“The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”  Psalm 121:8   

In this earthly life, we celebrate the comings and mourn the goings.  Birth and death are a constant reality for us humans.  We know babies are born every day and people die every day, but when that reality crashes into our ordinary lives, both the joy of new birth and the sadness of loss is magnified.

My sister-in-law, Barbie, passed from this life to the next on Friday, Nov. 29.

I remember her coming into my life when I was about 12.  My brother Dan brought her home to meet the family in the summer and they were married in December.  In between the introduction and the wedding, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She was so sick by Christmas, that she wasn’t able to attend the wedding.  The newlyweds offered to move in and help take care of mom and keep the household running.  As a young bride, Barbie stepped into a horribly difficult family crisis.  My world was shaking, our family was reeling, and in the midst of turmoil, Barbie brought light and peace to my dark and scary world.   Barbie loved helping people.

I remember her coming to Eau Claire the day our youngest child was born.  An early morning call was made and she arrived at the hospital to be with our older kids as they waited for their sibling to arrive.  As Jake was making his entrance into the world, Barbie brought Katie and Sam into the delivery room to witness the miracle.  Barbie loved miracles.

I remember her coming to every bridal shower, every baby shower, every confirmation, every graduation.  Family gatherings were a priority no matter when or where they took place.  This past August, we had our first family reunion.  We played games, we had a talent show, we ate and visited and held babies.  Barbie was in charge of desserts.   She brought pies and cupcakes and bars and cookies and cheesecakes.  Barbie loved to celebrate.

I’ll remember her going as a lesson in how to do it well.

She helped us cope,

she prayed for a miracle,

and she celebrated every day.

Love You Barbie.