Today is a very sad day for the Halifax community. Personally I would extend that and say for the Canadian community. We have lost a true philanthropic hero with the passing of Ruth Goldbloom.

Picture from the IWK Foundation Telethon 2010..I love this lady's smile!

I met Ruth back in 2004 and I was instantly drawn into her charasmatic personality. She had a smile that lit up the room and immediately welcomed you in. Even if she didn't know you, you would always feel like you had an immediate friend when you were around her. My interaction with her was brief during Telethon, but I was left with a deep impression of her passion for the IWK and for the people who were part of that community.

When I returned to the IWK Foundation a few years later, I had the great privilege to get to know Ruth and her husband Dr. Richard Goldbloom much better. Through coordinating meetings with Richard and Pier 21 business with Ruth, I felt an instant fondness for these two individuals who clearly loved each other, their family and friends, their community and were passionate advocates for charities and causes that made the world a better place to be.

Ruth quickly knew my name and greeted me with a smile, warm hand shake and the occasional hug when our paths would cross. I spoke with her on the phone very often and she would always ask about my life, my family and about my work with Robbie Shaw. I felt that I was important to her and that I mattered to her. Clearly it is this warmth, charm and love that drew people to Ruth. She picked a cause and devoted herself to it and was successful in increasing awareness about many an issue. Ruth was one of, if not the most, successful fundraisers in our community. But first and foremost she was a wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

I was at work today when I received the news. My heart immediately ached for her family and friends. Ruth and Richard were an incredible example of love and devotion. She and Richard were true friends to those in their close knit circle and would do anything for anyone. Oddly enough, I now work at Dal were Ruth and Richard are both former Chancellors. Both the IWK and Dalhousie Communities will deeply feel this loss.

Ruth, thank you for your shinning example of being a leader with a kind heart. You have touched so many of us in ways you do not even know. I have learned a great deal from you and your wonderful family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and those who are left behind. This world is a better place because you had a vision that it could be. I can only hope that we are able to do your legacy the justice that it deserves.

Please consider making a donation to one of her beloved charities in her memory:

Pier 21 Society

IWK Health Centre Foundation

Home

When I graduated from MSVU, I was deliriously in love with my very handsome boyfriend and decided that I would keep my place in Halifax and look for a job in the city. I wasn't sure where my relationship with said boyfriend was going but I was happy and wanted to stay that way.

Fast forward 2 months and I was working for Marine Atlantic and spending one week off in Halifax and one week off in Corner Brook. It was hard and I didn't really like dividing my time. Then boyfriend got down on one knee and tried to be all poetic telling me about love and life, and I was blinded by the diamond ring that the sun was making about 5 times brighter than it looks in the shade. After several "Oh my God"s and a few "Really?"s I gasped out a yes and thus began my love/hate relationship with the word Home.

I love my husband and don't regret moving to the mainland to be with him. I have a good job, great friends, a nice house and a large selection of activities and destinations to keep us busy. But sometimes, a lot of times since Amelia arrived, I really miss home. It was hard not being able to have my family be present on a daily basis for my kids and for me. Don't get me wrong, Skype is wonderful and this blog and Facebook have kept everyone up to date, but it isn't the same as being there.
I would love nothing more than to be able to call my family and get together for impromptu gatherings at a moments notice. 8 days and we will get two glorious weeks with Nanny and Poppy and not long after Aunt Janice and Jordan will join the mix. Thanks to Ashley's boyfriend getting down on one knee we'll get some over the top family time and I cannot wait!

Home is where your family is...

Photo: eighteen25