The Schriner Family

Ruth and Bert Schriner’s lives together have been laced with tragedy and triumph; they choose to focus on the triumphs. Their son James’ friend Amy Filbert was charmed by this couple, describing time spent with them as edifying, and felt that the caring concern they show others was deserving of a Magic Moment for the family. UBT agreed!

Living on love

To meet the Schriners is to be reminded of that Alan Jackson Song “Livin’ on Love,” about a couple who weathers the years together, knowing they always have each other. They didn’t expect their married lives to be smooth sailing. They had both grown up in hard times, but there was determination to find love and happiness. Ruth never questioned that there was enough love for both her and her son when she married Bert, so the three of them started out as a family. Another son, Bert, whom they called Bud, soon followed, with James bringing up the rear some years later. And they raised their family on love, faith, and hard work. They celebrated the good times and got through the bad times, knowing there was always someone worse off, and that being together was enough.

At the center of all this celebrating and getting by were the boys, and Bert and Ruth were proud of their family. But Bud died suddenly and tragically when he was 21, and his passing has cast a lingering shadow over the family in ensuing decades. He would be 60 now, and to this day, they can’t help but wonder about their middle child, had it been different — there are so many “what ifs.” They are grateful for James, who checks on them and tries to help them out financially, as there isn’t much left for even necessities after the bills are paid.

Grateful and generous

Bert and Ruth are grateful for many things: the years they have spent together, their family, the people they have met along the way. Those who know them say they are positive and generous, always laughing and smiling, willing to extend a hand to all they meet. Ruth is everyone’s friend and caregiver. Bert is living with dementia and some days are much better than others. On good days, they visit the worship hall and maybe get a meal. He enjoys walking his cat, Alphie, around the apartment complex to chat with other residents and cheer them up. The coronavirus has made their world even smaller, and they are understandably hesitant to get out much.

UBT and the Magic Moments team are proud to bring a little joy to this kindhearted couple. As the kitchen is often the hub of their activity, they received a large new table with enough chairs for family and guests, a super-sized microwave and cover, and a Covid Care Kit chock full of all those often-used (but difficult to obtain) necessities. We wish the Schriner family all the wonder of the season!