Did I ever tell you you’re my hero? You’re everything, everything I wish I could be.
Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle, ’cause you are the wind beneath my wings. Fly, fly, fly high against the sky, so high I almost touch the sky. Thank you, thank you, thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings. ~Bette Midler~
On Tuesday, March 15th, my dear friend Barbara Burke, gifted artist and musician, passed away with her husband Peter by her side. Hers was a long illness of 12+ years, but even so, her beautiful spirit always showed through the pain and suffering and she was able to create amazing works of art on her computer, with her big toe, until the very end . She was a gift to us all, too soon gone.
I was one of the lucky ones to have had you in my life Barb, if even for a few short years, and my life will forever be enriched by your beauty and your grace. You taught us all such precious lessons and your strength through all your suffering will carry us through. You were a rare jewel that we were able to touch and marvel at, as you took care of all of us and made us better people for having known you.
You are soaring now with the eagles, unencumbered by your physical body and a wheelchair, with the wind in your hair.
Rest easy, my anam cara, until we meet again.
Paint Your Landscape 
Oh, Lu, what a beautiful tribute to your beautiful friend, Barb. I was glad you were finally able to tell her about being the wind beneath your wings. I cried for you when I read this and saw the pictures. I know you miss her terribly, but know she is now free to soar with the eagles.
Hi Joan,
I do miss Barb so much but feel so blessed and honored to have had her in my life, if only for a short time and I still feel her presence around me. Thank God that her suffering has finally ended and she is free to soar.
Lu
Lu, thank you many times over for the wonderful things you have always shared about Barbara and your friendship…it is so apparent what a wonderful woman she was, and what your friendships meant to each other. I’m so sorry for your loss, and will be thinking of you.
Leah,
Thank you for your kind words. Losing someone you love at such an early age reminds us how important it is to tell one another how we feel, which so often we neglect to do as we get busy with life. We all need to remind ourselves to live life to the fullest, every day. Take care.
Lu
Lu, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Barb. You two had a very special connection. I know you will always treasure the time you had with her. I have you in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord bring you comfort.
Thanks so much Nancy. I was blessed to have her in my life for even a short period of time.
It was sheer coincidence that I came across your website today. I was overwhelmed with sadness when I read your dear friend Barb had passed away. My heart goes out to you. I miss you dear friend and am so happy to see you enjoying life like you are. I hope to one day see you again 🙂
April,
It is so good to hear from you. I was so blessed to have Barb in my life and have some beautiful memories to carry with me always. Let me know how you are doing. I miss you too.
Oh, Luann! I just saw this and I’m so sorry that Barb is gone! I know how blessed you feel to have had her in your life and I’m sure also, that she was blessed by your friendship. Through you, I know that she was a very special person, who was a blessing to all who knew her. Though I didn’t know her personally, its sure good to know that there are such beautiful people in the world. Thanks for writing this!
Jenny
Jenny,
Thanks for your kind words. She was special to everyone whose path she crossed and I was honored to know her. Hope all is well with you.