McMINNVILLE, Ore. (BP)–“If life hands you lemons, make lemonade,” an old adage encourages. A father and daughter in Portland, Ore., have been squeezing every last drop from the yellow citrus dumped into their lives a few years ago. Thus far, rather than bitter, the result has been sweet.
For the past four years, Frank and his daughter, Ruth, would leave their secluded domicile twice a week and venture a couple of miles to drop by a bank, purchase groceries and attend church. Sometimes they would stop by a thrift store and buy clothes before returning to their humble home.
The aforementioned would not normally be noteworthy. However, in this case, Frank and Ruth’s home happened to be located somewhere within Portland’s densely wooded Forest Park and their dwelling consisted of a lean-to situated near a small creek.
The father and daughter recently were spotted by a couple scouting for new cross-country trails in the 5,000-acre park. Concerned for the girl’s safety, they contacted police. After a two-day search that involved all-terrain vehicles, the duo finally was located.
When officers discovered Frank and Ruth’s encampment, it was deserted. Under a tarp-covered, wood-framed lean-to, they found a Bible, a set of old World Book Encyclopedias, sleeping bags and assorted gardening tools. A tilled vegetable garden and rope swing were nearby. A police dog found the father and daughter hiding behind a tree about 50 yards from the camp.
Frank told police he was 53 years old, a college graduate and Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam. He said he had moved to Portland with his daughter from Tacoma, Wash., hoping to find work. When attempts to find employment were unsuccessful, he was forced to live on a $400-a-month disability check.
Frank said he chose to live in the wooded confines of Forest Park rather than the streets in order to shelter Ruth, who is 12, from drugs, alcohol and violence. He also feared authorities would take his daughter if their homelessness was discovered.
He described himself as a devout Christian and said he taught his daughter using the Bible and the old encyclopedias. Frank also made sure he and Ruth attended church regularly.
The pair used water from a nearby creek to keep clean and to also fill a small pool where they stored perishable foods. A tidy garden provided fresh vegetables.
After Frank and Ruth were taken into custody they were investigated by officials. A pediatrician examined the girl and found no signs of physical or sexual abuse. In fact, Ruth was even found to have no cavities. A background check on Frank revealed a slate that was squeaky clean.
What is most amazing about the tale of survival that emerged from Forest Park is not the physical condition of the father and daughter. What most impressed those who interacted with the pair was Ruth’s social and academic prowess.
Officers stated “the girl was well-spoken beyond her years.” She was polite, sociable and articulate. After testing it was found that Ruth reads at a 12th grade level and is academically advanced for her age.
Something else about Frank and Ruth that police and other officials noticed was their relationship. It was evident they shared a deep love and caring for each other. Their biggest concern was that they would be separated.
In a day when a spoiled slacker mentality seems to pervade much of America’s youth and teacher’s unions maintain that more money is the answer to education woes, Ruth stands in stark contrast. Her tale is one of unspoiled maturity and academic excellence forged in a forest.
Ruth may have lacked many of the distractions of American adolescence like television, electronic games, or a bevy of extracurricular activities. However, whatever she lacked was more than made up for by a devoted parent dedicated to equipping her with a solid educational foundation as well as a strong character.
Frank took responsibility for preparing his daughter, academically and socially, to face the world. Though the classroom was crude and the educational tools limited, the commitment to the student was world-class.
Ruth also received a foundation for faith from her father. Homelessness did not keep Frank from worshiping God with a community of Christians. While I am sure that he and Ruth frequently read from the Bible and prayed often, Frank felt it a priority to attend church.
Frank also instilled a positive attitude in Ruth. In all the reports about their four years in the forest, there is never a hint of complaint. “Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials,” the Bible exhorts. It would seem that Frank taught Ruth to do just that.
Father and daughter have been relocated to a horse farm outside of Portland where they are living in a mobile home. Frank is working and they are readjusting to the conveniences we all take for granted. And now, instead of walking, they ride bicycles to church.
While Frank and Ruth have had their share of life’s lemons, they have responded by making the best lemonade possible. Got any lemons in your life? Better start squeezing!
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Kelly Boggs, whose column appears in Baptist Press each Friday, is pastor of the Portland-area Valley Baptist Church in McMinnville, Ore.
