Barbara loves to fish in the near-by ponds but doesn't do worms or clean fish but with four boys there is always someone to help with that. She loves to work and play in their yard. They have a swing, tetherball, badminton, volleyball, and five go-carts.  

    She hopes to retire when the kids are all grown and through school, "and be rich and famous, busy but boring." She adds, "we are just growing up." But for now, "I'm not sure either of us really knows what we're doing - other than having a great time at it." We enjoy going to the lake, to museums, and taking short road trips on the weekends. My BEST OF ALL favorite times are when all the kids are there and everyone is doing something and I can just listen to them visit with each other."

    "I am a very, very lucky person. I love people, nature, green grass, flowers blooming, waterfalls, and snow-covered trees - add Christmas lights and you then have magic! I love to write. My children have grown up on 'Famous' unknown stories, The Butterfly, Policeman Bob, and others, written with love and messages in mind, by... Mom."

    "I think my nickname must be Barbara because I am usually answering to Honey, Mommy, or Nurse - again I am very blessed. One of the most wonderful things about working at St. Simeon's is you can do the extras - take a resident to the Chapel, for a walk or for a swing on our glider, or sit beside them when they are sad and hum them to sleep. See, we are the mommies, daughters and sons when those people can't be with them. This is a big responsibility and everyone from Administration to Nursing, Life Enrichment, Maintenance, Dietary, Housekeeping, and Laundry all do a wonderful job. Our suggestions are heard and our efforts are supported. We are a team!"

    When someone makes the choice for your staff to care for their most precious possessions-their loved ones-this is an honor. When you go through life changes that are so difficult for people-like end of life issues, and through education, love and patience you are able to make this a nicer experience, than you have done good. And when the friends or family call and come back to thank you for giving them what they need to make well informed choices, and express the support they felt-well, this is a heck of a bonus. You can only deposit it in your heart account, but it is the best feeling. When you feel you have touched a life in even the smallest of ways-now this is what life is about."

    Barbara is one of the most talented writers here at St. Simeon's as many of us know and even if you didn't know you've had a glimpse since she spoke/wrote most of this. Her sense of humor has brightened the lives of us all -- staff, residents and family members. Her beauty outside reflects an inward beauty from having a good heart - she truly cares about her own family, her Saint Simeon's family, those members of society who face rejection, and all of God's creation. 

Saint Simeon's Common Room