Live Life Fully The Gift of Three Words from Ruth Johnson Colvin Welcome to this book!

Ruth Colvin has some words to share with YOU.

Ruth is now 104 years old. She lives a full life. But it was not always easy. Many times she had to give up her plans. Ruth says it is the little things, even little words, that help us get through life.

In this book, Ruth shares some of the three words that have helped her. She hopes they will help you too and may inspire you to think of your own three words.

Happy ! A positive attitude. An open mind. Count your blessings. Courage. Strength. Hope. Do your best. Faith. Hope. Love. God bless America. God is love. Help one another. I love you. It’s lifelong learning. Just keep going. Learn from mistakes. Learn from others. Love one another. Make new friends. Never give up. Never stop moving. Prayer is powerful. Search your soul. Seeds of greatness. Share your gifts. Smile, be happy. Teach one person. Think of others. What comes next? You can read! Which of Ruth’s words are your favorites? Do you have your own three words that help you? If not, what three words would you choose?

My three words . . . RUTH’S STORY

Ruth was born on December 16, 1916, in , Illinois. She was the first of five children. Ruth loved to read. Education was important to her mother and father, and they saved money for her to go to college.

When Ruth’s father died at the age of 38, her uncle was put in charge of the Estate. When it came time for Ruth to go to college, her uncle would not give her the money. He said it needed to be saved for the boys in the family, the tradition of those times. That was when Ruth first realized she was living in "a man's world." Ruth and her mother were shocked, but Ruth had no choice, and she went to a local Junior College.

The blessing was that she met Bob, the love of her life, by going to the tiny Junior College. Ruth later attended Northwestern University, graduated from , and was awarded nine honorary doctorates. Ruth and Bob raised two children and were happily married for 73 years. Together they visited 62 countries, Ruth giving training in 26 developing countries.

Ruth has been recognized for her dedicated work in literacy. In 1962, Ruth started Literacy Volunteers of America, now called ProLiteracy. In 1993, Ruth was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, and in 2006, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Now, at 104 years of age, Ruth continues to volunteer and provides inspiration and leadership for literacy efforts around the country.

Many groups invite Ruth to talk about her life story. They want to know her secret for a good and long life, so she shares some of her “three little words.”

For more about Ruth’s story, enjoy her most recent book, My Travels Through Life, Love, and Literacy: A Memoir. Please go to www.newreaderspress.com/ruth-colvin or check your local library. Happy birthday,

Ruth!

What a joy and an honor to celebrate you and your 104th birthday with this book. You are kind! You are amazing! What an inspiration! Blessed by friendship!

Our warmest wishes, Carey Jones and Karen Masada Cover photo courtesy of Charity Trajico Three little words can make a big difference.

Join Ruth Colvin as she shares the words that have provided her courage, strength, and hope through her 104 years.

No matter what age you are, her words are filled with inspiration for a rewarding life.