We are in our 4th year of full-time traveling, and with aging parents in their 90’s, we know in our hearts, that at some point we would receive the call to return back home to say our final goodbyes. Last month we received such a call, and learned that Roger had unexpectedly lost his Mom. Thankfully, we were not on a petsit, as we’ve been planning more long term stays in Airbnbs, to check out some areas that don’t typically have sitting opportunities. We booked flights and returned to the states to be with family and mourn this loss. Barbara was not only the best mother-in-law a woman could ask for, she was also a very dear friend. I wrote a story about our unique relationship 10 years ago, on the occasion of her birthday. I rewrote it for her memorial service, and I’d like to share it here….
Over the course of my lifetime, there are people who touched my life and have a special place in my heart.
One particular woman saw something in a very shy 12 year old, who simply needed a friend. From that first day, she treated me as an individual rather than one of many.
Barbara befriended me when I wandered into the Jr. High School library, to volunteer as a helper, having recently discovered the love of reading. Not only did I meet the assistant librarian, but her daughter Teri, had recently became my new friend. I would spend all of my teenage years, as an honorary member of the LaFlamme family. Many years before she became the grandmother of my children, she was an adult I could count on to listen to my adolescent ramblings. For the remainder of her life, she continued to be a confidant and alley, but more importantly, a dear friend with a kind word to brighten the day. She was always a great listener, which is sometimes all that was necessary, during the early years of raising a family.
She and Earl brought 3 children into the world, who have touched the hearts of all of us.
Every year on my children’s birthday, Mom would send me a quick thank you note for “giving” her the gift of Stacey and Brian, her grandchildren. She loved being a grandmother and then many years later, a great grandmother.
Barbara kindly referred to me as her “other daughter" and it has always brought a smile to my face, to be considered a ‘sister’ to my dear friend Teri. I honestly could not have picked a better mother-in-law.
It’s apparent to me, that Roger gets his quirky sense of humor, from his mother. He also inherited her sentimental heart and I firmly believe that as babies, the daily embrace of our mother’s arms, teaches us the simple art of being able to love.
We all know Barbara was more comfortable behind the camera rather than in front of it. Her too-many-to-count photo albums, depict in detail, the love and joy she shared with her ever growing family, over the years.
I know she always held the love of her grandchildren, and great grandchildren, very close to her heart. Her concern for the well being of others, was apparent to everyone who knew her. I am forever grateful that Barbara LaFlamme, has been my other Mom, for the last 53 years. 
