He wishes that discussing the topic of death wasn’t so uncomfortable and taboo. He believes it’s absurd how people try to avoid acknowledging it and often struggle to support others going through it. He emphasizes the importance of changing this societal perspective on grief to ensure that people have the necessary support and information when facing loss.
Before Ruth passed away at the age of 46, she expressed her desire for families dealing with a terminal diagnosis to be better prepared for the grieving process. Inspired by her words, Strauss has been dedicated to fulfilling her wish, leading to the “red for Ruth” campaign at Lord’s, where funds are raised to support families affected by cancer.
Organizing this event, which is now in its fifth year, has taken its toll on Strauss. He admits feeling utterly exhausted after each one. He believes that Ruth would have felt bashful seeing the cricket ground turned red in her honor. The choice of the color red was simply because it was her favorite. Notably, last year, singer Ed Sheeran performed a concert after the charity match held at the Wormsley estate.
During our interview at his office in White City, Strauss discusses his career and his commitment to keeping Ruth’s memory alive. Despite being a cricket icon, he still recognizes the importance of earning a living. He has used his expertise to establish Mindflick, a performance psychology business, while also taking on senior roles at the ECB. However, his dedication to Ruth and her legacy has garnered him the greatest praise.
Although the Ashes series is in full swing, Strauss takes a moment to address how he is coping with grief. Having experienced it firsthand, he understands that the grieving process is not linear and appreciates it when people genuinely ask how he’s doing. He emphasizes the importance of asking the question twice and genuinely engaging in conversation about one’s emotions.
Strauss recalls meeting Ruth in Sydney when he was 21 and how he was drawn to her rebellious nature and rational skepticism of authority. She helped him find balance in his life, encouraging him to see himself beyond just a cricketer. When Ruth was diagnosed with incurable lung cancer, Strauss was devastated, but Ruth’s mindset surprised him. Instead of feeling unlucky, she accepted her fate and focused on preparing for her final days.
Strauss reflects on the parallels between Ruth and Deborah James, a journalist who also battled cancer and left a lasting impact before passing away. He praises James’ vitality and her ability to shine a light on death by emphasizing the importance of making an impact while still alive.
Ruth’s acceptance of her fate has deeply influenced Strauss. He now realizes that time is limited and understands the importance of prioritizing his loved ones’ happiness. His two sons, Sam and Luca, are his top priority, and he hopes to teach them the importance of open communication and seeking help for their mental well-being.
Strauss acknowledges that grief is a complex process that can resurface at unexpected times. He wants to be a role model for his sons, showing them that it’s okay to ask for assistance when needed.
In conclusion, Strauss has tirelessly worked to fulfill his late wife Ruth’s wish to improve bereavement support for families facing terminal illnesses. Despite his busy career, he remains dedicated to keeping Ruth’s memory alive and providing support to those in need.
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