perished in the moment?
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Chapter 2 – Love Experienced
Dana left the bakery and covered her head with the hood of her jacket as a little extra protection from the blustery cool weather. She was anxious to talk to her grandma about all that had transpired since their talk yesterday. Dana had employed Grandma’s tactics with Mark at the lake and the results were truly life changing. She was keenly aware of her surroundings as the fall colors seemed more pronounced, the sounds of the city were inviting, her step was lighter, and her thoughts were on what the future would offer.
“Good morning Grandma,” Dana said as she entered the room. Mary was sitting by Jack’s bed, reading a book. The TV was on but the volume was off, leaving only the familiar, muted sounds of the hospital. “I brought you a breakfast croissant from the bakery, the one with egg and cheese, I hope you haven’t eaten.”
“You know me too well,” Mary responded, “I got here early and you know that I don’t like the cafeteria food very well. So, what brings you around so early in the day?”
“I don’t have classes today and I know that you are spending a lot of your time up here, besides, I have something I want to yell you.”
“It wouldn’t be news about you and Mark would it? You seemed to have something on your mind when you left yesterday.” Mary unwrapped the breakfast sandwich and waited for Dana’s response.
“Well, Grandma, I employed your tactics when I met up with Mark last night. I positioned him on the stairs by the lake, where I could look him in the eye and told him that I loved him.”
“Did you take him by surprise?”
“I don’t know if I really expected him to squirm a little bit or what, but his response to my very serious statement of love was to ask me a very serious question.”
Mary stopped her breakfast routine and focused on Dana. “You mean, he asked the question?”
“He didn’t miss a step Grandma, he went from defense to offense without a blink, stutter, or stammer…and he stared me down until I said yes!”
“Oh my, how wonderful. Did you hear that Jack?” Mary looked at her husband and then back at Dana, “Our Dana’s getting married,” she continued as she reached for Dana’s hands, “Did you talk about dates or places?”
“No Grandma, we thought that we would get used to the idea that we’re engaged first, and then figure out the when and where. We did agree that we want a small and simple wedding and that we don’t want a long engagement.” Dana looked into Grandma’s eyes, again moistened with emotion and for reasons she couldn’t explain found herself unable to control the tears now falling freely from her own cheeks.
“Oh, how I wish your parents could see you now – how proud they would be of the woman you’ve become!”
“Well, maybe we see with more than just our eyes,” Dana quipped in response to yesterday’s conversation.
“You know, after that terrible car crash took your parents, I wrestled with the decisions made about where you would live. I wanted to hold you in my arms and protect you from the world but I knew that wouldn’t be fair to you; children should be raised with other children, by parents who are struggling through life.
“Your sweet mother didn’t have any family but we loved her from the first time we met, and Sam was your dads only brother…not exactly two peas in a pod, if you know what I mean.
“Sam and Shelly always…still treat me like I’m one of their own.” Dana said, almost defensively. She was raised with knowledge of the polarizing difference between her dad and Sam, whom she loved, Sam had always been there for her, and helped her, more than Shelly, to cope with the loss of her parents. “Grandma,” Dana thought to herself, “doesn’t realize how much Sam misses his brother…that he lost as much as anyone did that day so many years ago.”
“I know that they are good to you sweetheart, and that they love you very much.” Mary’s smile had returned. “I just know,” Mary continued, “that your parents were married in the temple so that they could be with you forever…and no drunk driver will ever take that away from them.”
It was more than any 10-year old should have to deal with and she refused to let those memories darken this day. Looking for another topic, Dana asked, “what are the doctors saying about Grandpa’s condition? Anything new?”
“Nice dodge sweetheart, but I’m afraid that your Grandpa ‘s condition isn’t any better of a subject than the last one. It seems that the longer Jack remains in this condition, the less likely there is any chance of real recovery. His doctor talked to me this morning about end-of-life scenarios.”
Dana blinked hard with the news and immediately embraced Mary. The roller coaster morning wasn’t turning out like she had expected.
“I wish there was something I could do,” Dana offered, prolonging the embrace. She loved her grandparents dearly, and being close to them was the main attraction for attending the local university.
“Why don’t we continue the story we started yesterday? Would you be willing to read to Grandpa and me about how Ruth found love in Naomi’s hometown?
“I would be happy to read,” Dana replied, “but you will have to show me where we left off.”
Mary retrieved the book from the bed stand and thumbed through the pages while she talked, “you’ll remember that at the end of chapter one that Naomi and Ruth arrive at Ruth’s homeland and her people recognized her and she told them, ‘call me Mara’, she told them that, ‘she had returned empty, and that the Lord had humbled her.’ Mary’s words trailed off as she extended the book to Dana. “Why don’t we start at the top of chapter two.”
