There is a special place in my heart for each of my children; a place of unconditional love…but one can never begin to experience that kind of love until your first child is born.
Barry was our firstborn. He was the first grandchild in both our families and the first great-grandchild for two extraordinary ladies. From the beginning he was independent (like all my kids), bright (again, like all my kids), confrontational (again, like all my kids), and eager to express himself (sound familiar?).
He and his brother, Mark, shared a room for many years, (this was the stuff of parental nightmares), but they grew up to be collaborators in mischief, best friends and my “rocks.” His sister, Nicole, asked to be transferred to a different high school because of some of their antics and he was the one who nicknamed his baby sister Jennifer the “Runt.”
He loved animals and the out-of-doors, encouraged and nurtured by his doting and beloved “Gramps,” my dad.
By choice he worked his way through college because in his words, “Dad did it and so can I.” Most of his summer jobs were out of doors…CDF firefighter and the Catalina Island Eagle Restoration Project among them.
Family and friends are still talking about the Big Fat Greek Wedding. Cathie was so beautiful, they were so happy…radiating love and joy of starting a life together.
He loved all sports and was a big Kings fan and critic. He encouraged, mentored and participated in those of his precious children: soccer, softball, swimming and even fencing. He took such interest and pride in them and their activities and achievements, sometimes maybe more than they wanted.
His home was a labor of love from his hand-laid hardwood floors to the crown molding to the rocks hand-barrowed to the back yard. The BBQs and swim gatherings were always such fund with family and friends enjoying and sharing in the fun and food but mostly just hanging out and being together.
Barry knows how much we love and miss him and, as I told him in the hospital, we will all be there for Cathie, Nicole and Chris for him, always.
The hole in my heart will never be filled but memories of how he lived his life with energy, enthusiasm, anticipation and joy will sustain me.
I LOVE YOU SON
Barry was our firstborn. He was the first grandchild in both our families and the first great-grandchild for two extraordinary ladies. From the beginning he was independent (like all my kids), bright (again, like all my kids), confrontational (again, like all my kids), and eager to express himself (sound familiar?).
He and his brother, Mark, shared a room for many years, (this was the stuff of parental nightmares), but they grew up to be collaborators in mischief, best friends and my “rocks.” His sister, Nicole, asked to be transferred to a different high school because of some of their antics and he was the one who nicknamed his baby sister Jennifer the “Runt.”
He loved animals and the out-of-doors, encouraged and nurtured by his doting and beloved “Gramps,” my dad.
By choice he worked his way through college because in his words, “Dad did it and so can I.” Most of his summer jobs were out of doors…CDF firefighter and the Catalina Island Eagle Restoration Project among them.
Family and friends are still talking about the Big Fat Greek Wedding. Cathie was so beautiful, they were so happy…radiating love and joy of starting a life together.
He loved all sports and was a big Kings fan and critic. He encouraged, mentored and participated in those of his precious children: soccer, softball, swimming and even fencing. He took such interest and pride in them and their activities and achievements, sometimes maybe more than they wanted.
His home was a labor of love from his hand-laid hardwood floors to the crown molding to the rocks hand-barrowed to the back yard. The BBQs and swim gatherings were always such fund with family and friends enjoying and sharing in the fun and food but mostly just hanging out and being together.
Barry knows how much we love and miss him and, as I told him in the hospital, we will all be there for Cathie, Nicole and Chris for him, always.
The hole in my heart will never be filled but memories of how he lived his life with energy, enthusiasm, anticipation and joy will sustain me.
I LOVE YOU SON
1 comment:
What a wonderful tribute to Barry. His zest for life was apparent in everything he did. He had passion, love, care and respect for the earth and all of GODS GIFTS life. He loves you dearly. I am certain he agrees with me in giving thanks to you for giving us life. Thanks to you for everything we are. Your love and support were always there, and because of you, the world a much better place.
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