Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Barbara. Friend of my heart.
We met as babies. Our fathers were business partners. We became next door neighbors and best friends. We did everything together. After my dad had to leave the business for health reasons and we moved to Cumberland, Barbara and I continued our friendship. As fourth graders, we had to enlist our parents to drive us to one another’s house for weekend visits. Thankfully, our parents were supportive. We rode Barbara’s Appaloosa, Cocoa around the neighborhood and at St. Andrew’s field. We giggled at our tea parties and spat tea across the table with uncontrollable laughter. A burning candle was always present at our “grown up” tea parties. Barbara forgave me for my childhood lapses in kindness.
As adults, and living two thousand miles apart for decades, our friendship endured. Although, we did not see one another very often, we always remained in touch. Barbara’s talent as an artist was exceptional. She created beauty, whether the medium was clay, paints, fabric, or plants. I enjoyed the photos she sent of the latest sculpting piece she was working on and cherished the finished pieces she generously gifted to me.
I admired Barbara’s talents, her kindness, her thoughtfulness, and her loving ways. My life has been enriched because of her friendship. It was an honor and privilege to know her. She will always remain friend of my heart.
Debi Kinder
