cat-ladder

I am so grateful to have eight years of Ruby’s Reflections to look back on. I remember most of the stories Ruby shared in her very own column, but every once in a while, one comes as a surprise, making me realize how quickly we can forget the small, everyday things after we lose a loved one. It’s one of the many reasons why I encourage people to journal after they lose a cat and write down as many memories as they can. Much as we like to think we’ll always remember, memories fade over time, and capturing them while they’re fresh in our minds is a precious gift to ourselves.

Today’s memory goes back to 2018, when I got an email from a mathematician in Austria who was working on a paper titled “Automated reasoning in elementary geometry: towards inquiry learning.” He found the photo above of Ruby on a ladder during a Google search, and asked Mom for permission to use it in his paper.

Of course, Ruby thought that was incredibly cool, because, as she wrote, “it has to do with being smart, and with helping mankind, and contributing to the greater good!”

Click here to read Ruby’s Reflections: Contributing to Science.

8 Comments on Remembering Ruby: That Time When Ruby Contributed to Science

  1. When I lost my first cat Lucy, I looked back on my journal entries and photos and videos of her. I was dismayed to find how few I had.

    Upon adopting our current cats, I began the habit of a daily journal. I’m not always as faithful as I’d like with my records, but I have filled a few books of memories.

    Sadly, when the day comes I lose these cats, I suspect I’ll feel even those weren’t enough. How do you capture a life on paper?

    Yet I’m so glad for the memories I did record of Lucy. I’m also happy that I’ve posted so often about my current cats.

    Ruby’s life lives on in your blog. She’ll always be remembered.

  2. Ruby was the greatest and when her and her sister, Allegra, started chattering back and forth, it was just hilarious and so amusing. Thanks, Ingrid, for rolling the tape backward in time so we can
    remember Ruby and Allegra, again. Have a good weekend, everyone-stay safe and well and happy and positive.

  3. That is so cool. I wish I would of thought of a journal. I just have memories in my head and lots of photos.

  4. I’m so happy to have my sweet Dawn and Winston today – but I’ll never forget my darling Sammy, Nellie, Mae-Ling, Nonnie, Boots, and the dogs, fish, birds, and turtles I had. My time with my beloved friends varied, but I remember each one and how special they all were. This column spurred me to remember some good times I had with each. Thanks for the reminder!

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