Dana scooted her chair a little closer to Jack’s bed and started reading to her small audience.
“That didn’t take long did it Grandma? I just read a fourth of the book of Ruth! I see why Grandpa likes this story,” she said with a smile.
“I really like this chapter,” Mary started, “it reveals the great character of Boaz. As a near kinsman, he was family, and had some obligation for the welfare of Naomi and her widowed daughter in law.”
“He did treat Ruth with kindness.” Dana answered.
“That’s just the point,” Mary continued, “the world could be a hard place for the women of that time. They were sometimes treated poorly and even considered more like property – love wasn’t always the driving force of a man’s actions.
“Boaz though, is an example of an honorable man.” Mary moved her chair closer to Dana and stretched her hand toward the book. “You see, here in verse 1 he is identified as a ‘wealthy man’, and here in verse 4 he greets his field workers kindly, in the name of the Lord, and they return his greeting in kind.
“And then down in verse 20, Naomi tells Ruth ‘Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead.’ Boaz is honoring his responsibilities to the living, Naomi and Ruth, and to the dead, his deceased ‘near kinsmen’, or family.”
“Is that really love?” Dana wondered out loud. “Or is he simply satisfying social expectations?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” Mary looked up from the book, “Boaz has instructed his young men to create preferential circumstances for Ruth so she would be safe from harassment, so she could gather grain in abundance, have water to drink, food to eat, and why? was it love…or obligation?”
Mary paused, as if wondering herself, and then continued, “in verses 11 and 12 Boaz tells us why; ‘It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.’ I don’t know about you sweetheart, but that sounds like love to me.”
Mary’s eyes were again filled with tears as she looked deep into Dana’s confirming eyes, “don’t you see the same tender examples of love all around you? Your parents shared love that brought you into the world, Mark’s love for you as he awakens to the true treasure that he has found in you…and perhaps most of all, sweet Sam, my sweet wayward Sam, who honored the living and the dead, who has tucked you safely under his wing and loves you so unconditionally.”
“And you Grandma,” Dana continued the comparisons, “you and Grandpa have always been there for me, I know that you love me, but you denied your own heart to allow me to live with Sam and Shelly, to grow up with Steven and Emma as my brother and sister, to grow up where you knew I would be happiest.
“I know there have been issues between you and Sam,” Dana hesitated, unsure whether to continue, “but I can’t imagine my life without him. He seemed to always have the right thing to say, when not to say anything at all, when to smother me with affection, and when to leave me alone. I would have never made it without him, there were times when he carried all of my sorrow, and even carried me when I couldn’t go on. His actions were invisible to most, but to me his actions were the perfect example of love.”
Mary and Dana sat in silence. There were big changes in store for both of them.
Mary forced the thought of life on earth without Jack. “Will Sam support me through the coming months?” she asked herself, “do I deserve his support after being so judgmental about his choices?”
“Grandma,” Dana shattered the silence, “I am meeting Mark for lunch, then I have to study for a math test in the morning, but I will be done early. Can I buy you lunch tomorrow? And maybe we could get a little further in the story of Ruth?”
“Oh, yes that sounds great sweetheart,” Mary said, snapping back to the present, “how about that little Chinese place just down on the next block?”
“Sounds great,” Dana replied, gathering her things and heading for the door, “I’ll see you there at 11:30?”
“Sounds good.” The door closed behind Dana and Mary sat back in her chair, adjusting to the familiar quiet of the hospital room, “I don’t want to be here,” she thought, “and I don’t want Jack to be here.” Her eyes closed and her mind raced back in time to a summer day in the woods, the boys were young, early teens, and Jack had made the very rare escape from his growing business of building custom homes…
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(Love Experienced)
What joy is stirred when love is returned – can the flush of the heart be shared by two? What one wouldn’t do to strengthen the sprout – to make fertile the soil, to nurture the plant? What one wouldn’t do to defend such a flower? Life no longer a singular focus, drink deep from the well – walk lightly the path.
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Chapter 3 – Love in Action
Sam paused at the door, it was partially open, he knew that his mother would be here and he immediately recognized the second voice as Dana’s. “Knock knock,’ he said as he poked his head in the room.
“Sam!” Dana exclaimed, “What a surprise. Did you know he was coming Grandma?”
Sam embraced Dana, who met him half way into the room. “Don’t get up Mom,” he said to Mary as he continued over to give her a hug.
“Why didn’t you let me know that you were coming?” Mary asked, clutching Sam’s warm hand between her own.
