I got the news via email from Barbara's husband Mike this morning. The subject line: It is finished.
"Friends,
This morning, just before 8:00, Barbara returned home to join her Savior in heaven. She was surrounded by family as she took her final earthly breath. I thank you for all your prayers and support during these past two years. But join with me now as we rejoice the end of her suffering. The cancer no longer has any control of her life, and she is dancing with angels.
Your continued prayers for the family are welcomed.
-Mike"
It's a good thing I worked from home today, because I've been crying on and off all afternoon, remembering Barbara. This is something I won't understand this side of heaven. I pray that God will give Barbara's family a peace that surpasses all understanding, that He will lift them up in their time of need.
All I can do is look back on our friendship and rejoice that the Lord put her in our lives. Her genuine smile and fun sense of humor will always be remembered.
Baby shower for Noriko:
Free floppy hats at the Padres game:
The four of us dressed up as the Scooby Doo characters for Halloween one year:
Masquerade birthday party for Denice:
Dean's 40th birthday party, with an 80's theme:
Meera's baby shower:
Barbara's birthday party in Jan-08:
I am SO sorry to hear about the loss of your friend :( You've lost an amazing friend on earth and gained a beautiful guardian angel. *hugs* Looks like you had some fun times and made every single moment count.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. That's horrible. What a beautiful tribute your blog post is. It's nice that you have lots of photos to remember her by. :(
ReplyDeleteChristine, I am rejoicing with you in that she is now in the presence of our Lord and Savior!! Beautiful and fully restored!! I know you will miss your friend dearly and I pray a special blessing as you deal with the loss of such a wonderful person. I am tears right now and I didn't even know her.
ReplyDelete(my word verification today is grase -- I find that to be no coindence.)
Oh Lisa...I am so sorry about the loss of your friend. What a beautiful smile. I love the picture of you four as the Scooby-do characters...What a fabulous memory...but really, words do seem so insufficient.
ReplyDeleteI like the line that she is dancing with angels now. What a beautiful idea.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Christine! Sometimes he really works in mysterious ways. I try to comfort myself thinking that everything is for a reason, but at these times it is hard to believe in that.
ReplyDeleteI also wish strength and courage to her family, to keep them going in this tough time.
The past days I've been reading the blog of Matt Logelin, and become very touched by his and his daughters story. I came to think about it again when I read your post, and thought I mention it, for what it may be worth.
Christine, I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. I know that it is never easy to lose someone and it seems especially senseless when it is one so young and such a horrible thing as cancer. I know it is such a comfort to know that she is no longer suffering, but is rejoicing with her Lord. Your post is a beautiful tribute to your friendship. You and her family will be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteChristine, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss! I'll be thinking of you and her family as well.
ReplyDeleteChristine, I'm very sorry for the loss of your friend. :( But I'm glad that she is now free from the pain of cancer and among the angels. You will meet again.
ReplyDeleteI am sad for you that Barbara is no longer here to share your lives together, but I am also so happy that you know where she is with the Lord and that someday you will be reunited. God is good.
ReplyDeleteI´m so sorry for your loss of your friend!
ReplyDeleteI wish strength and courage to her family, to keep them going in this tough time.
Love your remembering shots of the time you shared with her.
It´s hard to believe that all had a reason in good - but I´m sure!
Big Hugs!
Christine,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you, Todd and Barbara's family.
Your pictures of her are wonderful. I know they will be a blessing to her children one day.
Love and hugs to you...
Tracey
I am so sorry for your loss. The photos of her are wonderful and will be treasured by her loved ones.
ReplyDeleteThis post brought tears. I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. She was beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful post Christine. I really enjoyed seeing all the photos of you guys, and I have tears in my eyes! The final email he sent sounds just like the one we got from my cousin when his beautiful wife passed away at 34 from breast cancer.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Christine. I will continue to keep you and her family in my prayers! I can't even imagine!