Beautiful people walk through our lives. Sometimes they stay and sometimes they visit. Sometimes we recognize their beautiful qualities and sometimes we don’t .
This is the story of my friend Barbara, the most beautiful person I have ever known.
Barbara was born in Montreal, and found out at the age of 14, when her Father died suddenly, that she was a foster child and she was removed from the only home she knew.
I met Barbara two years later. She was a student at the same school for the deaf as my 6 year old daughter. I was looking for a deaf student to babysit my daughter through the summer and teach her sign language. I had noticed Barbara on several occasions at school and thought she would be the perfect person. I had no idea at the time, just how “perfect” she was!
We had a wonderful summer. Barbara loved staying over at our house even when she wasn’t babysitting. We coaxed her to taste food she had never tried, (like banana peppers and liver) we encouraged her to continue going to school, and our family bloomed- Our only child had a big sister, we had a little sister and it was hardly a difficult decision when she came to live with us because she was already a part of our family.
The following years were busy ones for all of us. We all remembered laughing… a lot!
At last, Barbara met the love of her life. She married and had three brilliant children. Our lives entwined, our children entwined and we celebrated special occasions and New Years Day together every year and always considered ourselves so lucky to have each other.
In 30+ years we never had a harsh word among us. That’s remarkable.
Barbara was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 45, she was treated with new therapies that took a devastating toll, but she fought through, wanting to be with her family as long as possible. Her children were young adults when she lost the battle. She was 50 years old.
I remember her vividly, frequently, with love. She was a remarkable woman, a faithful friend. I never think about the day she died. I always remember her birthday in November.
Barbara would approve.
November 10, 2007 at 6:25 pm |
My mother sure was someone special. I think of her often, and weigh the opinions I know she would have had on every decision I make. She spoke of all of you often; you all meant a great deal to her, as you do to us. Sadly, as death is often a time when families grow apart, I am happy we continue to be closer than ever. With the addition of a third generation in S. & O., I am confident my mother would have been proud of this legacy. I miss you all tons, and look forward to another New Years Day celebration in 7 weeks. Much love, Jason xox
November 16, 2007 at 10:33 pm |
Jason is one of Barbara’s three brilliant children. Allow me to brag for her.
Jason is a 3rd year doctoral student @ U of N.C. Chapel Hill.
His research includes sports-related, mild brain injury.