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Farewell Barbara Lee

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Posted 4/7/2016 2:50 PM (GMT 0)
Today I prepare for my trip to say a final goodbye to our dear friend Barbara Lee at her Memorial Service in Laurel, MD. Barbara passed away March 6th after many years of fighting serious complications of Lupus, a blood cancer, and various other ailments.

I first met Barbara thru this forum around 2005 - in those days there were 2-5 of us who were relatively housebound and we used the chat feature to meet up around 2 pm most days of the week. We even had a motherless teenager from England join in, Barbara became her de facto mother for a while!

In 11 years, I had the privilege of meeting Barbara in person three times - but met up with her in postings, in chat, via phone calls and texts multiple times weekly. She was of great support to me and many others on this forum, as I hope we were to her.

As Barbara became more ill, with wounds that would not heal, breathing difficulties, and constant pain - I moved into a "remission" period. But Barbara never let me feel guilty for being healthier, she never failed to rejoice in my health as if it were her own. And yet, she very rarely felt sorry for herself, but soldiered on.

So today I pack, and reflect on the various times I've moved toward the phone to call Barb in the last month - sometimes we don't realize quite how much we value those around us until it is too late.

Hug your loved ones, say thanks to your friends and supporters, and if you're far enough South, enjoy the Spring flowers, my friends.
Posted 4/7/2016 4:31 PM (GMT 0)
((((((((Gentle hugs )))))))
Posted 4/7/2016 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time as you pay your respects to such a wonderful friend and constant supporter. Barbara was indeed a wonderful woman.

Safe Travels

Melissa
Posted 4/7/2016 6:24 PM (GMT 0)
I also had the pleasure of meeting Barbara and she truly was an amazing woman. She had so many serious problems related to lupus and it often seemed to me that she never got a break. Most amazing to me was how she managed to keep posting on this forum even when she felt awful. I frequently go for long periods without posting simply because I don't feel like posting. To me, just the fact that she made us a priority showed how loving, concerned, dedicated, and strong she was. Barbara's passing has left a void on this forum.

I've noticed that forum members often don't post when they are in periods of remission. They go on with their daily lives enjoying every illness free moment, rightfully so I might add. Lynnwood, you are the exception to this "rule." Your dedication and understanding to each of us, even though you could easily go on with your daily life, is never forgotten. You are helping me through the void which Barbara has left. I know that you are attending Barbara's memorial because you loved her, but you are also representing us and once again showing us your loving, dedicated nature. Love, Donna
Posted 4/7/2016 8:15 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks all -

Yes, Donna, in some strange way I do feel like I am going to represent all of us here at Lupus/Healing Well. I don't suppose I can wave a banner, but if I could, I would!!
Posted 4/8/2016 2:55 AM (GMT 0)
What a wonderful tribute. Please take care and have a safe trip.
Posted 4/9/2016 11:17 AM (GMT 0)
many healing thoughts.
Posted 4/9/2016 12:03 PM (GMT 0)
live life to fullest.

after so many years of fighting with disease( 23 years) i believe many of us have learned how to take things easy and become a fighter for life!

hope we all can always stay healthy and live peacefully with the disease.

let's jia you! keep it fighting!
Posted 4/9/2016 1:13 PM (GMT 0)
I'm glad you are able to attend today Lynnwood. I miss those days when we used to meet in the chat room. That was Barb again letting me know what time to sign in.

Take care,
Julia
Posted 4/11/2016 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
It was a nice service, and I was able to share with Bill and Nikita how much Barbara meant to all of us, and how many HW people I represented with my presence.

They've made a photo collage video which they plan to put online, so look for a link to that in the near future.
Posted 4/12/2016 6:01 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Lynnwood !
Posted 4/12/2016 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you in so many ways.
Posted 4/12/2016 9:14 PM (GMT 0)
/www.youtube.com/watch?v=G--PCAP2feU
Posted 4/12/2016 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Lynnwood.. For going to the service & for updating us. You did, indeed represent so many people 'here'.

Barbara Lee's generous spirit & giving nature affected so many of us. Her posts & David's were the ones I looked for first. Know you miss her very very much.

Wonderful that the doctor came to service !

Celebrated her life with you, in spirit, but here at home: a flare kept me from safely driving.

Rest hon.

Post Edited By Moderator (Lynnwood) : 4/12/2016 7:57:53 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/13/2016 3:40 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Lynnwood for posting the collage. She looks so happy and carefree! Which doctor attended the service?

Take care,
Julia
Posted 4/15/2016 1:06 PM (GMT 0)
My sincere sympathy and condolences. I'm sorry they are late. I had to have surgery and things have been overwhelming.

Barbara was a lovely caring woman and will be dearly missed. She always had kind words of encouragement for everyone despite her many recent struggles with illness. A truly thoughtful person. As a new member she welcomed me just as you all did and it means alot. My hope is that she is comfortable now with her precious kitty in her lap xo
Posted 4/17/2016 1:52 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Lynnwood, I did not know about this service and wish I could've been there with you. Please let her family know that Barbara was a very special person indeed...I was in with you on some of those chats. people don't realize how long I've been around. I remember the days TinMan was on here...but yes, Barbara will be missed...and I might forget and ask about her sometime, I might need a reminder...
Barbara was wonderful with advise, we would always talk about our kids, my Jazzi was just a year ahead of Nikita in school, so we could talk about our kids...it was helpful in that way as well...I could vent things about school and jazzi and she would listen. Life gave her a bad time of it and I really hope she is watching over us all...above all, she was a good friend...
Posted 4/17/2016 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
Barbara's family is reading these posts, so they will see how we all hold her in great esteem!

Does anyone remember the name of the young girl from England that used to join us in chat? She became Barbara's "special project" but I have been racking my brain for six weeks and can't seem to remember her name!!
Posted 4/17/2016 4:56 AM (GMT 0)
I do know of whom your talking about, but the name is escaping me at the moment and its been awhile since I've been in the chat room, but if you can check the chatroom on here, she might still be coming...try the anxiety chatroom...but the person I'm thinking of I think is from Canada....
Posted 4/17/2016 12:31 PM (GMT 0)
No, this girl quit the chat room several years ago - she got a bit better, got pregnant & got married -- and was definitely from England.

....

Hey, I finally remembered -- it was Ellie. I think. Can anyone verify?

Post Edited (Lynnwood) : 4/17/2016 7:15:25 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/17/2016 5:06 PM (GMT 0)
I think your close, I was thinking Emma...
Posted 4/18/2016 1:33 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, it was Ellie. Barb and I spoke of her not long ago. She told me she hadn't heard from her for a long time.

Dianne - Which Dr. went to the service? Dr. Byars?

All the best,
Julia
Posted 4/18/2016 1:39 AM (GMT 0)
No, Dr Byars is in Hawaii, I believe. It was Barbara's long time cardiologist, a Commander who I believe was the highest ranking of all her Drs. I didn't catch his name.
Posted 4/18/2016 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
Oh I did not know about Barbara.

May you rest in peace dear Barbara!!

You will be missed dearly by HW family.
Posted 5/16/2016 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hey, Lynnwood if you can post a video with a link for us, It's still so very sad that Barbara is not here, May she be free of pain and reunited with her kitty.
Nikita I hope your doing okay. If you need support please ask. I'm in Texas, but can say a prayer...
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