Love, Aunt Barb

WHERE IS MY AUNT BARB?

A few weeks of nothing. The absence of her presence resounding... emails unanswered, No Thanksgiving cards. Never ever happens. We don't usually text. Not our way. Barb did not have a smart phone until recently. Worried.

I texted Sunday Nov 26 
Me 
How are u? Thinking of you
Hope ur Thanksgiving was a happy one  
She answered Monday Nov 27
Barb 
How do you always know when something is wrong? Have been in the hospital with endocarditis for two weeks as of last Sat. Am better.

Me
I felt it...we are connected
And there was no word from u
Glad to hear you are better
 
Barb
Thanks. We are connected. Hope your holiday was great.

Me
It was a good one
Thank you 🙏🏻

On Thursday Nov 30
Barb slipped into an on and off coma
sudden and unexpected complications
too many for her to overcome
She died Friday Dec 1

The services took place 10 days later  See where she was
 http://www.torregrossafuneralhome.com/book-of-memories/3363429/Mingoia-Barbara/view-condolences.php

We wrote
Condolence From: Carol McNiff

As I get ready to face the world each day you are with me at each step In the prep. The products, the jewelry, the accessories, the thriving plants, treasured decor...all from you.
I have been rereading our emails, numbering in the thousands, hearing your voice and mine in return, like we are chatting. Wow, what we shared! And such strong and honest opinions about TV shows, politics, books, events, fashion, people. I am up to Dec 2016 and smiling as I read about what we thought of Top Chef. The new season started Thursday and it is the first time I did not have a follow up email from you in my inbox.
You were a LiamLicks loyalist...reading every blog story and providing loving Barb feedback.
Miss you every minute of every day. Thank you for enhancing my life.
Love always is how you signed each card. Love always back, Carol

Saturday December 09, 2017

Condolence From: Liam McNiff

Aunt Barb,


Mom told me you left us. I am sad. You were the best Aunt I could have had. Thank you for the cards, emails, yummy gifts. We use one of the tins you sent for my treats, We think of you whenever I bark for more, which is often.

Mom sent an Alex and Ani bracelet to you which you will never get to wear. Don’t worry it is your royal purple not the hated peridot. She is wearing its twin and will never take it off. Another company you introduced us to!

Love always,
Your nephew, Liam

Saturday December 09, 2017

I understand the stages of grief.

I know people comfort and distract themselves in various ways to get through loss. Eat too much, eat too little. Drink. Exercise. Clean. As an addictive personality I already do all those. I came up with something else. I got a cold that I have had on and off (mostly on) since Dec 16. I went to my internist to make sure my lungs were clear because I had the cough from hell. They are fine. Barb had gotten into trouble last Dec with a cold which morphed into lung clots. My internist felt sorry for me. and so did I. I knew nothing can be done for a virus. The uncommon cold which would not leave. I decided to write about Barb to distract myself.

 
1-Correspondence between Liam and his Aunt Barb
Liam and his Aunt Barb maintained a separate correspondence
here are some exchanges
Liam's comments with a peridot green background. Barb, an August Virgo, hated our birthstone. She has violet shading for her messages

Dear Liam,
Thank you so much for the lovely flowers. It was so thoughtful of you to think of sending me something for St. Joseph's day. I didn't realize that your middle name was Joseph - but now that I think about it - it seems like the perfect middle name for you. My father's name was Joseph, too.
The flowers were perfect. Your mother was smart enough to order from my favorite online flower company - ProFlowers - and they put each stem in separate tubes of water so the flowers remained fresh and vibrant.
Thanks again,
your Aunt Barbara

Oh Aunt Barb,
I am so happy. I did know that your Dad was Joseph and that you used to bring in pastries on March 19th, so I wanted to make it special for you.
Daddy Paul's middle name is Joseph but it really is not legal 'cuz it is a Confirmation name.
Glad the flowers were still good. They do a good job.
Woof
Love
Liam

Dear Liam,
I'm glad you received your gift and am happy that you enjoyed it. Too bad you had such a traumatic birthday but at least it will be memorable.
Enjoy the rest of your present and have a happy year.
Love,
A.B.

Dear Aunt Barb,
I have never received such a luscious basket, so many choices, so tasty and so addictive. I was allowed to have quite a lot since I suffered through that storm on my birthday. I was so happy and sleepy all night. This was a win win for everyone!
Mommy took a pic which she will send you so you can see what a gorgeous job they do
Love and Licks
Liam

Hi Aunt Barb,
I barked and barked when the doorbell rang. I smelled the goodies. So many yummy treats and wrapped so beautifully. I will enjoy slowly (though I know I could eat all quickly) and with fond thoughts of you. Mom plans to show it in LL this week.
Love and Licks
Liam
Dear Liam,
So glad you got your treats early so you can enjoy before all the fuss of
the holidays. I hope they taste as good as they look.
Love,
Aunt Barb

My dear nephew,
Thank you so much for the beautiful card. It is wonderful to be remembered by you. You are the only nephew who has remembered me and I sincerely appreciate you and your sweetness.
Love,
A. Barb

Subject: Birthday Gift!
Thank you so much Aunt Barb! Such perfect choices you made... Natural baked treats are what my Mom wants for me and these are soooo yummy and healthy. My teeth need some good safe plaque removers and my chew toys will take care of my 7 year old teeth of which I am so proud. Mom has included pix to show you!
And guess what? We entered the birthday pic in an Instagram contest so maybe we will win hashtag #dogust... I am there with the other doggies
Thank you!
Love and Licks
Liam

Dear Liam,

So glad you got the gift on your Bday. Thank your Mom for the great pics. Seven years looks good on you!

Subject: Cards, We Got Cards!

Thank you to Carol and Paul for your lovely card.

Thank you to my sweet Liam for your funny and wonderful card.

Love you all

Barb

Subject: For Liam

So glad you got your gift! Sorry it is a little early, but I wanted to be sure you got it on time. Still a Leo gift.

Love you, Aunt Barb

Early is great! Mommy will make it last
Liam  

AUNT BARB GIFTS

2-OUR FRIENDSHIP

 I created collages of what we shared

ENTERTAINMENT

READING

CULTURE

FOOD AND DRINK

TRAVEL

LIFESTYLE

3-AFTERWORD

Barb's nephew Liam has been supportive.
He stays with me in the den
keeping company with me and the cold that has taken up residence in my body

MISS YOU LOTS

Woof, Woof