As a child my sister Barbara found a stranded baby bird. She carried
it around for days in a shoebox, stopping frequently to feed it from an
eyedropper. She was pulled by an inner kindness to rescue animals. Later
in life, she did the same for children. This is who my sister was. It is
the loss of her gentle nature that makes her death the most devastating
event in my life.

We were born into a large family and sadly we experienced early tragedy
in the death of our father. Our mother made the brave decision to start over
somewhere new after his death. We left our home in Alabama and made our way
to southern California. Mother met and married a wonderful man who became our
father in ever sense of the word.

Barbara was a strong, yet tiny child with blue eyes and blond hair that danced
in the sun. Our older brothers pestered her frequently, as brothers are apt to do.
At the age of three, after becoming frustrated with them, she turned to them and
said; “I’m just going outside to cool off.” She spoke her mind even as a small
child. This trait would never change.

California remained her home for most of her life. She met and married a man
with three sons. They became her sons as well. Her life was filled with children,
her Church and an ever-changing pet family. She was a favorite Sunday school
teacher and camp counselor to children. Her church family was very dear to her.
Children were drawn to her, they knew she could be trusted with their hearts.
It was the same for adults. She was always ready with a listening ear,
a hug or a joke.

One year on Fathers day, while preparing for a church breakfast for the men,
she decided she would just go in her pajamas. She had a plan to make them
laugh. She took her class along with her. They wore their pajamas too. The
men were stunned and had a great laugh. They had learned to expect anything
from Barbara. It was just her way.

Her days were spent in the service of others. She began each day doing her
housework before going to the church to set up her classroom. She was a full
time mother and volunteered for the local women’s shelter as well. A crafter
at heart, she enjoyed crocheting and various arts and crafts. Simple things like
a night of bowling with her family were enough to complete her. Her life was, as
she was, gentle with hints of whimsy.

I was blessed that she was my sister. We remained best friends throughout our
lives. It was our habit to talk daily. Each night before she went to bed I would
expect her call. We would discuss the day and go over what tomorrow would bring.
We supported each other as sisters and friends should.

Barbara would say that she lived a good life. There were struggles of course,
but nothing that her and faith could not withstand. When she was diagnosed with
the Cancer that would take her from us, she thought only of others. Her will to
survive and faith in God were strong, but she was fighting a battle she could not
win. When it was decided that there would be no cure to save her, she apologized for
not being able to beat it. She felt sorrow that she would not be here to help me
with our aging parents. I struggled to convince her to let us take care of her.
She thought only of others to the end.

My best friend was my sister. Occasionally I still find myself listening for
her call. I am then struck by the weight of reality as I remember that the call
won’t come. We are blessed to have been touched by her life. To write her legacy
is simple. One word is all you need. Love.

Annie Thomas-Burke for Linda Butts-Worley and family

This tribute is the property of Worth Remembering Publishing © 2006.

This tribute is shown as an example of a Two page tribute.
written by Scribe Services Owner, Annie Thomas-Burke for
Worth Remembering Publishing books titled, Women Worth Remembering.