Monday, August 11, 2008

Our journey continues

The garden at St. John's United Church of Christ in Catonsville, Maryland

Barry’s life partner Rick and Barry’s family in Baltimore would like to express heartfelt thanks for the expressions of kindness, love, and support that they have received during this most difficult time. The memorial services in Jacksonville and in Baltimore were beautiful and moving tributes. Other memorial gatherings were held and masses, condolences and memorial donations have been offered by people who knew and loved Barry.

Barry left us with an understanding of how important it is to live life fully, to make the most of the time that is granted to us, and to cherish the people who are dear to us. Barry mentioned a passage from the Confessions of St. Augustine that he wanted to be shared at his memorial. A copy of that passage is included here.

“And friendship had other joys to captivate my heart. We could talk and laugh together and exchange small acts of kindness. We could join in the pleasure that books can give. We could trifle together. If we sometimes disagreed, it was without spite, as a man might differ with himself, and the rare occasions of dispute were the very spice to season our mutual accord. Each of us had something to learn from the others and something to teach in return. If any were away, we missed them with regret and gladly welcomed them when they came home. Such things as these are heartfelt tokens of affection between friends. They are signs to be read on the face and in the eyes, spoken by the tongue and displayed in countless acts of kindness. They can kindle a blaze to melt our hearts and meld them into one.”

- From the confessions of St. Augustine, Book IV



The garden plaque at St. John's