Remembering Barbara

I didn't want to close out this year without taking a moment to remember Barbara Brown, who passed away last week after a 6 month battle with melanoma.

I never met Barbara in person, but as she did with many others, she touched my life. Barbara and I were both members of a small email list that focused on loving and raising our children in the Catholic faith. I have not had the heart yet to go back and read her many posts, but am planning to do that one day, when I feel ready.

Barbara shared with us her experience and gentle way. She and Bruce raised three beautiful children and Barbara openly shared with us her journey. Her youngest son just began college this fall, and Barbara was kind enough to tell us about the ins and outs of the admission process, as well as guide us in the challenges and joys of our children as teens and beyond.

This was particularly valuable to me, as my oldest is going to be 16 next year. Barbara was for me, besides an email buddy, one of those women who go before to make the road easier for those who follow. This was one way she touched my life.

During her illness and treatment some other list friends and I sent thinking-of-you flowers. I called a florist in LaFayette, we decided what to send, then she asked for the recipient's name. When I told her it was Barbara Brown she stopped short. Suddenly we were close, despite the miles. she began to tell me all about Barbara . About her kindness, her generosity, her love. She went on and on, trying to let me know what a beautiful person Barbara is, inside and out. She needed me to know, but I knew.

But it was so lovely to hear a voice on the line, who knew Barbara in person, to confirm to me what I had determined via email myself. This was the first time I asked a florist to deliver a hug along with the flowers.

Barbara was giving and kind. The journey she and Bruce and the kids went through is one that has already touched many people. My boys, husband and I have talked about the Browns, particularly their faith.

The last week of Barbara's illness my 12yos and I watched the movie Phenomenon, in which John Travolta's character had a terminal illness with days to weeks to live. The big wig doctor/scientist wanted to perform an operation that would most certainly end his life but provide data for other scientists. This otherwise new-agey Hollywood movie came out with a small, yet profound nugget.

The main character said he 'might just have something to say in his last hours' and didn't want interference.

I told my son that Barbara had a lot to say in her last hours. We saw the love and trust the Browns had in God, so starkly compared to what the media shows us on screen.

Though Bruce was doing the typing in the online journal, Barbara was speaking clearly.

We saw through Barbara and Bruce the beauty of life and the gracious peace that comes in giving our body and soul willingly over to God's loving hands. They were kind enough to chronicle their journey on line at the caringbridge site.

To read her journal, you may
Click here

Her last days reminded me of John Paul II, as he spoke volumes to us, in love, during his final days.

I know Barbara is in good company now and we will always remember her with love. She was a loving wife, mother, friend and a beautiful child of God.

We will miss you, Barbara.