“I see only the good in every person.”
– Ruth Pritchard
It’s been two years to the day since my amazing Nana passed away. Ruth Cory Pritchard was an incredible person and affected so many lives. She’s still very much a part of our lives, and she lives on forever in our hearts. It’s hard to believe that it’s already been two years since she passed. So much has happened in the past two years…Happy Dingo, marriage, cross-country move for starters.
Few words can express what an important part of my life Nana was, so instead, I’ll share an anecdote. This text, written August 7, 2000, is taken from the introduction to my old writing site:
I published my first book at the age of three. There was only one copy — written and illustrated by hand — and the press was my Nana’s sewing kit. Nana, AKA Ruth Pritchard, was then, as she is now, a veteran of the publishing industry and one of those who instilled in me the thirst for writing.
My parents had gone on a cruise to the Carribean and, to make the most of our time together, Nana decided that it was about time I learned how to write and publish a book. So we did. I wrote with pencil and illustrated with crayon. When all the pages were in place, we published the masterpiece between two pieces of cardboard, held together by a hand-sewn spine.
Nana was fascinated by the world and loved to observe people and the goings on around her. During her final years on this planet — when Jen and I were living on Treasure Island — Nana would often visit us from Sacramento. She would ride Amtrak. The following is an email from her on March 16, 2001, the day after Headlight went under (hence the opening paragraph):
Gabe,
Just got home from Santa Cruz at 10 pm and found your message. So sorry
it came and so quickly. I know you will miss all the coworkers but, knowing
you, you will keep them as friends for always. Also, knowing you, you will
land on your feet and do well.
I came home on the train and was fascinated by the pasengers. From San
Jose and Great America the train filled up with high tech commuters with lap
tops and bicycles. There must have been two dozen bikes and everyone had a
lap top and most used them. They got off at Oakland and Berkeley. So if you
want to find out where the jobs are, ride Amtrack.
I had a great visit in Santa Cruz, the weather was perfect, my bed was
comfortable and we worked every day on Suzanne’s book accomplishing much.
Come over this weekend or whenever it works for you.
Let me know of there’s something I can do.
Love,
Nana
As I did on this day last year, I will leave you with the remarks I gave at Nana’s memorial service — and a pink site in honor of a great woman.
