To Barbara…
In memory of Barbara Harris.
I considered her my "godmother in blogland".
We met during my first "Blogging By Mail" back in 2006 when I sent her a care package to New Zealand.
Always there with advice, love and frienship.
She was truly special.
Always a nice thought.
Always a word of comfort.
My brother passed away from cancer. On every anniversary, there was a note full of love awaiting me.
When my mother got sick with cancer. She helped me navigate medical terms and ongoing journeys. She made the distance and the worries slowly diminish.
When my grandfather, uncle and cousin passed away this year. She found the strength to come with words of comfort. When I knew too well she was herself fighting her own cancer pains.
A class act.
The most generous woman I have met.
Humanity lost one of its bravest soul.
To her husband, sons, daughter-in-laws and family, I can only assure you that she was loved by thousands of people around the world.
We are strangers to you. To your pain and your day to day minutes and life. But we loved her.
And we have no words to tell you how sad we are for your loss.
Barbara said one day that this photo was one of her favorites of my "non food" pictures. It’s entitled "Reaching". I hope it brought her a bit of joy. Even a fragment of happiness.
To Barbara. A true lady.
Comments
Erin @ she cooks, she gardens July 2, 2012 um 7:25 am
Lovely.xx
Anna Epp July 2, 2012 um 12:47 pm
So sorry for the loss of your friend, many blessings go out to her family, she sounds like such a wonderful woman from your tribute.
Carla July 2, 2012 um 1:00 pm
this is a beautiful tribute to Barbara. I did not know her. The kind loving words from so many bloggers shows she was truly loved.
Your comments brought me to tears. Thank you for sharing. It helps us to realize even more, the way we live our lives has a huge impact on others, even if we never get to meet them personally.
Lisa Fain (Homesick Texan) July 2, 2012 um 1:40 pm
A beautiful post in tribute of a beautiful woman. Barbara will be missed.
Kalyn Denny July 2, 2012 um 3:03 pm
She was just a beautiful person in every way.
A Canadian Foodie July 2, 2012 um 3:32 pm
OMGosh! I had NO idea she was ill! She is a fellow Thermomix enthusiast and has that wonderful earthy sense of humor. I am not surprised to hear about the nurturing she was able to offer you… and to see her last post the 1st of June… in my kitchen… without a trace.
Such a tragedy and I am so thankful for this post so I can also express how much I have enjoyed her work over the years.
Big hug to you and to her family.
Valerie
Anonymous July 2, 2012 um 5:04 pm
Beautiful. How wonderful she was part of your life
Real Football Wives July 2, 2012 um 5:49 pm
The sorrow you feel and express so beautifully are a testimony to what a wonderful woman she is, as she surely lives on through your love for her and how she threads through out your life.
dervla @ The Curator July 2, 2012 um 9:05 pm
so beautiful, she sounds like she was a wonderful beautiful woman and inspired and comforted you and so many.
terri July 2, 2012 um 10:17 pm
What a beautiful tribute–my sympathies to you and her family.
Colleen July 3, 2012 um 4:26 am
I am so sorry about the loss of your friend. What a beautiful tribute.
Lesley July 3, 2012 um 6:41 am
How lovely it is to see how far-reaching words of comfort and care can go. I started reading Barbara's blog when she still lived in New Zealand and continued to do so once she moved to Australia. Her's was one of the blogs that inspired me to create my own.
Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns July 3, 2012 um 2:53 pm
You are truly blessed to have such a special friend. How kind and generous a spirit to reach across the miles to offer you comfort on your losses.
This is a touching, heartwarming tribute. I am sad for your loss and of course for her family.
Take care and keep your memories close to offer you comfort
Anonymous July 3, 2012 um 6:18 pm
So sorry for your loss <3
Mary @ Sifting Focus July 4, 2012 um 7:13 am
Helene, I am so sad to hear about Barbara. I found Barbara via your blog and the first post of hers that I read was the one where she thanked everyone who had participated in her Livestrong Heart Project. It was in late 2010, right before I launched my blog that I emailed her and wished her well. I felt an immediate connection with her since I am a cancer survivor. She responded to me with a lovely email encouraging me to follow my blogging dreams. I thought it so sweet of her to personally respond to my email. I know the world has lost a beautiful soul. I'm sorry for your loss.
Peasepudding.wordpress.com July 5, 2012 um 6:03 am
A beautiful post in memory of Barbara, it brought a lump in my throat. She will be sadly missed, she was truly inspirational for her strength and perseverance.
Emma Galloway July 6, 2012 um 1:39 pm
Such a beautiful tribute. I never had the pleasure of meeting Barbara in person but she was one of the first NZ bloggers that I came across and was always so supportive of us newby bloggers. She will be missed.