“I didn’t know if I could swing the trip or not, and I didn’t want you to expect me on a ‘maybe’. I know you’ve been spending a lot of time here at the hospital Mom, is there anything that you need help with? Anything at home? With bills? Or insurance issues? Have you had time to get groceries?”
“Please, drag that chair by the door over here and join us,” Mary motioned and moved her chair a bit to make room, “let me tell you what the doctors are telling me to expect.”
“I know Mom, I know what Dads condition is, and I know what is likely to happen in the coming days. I talk to Doctor Wilson every day, and I had a long talk with him before I came in just now.”
“I wish you could talk to your dad right now,” Mary countered, with a serious tone, “we all have so much to talk about; time has widened the gap between us, and I’m afraid that we might not have the opportunity to close that gap, and I’m afraid that it’s our fault. Your dad and I have been far too critical of you, bull headed in our viewpoints, and oblivious to the effort you make in keeping our family…a family.”
Mary’s demeanor revealed the stress of the past few days. The lines in her face seemed a little deeper, and the trademark smile that always gave strength and courage to others was distant and forced. Sam wanted to take that load from her.
“I’ve got something to tell you Mom, something that will make a difference in the way you feel today.” Sam spoke slowly and directly to Mary, hoping to avoid any misconceptions. “Dad and I have been talking, and we’ve been talking a lot for the past couple of years.”
Mary looked into Sam’s eyes with a puzzled expression and tried to form a question, but the myriad of thoughts couldn’t be concentrated into a single comprehensive question.
“It’s not like we were excluding the rest of the world, but our communication was so therapeutic, so refreshing…so personal.
“It all started when I moved you up here for school Dana.” Sam looked from Mary to Dana, and then back to Mary. “We grabbed a bite to eat one day after unloading some of Dana’s things and we had a really good talk, the first time in many years. After that I arranged my schedule to be in this area more often, and we would go to lunch, drive around and look at some of the mansions he had built over the years, or even just sit at a table in the park when the weather was nice.” Sam stood up to the bed rail and looked at Jack, and continued. “We would talk about the two of you, about Shelly, Steven, and Emma, we talked politics, sports, and religion, and maybe most importantly, we talked about what we all lost the day Mat and Gracie crossed paths with a drunk driver.”
“I can’t believe that Jack could keep something like that from me for so long.” Mary was searching her memories trying to identify something that would have revealed the covert association. “Not that I feel cheated, because I don’t, I am relieved, but he could never keep anything from me. Jack may be a great business man and gifted socially, but he isn’t much of a poker player, and a secret always seemed to overflow prematurely.” Mary stood up next to Sam and took hold of Jack’s hand. “What do you know, that you’re not telling us now, Jack?”
Mary looked up at Sam and smiled. “I know something that you don’t know,” she turned and looked at Dana and continued, “I don’t know if it’s really a secret?” She queried.
“I’m sorry Grandma,” Dana chuckled, “I called Sam before I came here yesterday, keeping the news to myself was killing me and I had to set it free, sounds like I got that from Grandpa”
“I’ve got a lot to tell you both about the conversations that Dad and I have had, but I’m pretty sure that I interrupted you two when I arrived,” Sam returned to his chair and looked at Dana, “were you reading something?”
Mary returned to her chair as well, the conversation had had an obvious positive effect on her disposition. “Dana has been reading us the story of Ruth from the Old Testament,” she nodded toward the book and continued, “we just finished chapter 3, and I was just about to ask her what she thought?”
“I don’t know Grandma, chapter 3 is even less of a love story than chapter 2.”
“I guess you’re reading the book of Ruth because Dad loves that story so much?” Sam raised his eyebrows, looking for a response from Mary. “We discussed the relationships in the Book of Ruth at length, he would give me homework assignments, and we would even talk on the phone between visits. I guess I learned something from Dad, because I can tell you why chapter 3 is a love story.”
“I would love to hear your take on it,” Dana looked questionably at Sam, “and if you’re off base Grandma can straighten you out.”
“OK, but this needs to be an open book test, hand it over.” Sam looked over the first few verses and nodded his head in recollection, “I was a little confused as well Dana, why did Boaz sleep at the threshing floor? Why did Naomi instruct Ruth to get cleaned up and then covertly lay at his feet? It seems that Naomi knew what would take place, and she knew just how to direct Ruth to conduct herself in a way that would be honorable and appropriate.
“We have a tendency to kind of skip over things that, if you stop and think about, offer clarification and depth to what could be, and is, a simple story. In the first verse, for instance, Naomi asks Ruth, ‘shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?’. Naomi wants to seek marriage to Boaz for Ruth, but she doesn’t simply scheme to make it happen, she asks Ruth what Ruth wants, and asks her permission to stage events to persuade a certain outcome.
