Jim, thank you for sharing this story. Reading it brought tears to my eyes. I pray for you in the sadness of this event and the many, many more that will be part of your future. I read somewhere that "grief is a deep expression of thanksgiving for someone we are missing. When we grieve, we acknowledge a good thing given." Barbara was a good thing given to you (and so many others). In our grief, we give thanks for her.

A beautiful tribute, Jim, to a lady loved by you and admired by all of us who knew her.

Such a sweet story. You will do a lot more things by yourself now. But you won’t really be alone because Barbara is always with you. Sending a big hug from Alaska.

What a dear memory. We often don’t appreciate all those moments that are woven into our relationships - but they become precious when er look back. I’m glad you wore the sticker. 💕

Love you brother.

The memories are likely to be like waves. And all the "firsts" will be extra hard. Be tender with yourself and surround yourself with friends when you need them. And - thanks for voting! :)

Thanks for sending this, Jim. Those memories come back at the craziest times. I think it would be sweet to see the old man crying in the car. Good memories. Hugs!!

Perhaps we get wiser as we get older precisely so we can handle the "firsts" that come with this stage of life. But that doesn't mean it isn't hard.

Hugs to you. Your post brought tears to my eyes.
It will get easier but there will be a number of "firsts" coming with lots of precious memories of Barbara.

Great post and memory, Jim.

I had a high school graduating class of nearly 500. We've had a website for the class for almost 15 years. At first, the obituaries were far and few between, some shocking realizing class mates died in their 30s and 40s from cancer, AIDS, drug abuse, etc. Now, one or two are posted a month and we all know that will accelerate. I cry a little with each posting, even when I didn't know the person well, as often their obituary tells you of a life well spent. Last week, my first serious girlfriend died of breast cancer. I had no contact since college, but her death struck me with a profound sadness that lingers.

Also, being the same age, we've experienced the same big events in life, both personal and global. It's a bond I never thought I'd cherish.

You and Barbara had both a near lifetime together, as well as that same journey from high school. Makes her loss even sadder, but your lives together that much richer.

Be well, my friend.

Jim