Feeling grateful. For the past two days I was invited to be a part of the grieving for the passing of Barbara, who was my MIL for a short time too. Mike's sisters opened their arms and hearts and welcomed me back into their lives...after 41 years of never forgetting. It took me 41 years to finally manage the grief from all those years ago, so that I could breathe when I finally walked back into their mothers house last year...and she told me to "stop back any time...the door was always open." At the viewing, service and burial, Barbara and Mike's family and extended family surrounded me with such kindness, that I felt whole for the first time in many, many years -- even though I had never met any of you...before two days ago. And though you had heard about me (as Mike's widow), and some knew me by name...none had laid eyes on me...including Jane and Rose...until I walked into the viewing two days ago. And if more time passes before I see any of you again...I wanted you all to know...that all of you played a part in healing my heart too. And it was abundantly clear to me, that Barbara's kind and forgiving ways have been passed down to all of her off-spring. What a gift.

My sympathy to the children and family of Barbara Jean Phillips Starr from Step/Half Sister Karen Fay Siebrands Linton. Burlington, Wi

My Condolences for the Family of Barbara Jean Starr. Karen Fay Siebrands Linton