There are several references in this chapter though that confirm that it is still a love story since true love is manifest in acts of service where nothing is expected in return.”
“Well, I’m impressed. Sense when have you had such knowledge of Bible stories?” Dana said with a smile.
Sam looked at Jack. “It’s so odd to see no expression on a face that was always overflowing with emotion and animation,” he thought, and then continued aloud, “Your Grandpa is a great teacher Dana.”
“So, why else is chapter 3 a love story?” Mary prompted.
“Well, if we look past verse 1, we see Naomi give Ruth instruction and Ruth does a couple of things; she promises Naomi that she will follow her council, ‘All that thou sayest unto me I will do,’ and then she followed up with action, ‘she went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother-in-law bade her.’ Ruth had faith in Naomi’s advice.
“Then later, when Ruth reveals her identity to Boaz on the threshing floor, he commends her for her actions, and for her commitment to him, because she has been true to Boaz and she hasn’t chased after attention from others. In fact, he assures her that he ‘will do [for her] all that [she] requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman,’ and he confirms to her that his intentions are honorable.
“Lastly, Ruth leaves the threshing floor and goes directly to Naomi, showing her commitment to Naomi, and she presents a gift to Naomi from Boaz, saying, ‘These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law,’ suggesting that Boaz’ commitment wasn’t to Ruth alone, but to the living and to the dead.”
Sam looked up from the pages of Ruth, “My initial awakening to this story being a love story was, of course, directed by Dad. But, reviewing it again today brings additional meaning because of our present circumstances. Naomi’s actions remind me of Dad as he was ever accepting, the teacher, the supporter. The actions of Boaz remind me of Dad, the provider, the honorable business man, working alongside his employees, the committed husband and father, and grandfather. The character of Ruth reminds me of Dad, loyal, obedient to instruction and faithful of the outcome, and known to all as virtuous and honest. But most of all,” he continued, “Dad always displayed the common character trait of all three of them. Personal gain was never the incentive for his actions, never did he expect us to repay in kind, or in any other way for his service on our behalf.”
Sam’s words trailed off, and the four of them sat in silent recollection of…
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(Love in Action)
Does the mark make one weak or soft? No, only humble, for the mark of love is humility, that of selfless giving. The true act of love being service, performed as daily toil, as a comforting gesture, in the gifts rendered in kindness to the helpless, in unsung deeds seldom praised. Service surrendered without ransom, without want or expectation.
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Chapter 4 – Love Defined
Mary placed her bag on the floor under the window, between the chairs, and removed her heavy coat, she had needed it this morning because the weather had taken a drastic turn. The last remnants of fall were being pushed out by the biting north winds of winter. She had come to the hospital early today, before normal visiting hours, to take advantage of a little quiet time with Jack. She leaned against the bed rail and stretched to give a Jack a kiss on the forehead and clasped his warm hand.
“Your hands are always warm,” she started, longing for some response, but knowing that it wouldn’t come, “…oh, Jack, after all we’ve been through, the years of good times, of stressful times, and the thousands of days that were…just everyday life. I didn’t see it coming down to this. We always leaned on each other in hard times, in times of sorrow – it’s never been me…it’s always been we. No one knows my heart but you, no one caresses my soul but you, no one occupies my mind so tenderly as you…I am so scared…
“It’s too surreal to think that this is our last day. Your sisters, my entire family, they will all be there to greet you on the other side, I have no doubt. What scares me though, isn’t sending you to that party alone, what really scares me is staying at this party by myself.”
Mary fought back the building emotion and squeezed Jack’s hand. With renewed determination she continued, “you have always provided for me, even when we were young and poor you made sure that we had what we needed, and now, you have prepared for this very day, you know that I will be secure, and how reassuring that is…thank you Jack, I love you.”
Mary sat down and thought how common this scenario had been for the past several years, the two of them at home, their intimate little corner of the world, Jack napping and Mary reading. But this day is far from typical, today the doctors will remove Jack from the sophisticated equipment that has sustained the mechanical function of Jack’s body. Mary has felt Jack’s presence these past few days but it is as if he is in the room or in her heart, not in the lifeless body that lay before her. She closed her eyes and shut-out the rhythmic sounds of the room, and searched for Jack.
The opening of the door brought Mary back to the present as she turned to see Sam entering the room, Dana close behind.
“Good morning Mom, how are you doing?” Sam’s query was genuine and he was concerned that today would be especially hard for his mother.
“I am very calm,” she returned, “oddly at ease. The unknowns are unbearable and today, well, today has a defined outcome.
“I’m glad the two of you came in early today, why don’t you take off your coats and sit down? Doctor Wilson said he would give us some quiet time this morning and one of the things we need to finish is the last chapter of Ruth.”
