Barbara Ann's Birthday

Happy Birthday to Barbara Ann T., b 1950, D July 11, 2002.

Barbara Ann was bright, witty, and optimistic. I never saw her drink more than a glass of wine. She did not smoke, use drugs, speak ill of others, or use profanity. She did not worship any celebrities or idols. Her mood was always the same; optimistic, happy and joi-de-vire.

She loved people, animals, plants and flowers. She was a devoted daughter. She took her parents on global journeys.

She had advanced degrees in psychology and loved to study human behavior. She was generous with her affections and time.

C. S. Lewis said there are four stages of love. Lust, affection, friendship, and attachment. When Barbara became ill with that horrible disease, cancer, I developed a fifth stage of love for her, spiritual.

During the many years of our relationship Barbara never yelled at me in anger. She never demeaned or ridiculed me, instead she praised me. She always had patience with my vocal outbursts and a calming effect on my life. I wish she was still here.

This thought of Lucretius:
“Without thee, darkness reigns instead of light,
And nothing lovely is, and nothing ever bright.”

Bilbo Baggins