Circle of Life

This week has been a range of emotion. So much joy because of the birth of a friend's baby and so much sorrow because of the death of my friend Barbara A. Baker. The baby and her family have their own story to tell.

Today I'm thinking about Barbara.

I know Barbara from grad school in Cleveland. I can't remember the exact moment we met, but I do know it happened early on. Both serious students and workaholics, we got each other. But Barbara wasn't like the other students in grad school She was in her mid-50s, had kids and grand kids, had worked her entire career as an accountant and knew exactly what having a degree in nonprofit management was going to do for her. She was focused and driven and intellectually curious and good at what she did. I liked being around her. Luckily she saw something in me too because we became friends.

Barbara was regal and had eyes that absolutely sparkled. A striking redhead, she was always pulled together and dressed beautifully. But she was also unexpectedly irreverent and non-judgemental and fun. She loved to dance and ate snickers bars for dinner.

Even though it had been months since we talked, I miss her. The world looks different now. Her presence is missing and I feel it, despite the fact that the sun still rises and sets just the same as it did before.

Barbara A Baker, you were a class act and I vow today to honor you by living my life even more fully and meaningfully and happily. I will miss you and remember you always.