Mary reached for the old leather-bound Bible and extended it to Dana.
“Are you sure that you want to do that this morning?” Sam questioned.
“I am sure. I’m sure that we can’t leave it unfinished. This is not a day for loose ends, besides, Jack is waiting to hear the last chapter of Ruth. Dana, would you read to us the last 22-verses?”
“Yes, Grandma, I can read the last chapter.” Dana complied “But why has Grandpa highlighted certain passages? some in yellow, some in green, blue, red, there is a lot of colors in this chapter.”
“Your grandpa “explored” the scriptures, he would seldom simply read along, he was usually looking for something specific, references to a certain topic or doctrine.” Mary reached over and rested her hand on the colored passages and looked into Dana’s questioning eyes. “Jack would want you to have his Bible. He loved the stories of the Old Testament and was especially fond of the New Testament.” Mary’s ‘past tense’ reference to Jack startled her and she paused. “He spent countless hours reading about the life of Jesus Christ, maybe you can unlock the key to your grandpa’s highlighting method.”
“I’m glad to read but we may have to rely on Sam to decipher the real conclusion of this story. The chapter heading refers to ‘Boaz taking Ruth to wife’, so I guess it finishes as a love story after all.” Dana stood up and placed the book on the top of the bed rail. Looking at Jack over the top of the worn pages she started, “Then went Boaz up to the gate, and…”
Dana quickly completed the final verses of the chapter. “So, the story of Ruth does finish on a positive note but as a real love story, I think that it misses the mark just a little, or is there a deeper meaning to the happy ending?” Mary pointed her question to Sam who had joined Dana at Jack’s side.
“Yes, the love story does have a happy ending, but there are some interesting actions leading up to that happy ending,” Sam started. “You see, there was another man, a Kinsman, that was a closer family member to Naomi than Boaz, and as tradition required, this other family member was required to accept the obligation to provide for Naomi, and ultimately for Ruth, or to pass that responsibility to the next closest relative. Boaz set the stage for this public decision to be made in the presence of ten of the Elders of the city where the other man opted not to accept his responsibility but to pass this obligation to the next in line, who was Boaz. Then he publicly announced his position to the Elders and to the people of the city, ‘that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, of the hand of Naomi.’ Boaz didn’t want any misunderstanding about what was taking place, he announced clearly to all that were present the terms of the transaction.”
“Transaction?” Dana repeated, raising her eyebrows to confirm the betrayal, “how can it be a true love story with a commentary like this?” Dana ran her finger down to the passage and read, “‘I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, of the hand of Naomi. Moreover, Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife’, how romantic!” Dana said in a disappointed tone, “he purchased Ruth.”
“Yes, yes, yes, I shared your sentiments when I read this with your grandpa,” Sam responded,” but he pointed out that Boaz had already revealed his true feelings for Ruth. This public spectacle ensured that Boaz had the support of the community, and his family, and that he had satisfied all that was required in regard to tradition and law. What he purchased wasn’t Ruth, it was the legal right to have Ruth as wife.”
“Well, that softens the story a little,” Dana agreed, “and in that light, Ruth isn’t portrayed as property.”
“Are things really so different today?” Sam paused. “We follow legal and traditional guidelines in our day, they seem to be eroding in modern culture but generally, the man, sometimes, asks for approval for a woman’s hand, we still publicly announce our intentions with formal invitations and articles in local newspapers, and we, by law, are required to acquire a license and the marriage ceremony can only be performed by one having legal authority to do so.”
Dana acknowledged the similarities without words, nodding her head.
“Don’t forget the baby,” Mary’s words interrupted the two-sided conversation that had been taking place, “because a truly happy ending always includes a baby, a true indication that the story will continue. But this baby, Obed, will grow up to be the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David, of whom Jesus Christ is a direct descendant. We may have to discuss how important that is at some other time.”
“I would like to say though that I couldn’t help drawing some comparisons between Dad and Boaz when he and I were discussing the story of Ruth,” Sam continued. “As a young man I was privileged to see the interaction between Dad and all of the tradesmen that worked for him on the big custom homes he built. They all knew that he expected perfection and they were willing to do their best because Dad never cut a single corner. If something didn’t meet his standards, he would invest his own time and his own money, if he had to, to correct it. The loyalty was just as evident on the customer side of the contract, Dad always had a good backlog of work because of his reputation. The thing I learned from Dad early on was that he treated everyone with the same friendly respect, you couldn’t tell by simply hearing a conversation from the next room who he was talking with; banker, owner, or carpenter, they all got to talk with the same man. I think of Dad when I read ‘Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you. And they answered him, The Lord bless thee’.”
