Isaiah 57;1
The righteous perishes, and no man lays it to heart: and merciful men
are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from
the evil to come.Jubilee Bible
As we reflect solemnly on Barbara, I know that many know her as a
friend, and
many like myself believe that she was your best friend. She
took her nursing attributes into the friend zone, as she took care of
each of us with a holistic approach. She wanted us to be well, mentally,
spiritually, and physically. She would come up with games, and write
the most lovely cards, with butterflies all over the envelope. You were
made to feel worthy no matter what class you came from and you can be in
your nighty, or out with her in an elaborate restaurant and fit right
in. She could dine with a pauper or a king, and be delighted with her
audience. She was
tenacious, and knew of the best places to shop, not just in Canada, but
particularly in the States. She loved to travel, but her travels were
also with a purpose; to visit friends and relatives who were aging. She
loved fine jewelry, and she deserved every one that her loving husband
gave
her. Some she had a hand in designing I think, rubies and diamonds.
She loved beautiful
things, and loved sharing it with others. I particularly got to know
Barbara after the loss of our daughter four years ago, but our
friendship goes
back to Surrey Christian school, as our children attended there well
over a decade ago.
Barbara and her family would show up
with countless meals on those very unbearable days. She has more
crockpots than
anyone I know. She would bring over books of Penguins in Germany or an
article in the paper
about a nurse in her graduating class who sent masses of equipment to
Africa.
She was preparing and looking forward to seeing all her nursing friends
at an upcoming reunion in a few weeks. She was practical and
magnificent. She took me to Macey's in the states to pick out a dress
for my second daughter's wedding and she spoiled me . She knew how to
communicate with the most needy, and
the most educated. Barbara spared nothing from making an occasion as
simple as it may be; superb! She was a magnificent organizer. Everything
was in her
calendar, but did not possess a cell phone; Bayshore can reach her on
her home phone if they indeed needed her. Paul would later share that
she would often
take the hardest of cases, and they had great confidence in her ability
to handle these situations. I can say with certainty that her clients
were like family to her. She would enroll a child into preschool at her
cost, and buy strollers and other necessities from her own purse.Above
all her family was her greatest achievement and cause for motivation.
She spoke fondly of them always.Enrolling Carleigh in sewing, and craft
classes, and camping at Timberline Ranch, private school and chauffeuring
them to the many school functions. She was proud of her son Jacob who
recently moved out, and confident that he would transform his place to
his own design. She was happy of their well deserved reputable jobs.
I will tremendously miss her sweet confident voice, and assurances, and wisdom that she gladly shared.
2 Tim 4;7
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8From
now on the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord,
the righteous judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me,
but to all who crave His appearing.…
Barbara lived the Christian walk; she knew with certainty this Bible verse;
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the
Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an
inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are
serving.
Barbara has received her inheritance. May we carry the baton she passed forward.
With All my Love
Maria
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