Barbara Beautiful

My earliest memories of you are those of teacher. Before I ever went to kindergarten, Mom would buy little learning books at the local grocery store. You had received a chalk board as a Christmas gift from Santa, and you would help me complete my books. You were joyful and patient with me. You were then, and still are, the most amazing cheerleader and educator.

One time your friends came over to our Menlo Park House to celebrate your birthday, I recall sitting around the L shaped kitchen table and enjoying the party with you and your friends. You included me as much as possible, even though I was just a younger sibling. You and Maureen Valardi started a backyard club and invited me and other little kids to be entertained and join in the fun. You have always been so generous to share your beautiful, brilliant soul with all those around you! You are an amazing friend to so many. Countless lives, even generations, benefit because you have a genuine and pure heart.

One time Dad was very mad. His anger was unsettling. Your long arms enveloped me and Lizzy on that red swing that hung on the mighty branches of the oak tree. We were all crying, but I felt so safe because you were there protecting us under the shelter of your wings. My heart settled as we gently swung back and forth. You told us that everything was going to be okay, and it was. Your example of compassionate, persistent strength quieted my fears.

I admired how you would go surfing with all the neighborhood boys, so tall, regal, and athletic. I wondered if I could ever grow to interact so confidently with the opposite sex. Elizabeth and I would come to your cross country meets and watch you race. We would wait at the edge of the woods and you would appear among the male competitors, leading the pack of girls. You were one of the best in the state! You were poetry in motion, as elegant as a precious doe.

You went to college in Las Vegas, and I missed you. I would ride my bike as motivation to complete your mandatory practice runs on Christmas break. Boy! There were so many! Being a college athlete was like having a full-time job. Still, you worked part time to help manage expenses. You told me about missing the trees, because there are so few trees in Las Vegas.

You got married when I was still in high school. I remember dancing and dancing and then again missing that you were not in the house. I had long ago learned that everywhere you went you spread love and joy.

You struggled through Pitocin for the births of Aaron and Ryan. I recall the anguish on your face of pushing through the pain. You possessed the endurance of a fearless, focused warrior princess. I took notice.

Barbara, you bring inspiration and hope to some of the most downtrodden in our community. You help those that have faced multiple obstacles to keep going and succeed. You do that week after week, month after month, year after year. You never seem to grow weary. Thank you! Thank you for blessing our city as an unsung hero to generations of the less fortunate, or the simply delayed. And congratulations on your master’s degree! You worked and triumphed just like you help others do. Well done!

You and Ron have a strong, abiding bond that has produced three outstanding adults and a constantly in motion, powerhouse of a granddaughter. You are gracious and kind to continually open your home to family and friends. You spread your love of art though art days and host campfires and hot tub events. You have loved my three beautiful girls so dearly. They, like me, are so fortunate that you are our family member and our friend! From one mamma to another, thank you for being the best kind of influence on my kids.

Barbara, you have been with me on some fun, exciting adventures and on some tumultuous, dark days. You are a pillar to me. You listen like no one else I have ever encountered. Your ability to deeply listen has been an agent of healing in my life. I am forever grateful for the gift of you in my life. Just like Uncle Jerry said, you are most definitely, “BARBARA BEAUTIFUL!”

Proverbs 31:17-31

She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong…

Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy..

Strength and honor are her clothing…

She opens her mouth and wisdom and loving instruction is on her tongue…

Her children rise up and called her blessed.

Her husband also praises her: “Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!”

Give her the reward of her labor, and let her works praise her at the city gates.