The thought was still hanging heavy in the room when Doctor Wilson respectfully entered the room “Are we expecting anyone else this morning?” he inquired.
“Just the tree of us,” Mary replied, “thank you for giving us some time this morning Doctor.”
Mary stood up and joined Sam and Dana at Jack’s bedside, Dr. Wilson was on the opposite side of the bed and asked quietly, “you remember what we talked about, and how things will go? It is most likely that Jack won’t linger on without mechanical support.”
Dr. Wilson was removing the life supporting devices as he spoke and then reached over and turned off the remaining machine. The room became truly quiet for the first time and Jack slipped quickly from this life to the next, his lifeless hand held tightly by Mary, who had already said her goodbye’s.
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(Love Defined)
The true sign of love is loyalty – spoken softly and boldly by a mother. Spoken fiercely for a father or brother, but spoken in sacred whispers to the companion. To the one who sees the soul, making transparent the flaws we keep veiled, knowing our heart as it is.
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Chapter 5 – Love to Emulate
Dana sat on the edge of her bed, her hand resting on the highlighted pages of Jack’s Bible. So much had happened in the sixteen months since his passing. “His passing,” she thought, “is absolutely the catalyst for all of those changes, it’s like Grandpa’s influence is greater now than when he was here.” She replayed the events in her mind, recounting them in in a barely audible tone:
“Sam’s own awakening triggered missionary lessons and Shelly’s baptism which in turn resulted in their temple marriage just a couple of months ago.
“Steven and Emma are intrigued by their parents changes and have both shown some degree of interest in the Church…but no missionaries just yet.
“The story of Ruth piqued my interest so Grandma invited me to listen to the missionaries, which I wouldn’t do without Mark.
“Mark and I were both baptized, changed our wedding plans, and are going to be married in the temple – tomorrow!
“I see grandma almost every day and love spending time with her.
“And finally, my relationship with Grandpa. Reading his scriptures and trying to understand his comprehensive highlighting methods, of which I have nearly deciphered, has made me appreciate the depth of his studies. I have become closer to him through exploring his scriptures, I have become closer to my Savior through exploring his scriptures – I wish he were here now. I wish that I could talk to him.”
Dana laid back against the headboard, propping up the pillows for support and looked through the few pages of ‘The Book of Ruth’. There were a few passages that Grandpa had marked in a peculiar way, like he wasn’t quite sure what color to use. She closed her eyes and wondered what meaning Grandpa’s unique markings held.
“There’s really no mystery to the markings,” Jack said. “Some verses just have multiple meanings; they are like puzzle pieces that connect the loose ends from the different layers of the story.”
“Grandpa?” The question in her voice was reinforced by the puzzled look on her face, “what are you…what layers…why are…?
The doorbell interrupted the fractured dream and Dana stumbled to the door trying to discern the meaning of it all.
“Sam!” Dana acknowledged after opening the door, “I was just talking to your dad.” She smiled and rubbed her eyes and gave Sam a hug.
“I know that you’ve been running pretty hard these past few weeks, but you’re scaring me just a bit talking like that.”
“Well, I had just barely closed my eyes,” Dana confessed, “and I had been looking through Grandpa’s highlighted Old Testament when he just appeared in my room telling me something about some verses in the scriptures being puzzle pieces…that tie things together, I think. I’m sure he would have explained it to me completely if you wouldn’t have interrupted.” Dana opened the fridge, still smiling, “Can I get you something to drink?”
“No thanks,” Sam responded. “Shelly and I came up early and we spent the morning with your grandma and the two of them said they had some shopping to do. Shelly gave me an out, and suggested that I come see how you are doing, we are so excited about tomorrow. How are you doing? and how is Mark?”
“I’m doing fine, I can’t wait until tomorrow, but I’m m a little worried about Mark. He works all day, when he’s not in classes, and The Gospel consumes his, our, Sundays and any free time. I know that Mark is a workaholic and always will be but I’m curious how things may change after tomorrow.”
” I’m pretty confident that things will slow down for both of you and you will settle in to a normal routine,” Sam offered up the prediction based on his own experience. “I didn’t call ahead but I am surprised to find you home alone today.”
“Well, all things are in order, I hope. We leave for Europe tomorrow night and those attending the wedding are few in number. We got just what we originally wanted, a small wedding in an intimate setting, but now that intimate setting is the temple and the term of our marriage is forever. I am so glad that you and Shelly will be with us every step of the way, thank you Sam. Thank you for always being there for me.”
Sam smiled warmly at Dana, “I love you Dana, and I’m so happy for you, and I am so proud of you, and I know that your parents are proud of you.”
