How do you want to be remembered?
Recently the world lost several great writers. We lost the activist Grace Paley, societ dissident Solzhenitsyn, and Jeannette Eyerly, who wrote about serious social issues for teenage girls. However, the loss that most touches my heart is RubyLee Schneider.
She was a member of our local writing group. I had known her for about 20 years. RubyLee never made any secret of her age. She carried her 82 years with pride.
RubyLee wrote, no matter what was happening in her life. In her last email to me, after her final surgery, after she refused further treatment for her cancer, she said, “Trying to edit/rewrite a lo-ong ms.”
Having a long work published in print was a goal that eluded RubyLee. She published short fiction and many, many articles. She published fiction ebooks. In fact, in 2005 she was an Eppie award nominee. However, she never gave up. She kept writing and kept submitting until the very last.
She remained treasurer of our local RWA chapter until she died. As you know, treasurer is one of the most demanding board positions.
RubyLee never backed away from hard work. The most common adjective I’ve heard to describe her is “fiesty”. She was that, for sure.
RubyLee would not want us to mourn her passing. She would give us her best stare and ask why we weren’t writing. Writing is the best tribute we can give her.
This week and for the rest of the month, members of our RWA chapter are tracking our word count. Thousands of words will be written to honor our friend and fellow writer.
How do you want to be remembered?
I would hope to be remembered as RubyLee was, as someone who never gave up and wrote to the last.
Today, to honor the writing friends in your life, both past and present…
- Write something
- Read something
- Remember those who have encouraged and supported you
RubyLee was a true writer. She wouldn’t give up.
Are you?
Write on,
Lynn Jordan
