Thursday, September 5, 2024
I was fortunate to know Barbara when we were both living in the Chicago area. She was a genuinely caring, insightful friend! On one occasion I had been invited to attend a recognition ceremony for a young man I cared about. He was in the Navy stationed at Great Lakes (almost to the Wisconsin border) where the event would take place. I lived in the middle of Chicago but worked in Evanston near where Barbara had her home. I told her I was so happy to have been invited but worried about timing! Paul would need to pick me up at least two hours early to be sure we’d be on time. I would need to hurry home from work and change into formal attire for the evening. As it happened, the recognition was to be held on Valentine’s Day! Barbara insisted I stay with her overnight - it was at least an hour less driving for Paul and would give me time to “primp” and chat with a dear friend instead of rushing through traffic! It would also make the end of the evening much more doable since Paul would only drive half as far to drop me off. So the logistics were a true blessing, but when Paul and I returned we were in for a surprise! Barbara had set out an adorable Valentine treat for us with decorated heart shaped cookies on china plates, sweet Valentine notes and a lovely banner. The evening was actually my first date with the man who became my husband! We both cherish our friendship with Barbara Lynn and love having this memory of her above-and-beyond kindness. I’m so grateful to Barbara’s sister Margo for helping me be back in touch with her toward the end of life after way too many years. Paul and I pray for comfort and peace to envelop all the family. How wonderful to know she was so dearly loved and cared for all the days of her life!