“I know that you love me,” Dana acknowledged, “you have always been my example of love. But, honestly, I’ve always had a problem feeling like I belong. Steven and Emma are your children; I never lived with Grandpa and Grandma, but the Gospel has revealed what a family really is. I know that I will be with my parents again, but almost more importantly, for now, I know…I feel, how close a family is and how close we will always be. I love spending time with Grandma, I love it when you drop by to visit, I have a hard time not smothering Steven and Emma when I see them, I want them to know how I feel but I don’t want to alienate them by being weird. Okay, maybe I should stop talking now before you think that I’m weird.”
“If anyone deserves to be this happy, it’s you,” Sam said, nodding his head to confirm his words, “and Mark is one lucky guy to have won your attention and your heart. Of course, he is definitely a ‘first string’ kind of guy, he’s driven to succeed but he doesn’t seem like the type to climb over everyone else just to get to the top. So, do you need help with anything for tomorrow?”
“No, I was ready days ago, I’m not anxious or anything.” Dana got up from her chair and retrieved Jack’s Bible from the hallway table. “You could help me with the remaining ‘puzzle pieces’ that are highlighted in Grandpa’s story of Ruth. And I think you owe me because you interrupted my dream just when Grandpa was about to tell me. Do you have time?”
“Well, we have several hours before the big dinner and Shelly is shopping with your grandma so, yes, I have time. Sam accepted the book from Dana and continued while thumbing through the pages, “reading the story of Ruth in the hospital was such a special experience, it seemed as though Dad was leading the discussion, without moving his lips.”
“It was certainly an awakening for me,” Dana agreed. “And I have felt similar feelings as I have read other stories in the Old Testament, and the New Testament. Grandpa’s highlights help me focus on the real meanings, the doctrine, who is speaking, and why, they force me to ponder and think instead of just reading through. It’s like he is teaching me, whispering to my heart, and prompting me to ask the right questions…look for the right answers.”
“It might be Grandpa,” Sam agreed, “and it surely is the Holy Ghost, but I have an idea of what these ‘puzzle piece’ verses refer to and why Grandpa marked them in a unique way.”
“Do you have some inside info on deciphering Grandpa’s highlighted Bible?” Dana raised her eyebrows and waited for a response.
“I just know what Grandpa was trying to get me to understand.”
“Keep talking.” Dana prodded.
“Well, it’s not a great mystery, he was teaching me to find Christ in everything, and to look for types and symbols of Jesus Christ wherever I could find them. He loved the story of Ruth and I’m betting that the multi-colored verses in question have everything to do with our Savior.”
Dana turned the pages while thinking out loud. “So, you think that these verses are…”
Sam interrupted Dana’s search, “You know this story pretty well by now, so, just from memory, what characters are types and symbols of Christ? or even examples of Christlike behavior?”
Dana halted her physical search and looked upwards, searching a mental picture of the story.
“Let’s start with Naomi,” Sam suggested, “does she exhibit any Christlike behavior in the first part of the story?”
“This is harder than I thought it would be,” Dana admitted, “she was kind to her two daughters in law.”
“That’s a good place to start. Orpah and Ruth and Naomi were all widows but the younger women had some obligation to care for their mother in law, so what does Naomi do for the two younger women?”
Dana thought for a moment, “she invites them to go home…to the home of their mothers’.”
“That’s right,” Sam confirmed, “she frees the younger women from any obligation to her so they can start anew, perhaps get married and have children.”
“But Ruth doesn’t leave her, obviously,” Dana recalled.
“Right again, Ruth saved Naomi from a life of loneliness and possibly some very hard experiences by sacrificing her own opportunities for a fresh start.”
Dana had been looking through the first chapter and ran her finger along, “Naomi’s invitation for Ruth and Orpah to return home is in verse 8 and again in verse 12 which both have the multi-colored markings from Grandpa.”
“How about Ruth’s famous promise to not leave Naomi’s side?” asked Sam.
“It’s right here in verses 16 and 17, and yes they are marked the same way. Let’s see what’s in chapter 2.” Dana turned the page and searched. “Verses 8 and 9 are marked, Boaz offers Ruth safety and security and tells her that she need not look elsewhere for those things. I guess that’s a type of Christ as he has offered His Gospel to us as safety and security from earthly temptations. Ruth bows to Boaz in verse 10 and asks ‘Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?'”
“I think that verse 10 is a type of us,” Sam said, looking over Dana’s shoulder, “strangers or sinners, and the humility and gratitude we owe our Savior'”
Dana, nodding her head, continued, “verse 11 is marked as well, and Boaz is telling Ruth that her good works proceed her, ‘and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.’ This is also a type of us and is what happens to us when we become converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and are adopted as family members of a covenant people.”
