MY JOURNEY WITH BARBI @SOUTHERNBLONDECHIC
Friendships are the cherished connections in life. My friendship with Barbi, known to many as @southernblondechic on Instagram, was a vibrant spot in my life. It was based on TRUST, a LOVE for JESUS, and SIMILAR STORIES.
MY INSTAGRAM CAPTION…….
My heart is broken into a million pieces since Barbi left us last Tuesday, just two days after her birthday. But in the midst of this pain, I have learned about bravery and fight. Her ZEST for life taught me how to enjoy the moment. Her incredible connection to Jesus was one that I personally benefitted from. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a mother love her children like she did. I believe that’s why she hung on to life for as long as she could….. she didn’t want to leave them. Her family was her life and her new husband an angel just like her. I count myself among the blessed ones to have known her and spent precious time together. Her words and wisdom have touched me on such a deep level. I’ll miss you FOREVER AND EVER my BEAUTIFUL FRIEND. I LOVE YOU! Save me a place close to you on the other side!
HOW WE MET
I met Barbi about eight years ago I believe. We both attended a conference for midlife influencers in Redondo Beach, California. At the time I was really struggling in my marriage, with trust issues, etc. The conference was a weekend long, and on the last day we were all invited to the local CHICOS store. We were supposed to be creating content, but instead we found ourselves in a corner of the store talking about life. One thing led to another and we realized we were living the same nightmare. Our connection was INSTANT!
Over the course of the next several months we grew closer and closer. Our stories were so similar. We shared many tears. Wanting our marriages to work but knew they weren’t….. we couldn’t find the strength to leave. Everything she said, everything I said….. we were both experiencing. There were nights when we chatted until 3 or 4 in the morning, often transitioning to the fun and silliness of SNAPCHAT!
BARBI WAS MY PREACHER
Barbi had this way of making things make sense. When you’re in a troubled marriage, and one full of manipulation, you become confused. It’s hard to make sense of your feelings when someone is running you around like that. She had a beautiful way, of helping me to understand my value and worth. She oftentimes would coach me, and tell me how to stand up for myself. I always told her, “You are my preacher.” Her sermons, (as I called them) were written down in my notes. I even had her voicemails saved.
UNFORGETTABLE MEETING SPOTS
We next connected up in NYC 2017 for NYFW. We didn’t stay together, but spent some time going to events, taking pictures, and meeting friends for dinner. She was so full of life. ALWAYS a smile on her face no matter. Even throughout her cancer journey, she was always so OPTIMISTIC and was determined to not let it affect her life. She was one who LIVED LIFE TO THE FULLEST!!!!! Barbi was so much fun to be around, and would talk and talk and talk! Man that girl could TALK!!!
I think our next meeting was in Florida at a SOMA event. When I saw her it was like that scene you see of couples from afar running towards each other. That was us! We again felt that connection to each other, like sisters. We never spent a lot of time together, in the same room I mean. Our friendship was over the phone, texts, and emails. But whenever we saw each other, it was like we had never been apart.
Next was in 2022 in Las Vegas. Her son-in-law Kyle, was racing and I went to go watch him, but mostly to see Barbi! It had been a long time and we were so excited to see each other again. We shared the same room actually, just so we could have all the time to catch up and make memories! I LOVED her spirit. Honestly it was infectious. It was on this trip, I REALLY found out just how much she talked…. to herself, to me, and to Jesus!
SHE PROTECTED HER CHILDREN FIERCELY
Barbi shared her cancer with me before she even told her two beautiful children. She was so concerned they would be worried and scared. I’ve never seen anyone protect their kids like she did…… fiercely!!!! She approached her cancer with a fight and with so much grace. While we were in Vegas together she was still limping from a fall a couple of months earlier. I told her when she got home, to go get it checked. I knew it should have been feeling better by then, but was so sick inside thinking it might be the cancer again. It was.
Again she put on her brave face and went through so much. It was a LOT….. more than anyone should have to go through. With her beautiful smile and encouraging words to everyone around her, she went on. She did NOT want people feeling sorry for her, she wanted them all to think she was good. I’m very much the same, and this was another way we connected. I got her like that.
SO HAPPY I DIDN’T MISS THIS SURPRISE
About a year ago, I flew to Charlotte, North Carolina and surprised her, at her daughter Meg’s bridal shower. Barbi went to so much work to make it just right for her baby girl! IT WAS BREATHTAKING!!!!!! I saw her exhaustion, but she wouldn’t have had it any other way. While I was there she was proposed to by her wonderful Dave. He was and IS an angel like her. What a beautiful thing to witness. I was OVERJOYED that she was getting a man in her life that LOVED and RESPECTED HER, and one she could TRUST. When I hugged her that night at the hotel, after her and Dave dropped me off, I knew it was the last time I would see her.
I could go on and on about my sweet Barbi. I was lucky enough to attend her funeral last week. It was simple, and beautiful, and absolutely just right. It was a celebration of her. I loved what Meg said at her service…. “She would not want me talking about her during her funeral, she would want me talking about Jesus!” That is so true. No doubt, Barbi is in heaven now, dancing with Jesus!!!
Reflecting on our friendship, I am full of gratitude for our time together. Barbi’s legacy of love, faith, and wisdom will forever be a part of me. Though I will miss our talks, I know that her spirit lives on in the lessons she imparted and the love she so freely gave to others! Here’s to you girlfriend…… you are a BLESSING TO ME and I will miss you! You’ve left an indelible mark on my heart!!
P.S. We will all watch over your Meggie and Landon! I LOVE YOU girl! XOXOXO
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PLEASE CLICK HERE, to FOLLOW ALONG WITH HER DAUGHTER MEG, as she is taking over her momma’s instagram account. This was one of Barbi’s requests and wishes….. to leave for her little girl!
