Barbara is my cousin. We were second cousins but I never thought about that because she was number one to me since she was my only Tulsa cousin on my mom’s side of the family. The family was very small but we were close and spent family birthdays and holidays together until we moved to California when I was almost 14. Many good memories!I have a fun memory of Barbara promising to come play Barbie’s with me after I got out of the hospital after my tonsillectomy. I was so excited and anxious to get home so she could come over.I remember seeing Barbara in Memorial High’s show, “The Sound of Music.” She had a beautiful voice.I remember lots of fun family birthday and holiday celebrations and picnics at Mohawk.Barbara did like bows and bright colors! I remember she would style my hair for a special occasion and I would have a bow. She also did my first make up session for my grandmother’s wedding!I remember sharing more laughs and jokes as I became a young teen.I remember when she got her first car, a beige VWBug that I believe she had painted yellow. A fun ride!I remember looking up to and admiring Barbara like she was my older sister. There were only 10 years between Barbara and I and ten years between Barbara and my mom.I am grateful for the time we had together in Tulsa and for keeping in touch through letters, cards, emails and an occasional Facebook comment. She and my mom kept us up-to-date as to what was happening in Tulsa. We kept each other in prayer and we will continue to do so.We will miss Barbara. We pray for everyone who is missing her. We pray for her family. We will be thinking of you.
