Ruth's Truth #25: Do This in Remembrance | C.H.A.N.C.E. For Crime Victims

This Easter season has brought reminders I wasn't expecting.

At the beginning of March, a former colleague was giving a training for victim advocates. During the training, one of the advocates mentioned there was a Special Victim's Counsel who was representing a survivor when the defense started the "good soldier" defense. The SVC changed the course of the board when she said: "Everyone thought John Wayne Gacy was a good guy until they found the bodies in the basement."

The victim advocate couldn't remember the SVC's name, but my colleague asked some questions — and it turned out it was me. I had completely forgotten. I still don't remember. But I knew it was me, because for those who know me, you know that this is something I would say.

A few weeks ago, a former client from Alaska reached back out needing help navigating how to get her records of sexual assault and harassment for a VA claim, and to help with a potential improper discharge. In her email, she said that although we won her case, what she most remembered was my kindness — and taking her to her favorite Chinese restaurant. I couldn't recall the details of her case or the lunch, though I did remember her. But this is what she remembered.

Today — Easter Sunday — a former colleague texted me out of nowhere with an article. When I was stationed in the Virgin Islands, it was one of the hardest assignments I've had. I didn't go in with a motive to "fix" everything. I went in thinking: "I'm just going to try to build a biathlon team." That team took first place in Maine recently. I hadn't forgotten being part of the start — but what pure joy it was to have a reminder that it carried on.

What Landed Differently This Easter

At the Last Supper, Jesus said, "Do this in remembrance of me" — words that extend far beyond the table. This Easter Sunday, that landed differently. Not just as a call to remember Him, but as a reminder that the quiet, obedient work and our courage to tell the truth matters, even — and especially — when we have forgotten it ourselves.

Happy Easter, and congratulations to the VING! 🌿

Ruth's TruthWe remember our fails; tend to forget the wins; and we rarely realize the impact of the small things we did while just trying to show up. You may not remember, but someone does.