Ruby Reunites with Her Niece for the Holidays

“Leave your worries at the door,” Ruby says, “so you can focus on helping others.”

Ruby doesn’t just state this philosophy; she lives it. At age 88, Ruby has found ways to give in every aspect of her life, from her dedication to her family and career as a nurse to her many years of volunteering.

Ruby has found great value in volunteering. She has spent many years supporting her church and the local food bank. She has also volunteered for the court system for over twenty years, mentoring young people and helping them navigate the judicial system. Ruby’s volunteer work has been recognized by the mayor and a congressman of her community, and she even once received a letter from former President Bill Clinton commending her volunteerism.

That’s just one part of Ruby’s story. She’s been equally devoted to her family, having grown up in a loving household in Ohio with five siblings. When Ruby was just 14 years old, she was diagnosed with a severe health condition that forced her to spend a year in the hospital. As she underwent treatment, Ruby’s sister, Mollie, hardly left her bedside and was Ruby’s best medicine. After recovering, Ruby moved to New York City with Mollie, where they built a fun and fulfilling life.

Their days became even more special when Mollie gave birth to a daughter, whom she lovingly named Ruby after her sister. Ruby was beyond honored and took her duties as an aunt very seriously. To this day, Ruby and her niece have a beautiful relationship.

After Ruby married her middle school sweetheart, they moved back to Ohio and started their own family. However, Ruby ensured that their families remained closely connected, nurturing a deep bond between the cousins. They took every opportunity to visit and always came to each other’s aid in times of need. Ruby’s daughter even donated a kidney to Mollie’s daughter, Bonnie.

When the pandemic hit, it brought with it a great tragedy. Mollie became ill, and Ruby could not do anything to help. She had to say goodbye to her sister through a screen and could not attend Mollie’s funeral.

Losing Mollie in this way was a completely devastating experience from which Ruby has never fully recovered. Ruby and her niece supported each other through their grief from afar. But only a few years later, they received more tragic news. Ruby’s niece was diagnosed with a rare, incurable cancer.

Hearing those fateful words, Ruby became determined to see her niece in person; to see and hold her would mean everything.

When we heard Ruby’s story, we were honored to help fulfill her heart’s greatest desire to see her niece again. Ruby had spent a lifetime helping others, and we seized the chance to help her.

Accompanied by her daughter, Ruby traveled to New York for Thanksgiving to spend meaningful time with her niece and family. Surrounded by family and close friends, they enjoyed a beautiful home-cooked holiday meal, full of gratitude and joy to be together again.

It was a visit complete with the beautiful, small moments that mean so much—long walks, heartfelt conversations, and deep belly laughs.

They spent hours reminiscing and telling family stories. But they also created new, special memories together, walking through Flushing Meadows Park, enjoying street food in the city, and attending a theatre performance of Wicked.

“Everything was just wonderful,” Ruby shared. “I need a new word to express this feeling.”

It had been many years since Ruby and her niece had connected on this level. Finally, they could honor and celebrate Mollie’s life together. Spending quality time together helped them find closure within their grief and make space to feel joy again.

“My mind was cleared,” Ruby shared. “My mind was free!”

It was a meaningful reunion on many levels. Their time together gave Ruby the chance to be there for her niece— to listen, love, and comfort her as she shared her fears and emotions about her diagnosis.

“I’m the person she chose to share that with,” Ruby shared. “Someone who knows her, in a moment of honesty.”

And Ruby’s visit helped her niece rediscover her spirit and energy amidst it all. “She had energy she didn’t know she had! She was laughing, giggling, and enjoyed eating,” Ruby shared.

After returning home, Ruby could hardly find the words to express her gratitude for her wish experience. She shared that she would remember this trip for the rest of her life.

“I want to say thank you. I have been recognized, appreciated, and honored.”