"Barbara, that was one of the most moving pieces of writing I've read
in a long, long time. I'm so sorry to hear about Harry--I could tell
from your past emails what your relationship was like. He would no doubt
be proud of what you are doing now. The pain will begin to recede but
the fond memories will only strengthen. So many widows, and widowers for
that matter, seem to struggle so hard to get their lives back in order
and some never do. Though I am sure you have been pained and feel the
struggle too, you have (in characteristic Barbara Brabec fashion), taken
hold of this challenge and are dealing with it rather than letting it
deal with you". - Gil Gordon, GilGordon.com
"I have just read your tribute to Harry. I love your writing.
It’s authentic, real, touching, conversational, and heartfelt. What an
incredible blessing that the Lord took Harry home so peacefully. I loved
what your sister said about his heart ‘going from prestissimo to a
peaceful adagio ending.’ I, too, am married to a musician, and many of
the things you said about Harry reminded me of my Brian. God wires
musicians with special gifts and I think also gives them a special
outlook on life. It’s obvious that Harry was one of God’s special
ones and that his life blessed so many people." - Ruth Gordon
Howard, RuthGordonHoward.com and
ButterflySong.com (Brian’s site)
"Great to hear from you in such a cheerful tone. But don’t
shortcut the grieving process. Just let it happen. There will be moments
of happiness and sudden surprises of sadness triggered by whatever. This
will go on for a long time. It is part of the healing. Let it happen in
due course. As a dear friend of mine said to me recently, ‘God doesn't
waste anything’ – a great thought to meditate on." - Bob Cline,
YourUPC.com
"Please keep sharing your life and your feelings with us. You
may not realize it, but to those of us who read your words, you have
given each of us a wonderful gift. I still have my husband, but I have
had some very close calls in the past few years, starting with his
bypass surgery and other serious complications in the following years. I
never realized how much he meant to me until I almost lost him. And
reading your words brought it all back to me. I am not a writer, but I
kept a journal during that period of my life when life seemed out of
control, and there are many tears on those pages, both literally and
figuratively. Somehow, with prayer (and "Letting God"), and
that journal, I made it through those very painful days. I strongly
encourage those around me going through difficult periods in their lives
to WRITE! It is very therapeutic, more than we can ever know at the
time. Please keep writing." - Sue Pike Sawyer, a former Hospice
nurse
"What a beautiful Bulletin! I was hoping you would send one
out soon, and it was all I have come to expect from you and your
wonderful writing. You sound so ‘together.’ I know there will
continue to be moments of such sorrow and loss, but you have done
incredibly well, Barbara. And what is more, you are helping all of
Harry's friends to come to terms with their loss." - Ruth Edwards
"Your latest report is amazing. As I read through it, the
tears just cascaded softly down my face, not in sadness but because your
words touched my heart. Your tribute to Harry is beautiful. I am so glad
that you are up to writing again. Although I have not suffered the loss
of a mate, I have lost many family members. I do believe that we never
‘get over’ our losses but instead learn how to live with them."
- Faith Varrone
"The way you're using your writing at this time is wonderful.
It's helping me in ways you (of course) have no way of knowing. And I
can tell it's helping you." - Patricia Banker, SaintsPreserved.com
"I didn't know Harry personally, but I felt as though I knew
him through you, and I sense how much you miss him. While your writing
may be providing an outlet for your feelings, just as importantly, you’re
providing incredible information and support for others and I’m sure
that’s why you are sharing it. None of us can know what this is like
until we go through it ourselves, but I can feel the importance of your
words and I admire the wonderful way you express them. I’m sure that
Harry is saying ‘Atta Girl!’ - Cindy Groom Harry
"Your article was very helpful to me. I didn't lose a husband
but have lost both parents, so your advice is also good for that. Thanks
for writing and God Bless you." - Linda Dallas
"Just read your beautiful article. What a wonderful way to
remember Harry. Your comment about the big hole in our heart and how you
are stuffing it full of all the happy memories is priceless. Every
hurting person should have this quote in front of them at all times. On
May 5th, it will be eleven years since my Ken left for Heaven, and every
day I still talk to him and often, about him, to others. Our loved ones
live on in our hearts as well as in eternity. Thank you for reminding your readers to get their voices on
tape. We have a video made about a year before Ken died, along with a
delightful tape recording of the surprise roast for his 50th birthday.
(He had survived a major heart attack on his 49th birthday and we were
so grateful.) His laughter throughout the tape is such a heart warmer.
The video was made by a couple of friends while on a trip. After he
died, the first thing I bought was a camcorder so I could get everyone
else in my family on tape. Little did I realize how timely that was!
Now, thanks to your reminder, I'm going to get them updated onto a
CD." - Joanne Hill, author of Rainbow Remedies for Life’s
Stormy Times, RainbowRemedies.com
"You're a true inspiration to everyone and you definitely sent
a lot of good ideas about preserving memories of your loved ones. Thanks
so much for the idea about taping conversations--we always think of
doing that for older folks, but it should be done for everyone we
love." - Tari Hann, BarbeeDollclothes.com
"Although both my husband and I are only in our early 50s, I
treasure your encouraging words about planning ahead for when one of us
will be alone." - Sandy Dell, LewisClarkGifts.com
"I'm writing this with tears flowing down my cheeks. Thank you
for your last two very personal reflections on the life of your husband.
They have been very touching. My husband and I serve in Afghanistan. We
started a craft exporting business for widows a year ago. I have used
your book and e-mail newsletters as we have begun building the
foundation for the ladies' livelihood. If you feel led, please know that
you have an open invitation to come over here and advise us during this
beginning stage. We wouldn't be able to pay as we are all volunteers,
but it would definitely be a trip of a lifetime! My mother recently came
on her own (she is in her late 50s) and we have a widow in her 70s
coming from our organization next month. We will be thinking of you
during this time of transition, with prayers." Brian and Cameron
"I love it . . . I just love it!!! It is so interesting to
read your articles . . . like a GOOD book that you cannot put down.
Harry was a one-of-a-kind kinda guy! Not many of those around
anymore." - Pam Ash
