Hawaii began calling to Ruth, when she was in 4th grade, and attending a small rural school, in Lone Rock, Wisconsin. This particular year, the school decided to order books for their 4th graders, through a periodical they were all reading entitled, “The Weekly Reader.” Remember those ? These were paperback books and were being sold for ten and twenty cents each, through “The Weekly Reader.” A very low price even then. Money was tight for everyone in those days, and her parents told her she could spend fifty cents. She was able to buy 3 books with her fifty cents.
These are the 3 books Ruth selected:
- “Kon-Tiki,” written by Thor Heyerdahl. He created a boat out of reeds and sailed it across the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii. He did this to see how the Polynesians were able to migrate as far as they did. She was enthralled with this book. It spoke of the beautiful Pacific Ocean and of the Hawaiian Islands…a place she had never been to, and had read very little about. This little book was the catalyst that opened a “portal,” that Ruth would take 35 years before she would be able to walk through.
- “Hiroshima,” a book about the dropping of the A-bomb on Japan.
- “Navy Diver,” an exciting book about a Navy deep sea diver, who did his diving in the Pacific Ocean.
How ironic that these 3 books would be so impactive to her!
She experienced another calling to Hawaii in 1974, but the idea of ever getting to Hawaii, was something she tucked away in her memory, as only a dream, and did not think of it again. In 1984, the calling became more frequent and more compelling. By 1990 she was able to afford to go to Hawaii, as airfares had plummeted drastically. It was April of 1990, to be exact, that Ruth made a round trip from Wisconsin, for a mere $375.00. It was to be a trip of a lifetime for her, and her very first vacation alone.
Little did she know, she was walking through the “portal,” that Spirit had crafted so very long ago. Ruth stayed on the island of Hawaii for 10 days. For the first time in her life, she felt like…she was home. Beauty showed itself everywhere, in every thing and in everyone. Spirit showed itself everywhere.
The thought of leaving was causing her great pain. On her return flight to Wisconsin, all Ruth could do was cry, at the thought she might never be able to return. She resonated with Hawaii and now she was leaving; possibly forever. It was tearing at her heart strings.
Upon her return to Wisconsin, she spent a few days in the “think tank.” It did not take her long to announce to her family that she was going to move to Hawaii. She felt she was needing to do it while she could afford it. Everyone thought her crazy, but her heart knew she had to do this.
On July 27th, 1990, Ruth arrived back in Hawaii…this time to stay. She was home.
Ruth remarried in 2003, to a Japanese man, and they live happily in Hawaii. Between the two of them, there are four children. Two are hers and two are his.
“Retirement only means…I finally have time to write my books,” says Ruth, and that is exactly what she is doing.
Having encountered many health issues, Ruth has taken it upon herself to share her alternative healing methods she has used, with others around the world, who are too sensitive to take drugs, and opt for a more natural approach, by using herbs, oils and holistic approaches, as she has had to do. It has been trial and error for her, but she has learned much and feels she can be a beneficial source for others. Ruth feels strongly, that this is her calling…to help others help themselves with their health…which also includes PTSD. Consequently, she has created a website for this purpose. To learn more you can visit this site at: http://www.healthfromunexpectedplaces.com
Ruth is of the belief that in this life, we must give back. Since Hawaii has shown her love, peace and health, she is prepared to share what she has learned, as a way of giving back to others.