Dana let the book rest in her lap. “I should have been able to see all of these things earlier.” She paused, “what’s in chapter 3?” She turned the page, looking for the multi-colored markings.
Sam was first to speak, “verses 3 and 4 are instruction from Naomi to Ruth, commandments if you will, on how Ruth is to act if she is to win Boaz as a husband. A reference, perhaps to how we are to act if we are to live with our Father in Heaven for eternity. And verse 5 is Ruth making a covenant to Naomi that ‘all that thou sayest unto me I will do.’ A reference to us being obedient to the laws and ordinances…and covenants we make in the Gospel.”
“Well, the last chapter should be easy,” Dana noted as she turned to chapter 4. “Boaz is clearly a type of Christ, he redeems Naomi and Ruth, but I don’t see any of Grandpa’s special markings around verses 3 and 4?”
“That’s probably because, at that point, Boaz is just setting the stage, he is putting the responsibility of redeeming Naomi’s estate on the table. But he then confirms in verse 5 that, ‘What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.’ Boaz is making sure that this Near Kinsman understands that there is no real gain for him in this transaction and that he will have to support these women in promoting the name of their dead husbands. The Kinsman verbalizes that the additional family will mar his estate, and he removes his shoe as a sign that he is selfish and that he isn’t interested in taking on the responsibility.”
Dana had been following along through the verses as Sam completed his tutorial.
“Verses 9 and 10 are marked and that is where Boaz publicly accepts the social responsibility that is expected as a result of redeeming Naomi’s estate.” Dana paused while she read ahead, “Grandpa underlined just this part of verse 10, ‘to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.’ Surely an inference to our Savior and His sacrifice on our behalf.
“I’m so glad that you came by today,” Dana sighed, “it feels like we finished what we started up in Grandpa’s hospital room. I wish Grandma could have joined us but I will always cherish this time that we had together”
“It looks like we aren’t quite finished,” Sam pointed at one of Grandpa’s highlighted verses further down the page in chapter 4.
“Your right,” Dana confirmed, “verse 15 is marked and there is an underlined phrase here as well, ‘And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age:'” Dana wrinkled her forehead, read and reread the verse, and the preceding verses, trying to comprehend the reference. “The Lord is the restorer of her life,” she mumbled, “of Naomi’s life.”
Sam reached over to the book, still on Dana’s lap, and shuffled back a few pages, “When Naomi returned to her homeland from Moab, she told the people, ‘Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the Lord hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?’ You’re right,” Sam concluded, “The Lord has made Naomi full again.”
Dana smiled and sat back in her chair, “Naomi has the safety and security of being attached to the household of a man of wealth and honor; she has been blessed, through Ruth, with posterity. She who was ‘brought home empty’ will now have posterity that includes the great King David, and the Savior, who is Redeemer of all mankind. I believe that I am content now”, she said, looking at Sam through tears of emotion, “in truly, finally, calling the book of Ruth a love story.”
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(Love to Emulate)
An earthly gift with eternal blessings, the preeminent lesson – to become like Him. The Son of Man who experienced all things, suffered all things, honored his Father in support of His plan, bled on a cross and paid the price…to redeem us. May we recognize his endless love and reach for His outstretched arms.
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Love
(Love – To Be or Not to Be) The challenge, to say aloud the phrase of commitment, a suspended offering, vulnerable is the author, intimidating the suspense, tendered silence as response is formed, pensive anticipation confirms what the eyes have already revealed – received and embraced or has all perished in the moment?
(Love Experienced) What joy is stirred when love is returned – can the flush of the heart be shared by two? What one wouldn’t do to strengthen the sprout – to make fertile the soil, to nurture the plant? What one wouldn’t do to defend such a flower? Life no longer a singular focus, drink deep from the well – walk lightly the path.
(Love in Action) Does the mark make one weak or soft? No, only humble, for the mark of love is humility, that of selfless giving. The true act of love being service, performed as daily toil, as a comforting gesture, in the gifts rendered in kindness to the helpless, in unsung deeds seldom praised. Service surrendered without ransom, without want or expectation.
(Love Defined) The true sign of love is loyalty – spoken softly and boldly by a mother. Spoken fiercely for a father or brother, but spoken in sacred whispers to the companion. To the one who sees the soul, making transparent the flaws we keep veiled, knowing our heart as it is.
(Love to Emulate) An earthly gift with eternal blessings, the preeminent lesson – to become like Him. The Son of Man who experienced all things, suffered all things, honored his Father in support of His plan, bled on a cross and paid the price…to redeem us. May we recognize his endless love and reach for His outstretched arms.
