Barbara Bardak

barbara bardak
Dear Emily, Christopher, Andrew. Lino, Mary, Steven, Lisa, Michael and Elaine:I just got in late last night and found out through many text messages and from Rob and Brian and Connie and a post from Laura Steele that our beloved cousin (and your mom, daughter and sister) the adorable, beautiful, bright and shiny-eyed Barbara is gone. This is a woman that should NOT be gone. This is a woman of such glowing goodness and intoxicating spirit that her death defies logic--a life too quickly taken. Barbara came to us so round and red and bubbly, with a perpetual smile and a perpetual goodness. We were there when Mary and Lee showed her off. We were at her christening. We were at her Communion. Even as an infant she sparkled rare and ready. As a toddler she was fearless. As a little girl she was diamonds and daisies and a little bit of dirt. As a young woman she was smart and beautiful and possessed an awareness and a empathy toward others that I can't quite describe, an empathy that was unnatural for her age. Where most children I have met whether 4 or 6 or 8 or 10 are so egocentric 'Barbara was the opposite. Barbara seemed to see the need and hurt in others and would not think twice about addressing that. Once, in a moment of my own self-pity while I was sitting in their backyard in Bethpage Barbara just laid her hand on my back and said 'This doesn't make any sense, I know.' She was 9. How did she know that? Well 'she did. And her passing makes no sense at all, either. It is cliche to say the good die young but they so damn often do. And in this case it is a certainty. Her smile alone could mend a day. And one of my best memories of her is how she was the jewel of my father's eye. How he so loved that little girl. It is customary and almost expected of us to say to Emily, Christopher and Andrew and to Lee and Mary and Steven and Lisa and Michael and Elaine that we feel your pain and we suffer your loss 'but that is not true and that is not fair to you. We do not feel the pain you feel. We cannot feel the pain you feel. We do not suffer your loss. Only you, the Bardaks, the Minisinis, can carry that sadness in the very depths of your hearts for all the years to come. Of course we, all of us, family and friends, can appreciate and feel the loss of Barbara 'but never as profoundly as those who brought her into this mercurial world as a new-born, and those who introduced her to the hazards of the stoop and yard and street on Bradford Lane, and those who tussled with her over Monopoly Money and wooden blocks and dolly dresses, and those who stood up for her in the lunch room at school and who made sure her Halloween bag was safe and her prom dress was just so...and on and on and on. . .and for which she did the same.These are her children and mother and father, her brothers and sisters. It would be a bit selfish to say we feel your pain. We feel OUR pain 'but we cannot, and never can fathom yours. It is also customary to say that this too shall pass and that this pain will abate. But it will not. And it should not. The only thing that can happen is this sadness and loss and sorrow will become more and more familiar to us, and then 'somehow 'some way 'maybe--sometime 'it may become bearable.Last night very late my son woke up and asked me what I was doing and I told him I was looking at pictures of my cousin Barbara. And he asked about her and I told him all I know, including her passing. And he said it was sad that he will never meet her. And in that lies the greatest tragedy of all, because where those of us whose lives Barbara touched will at least have those memories to cling to 'it is even a greater loss for those who never had the honor to have met her.I am so sorry I am not there with you 'but my heart is with you all the way. In my mind Barbara will always be nine-years-old, looking at me with those big doe eyes and saying--'This doesn't make any sense. I know.' And damn if she wasn't right.All my love, Doug

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  1. Barbara will be strongly missed her smile will always remind us how she had courage to live Life. Bless her children and may they always have their memories of a special Mommy. Love Peggy

  2. I am truly saddened by Barbara’s passing. I was blessed to know her for the short time I did. She was a beautiful, caring, strong, positive woman who was loved by so many. I am grateful to have met her. Barbara, may your spirit forever soar through heaven guided by your beautiful and strong Angel’s wings. You will be missed. xoxo

  3. Your Bright Smile and Your Even Brighter Spirit will truly be missed by all. We Luv ya Barb!!ΓÖí

  4. I never had a conversation with Barbara, we only met in passing because of our children, but Barbara always had a ‘hi & hello’ for me with the most beautiful, warming smile a person can have and can give. I would see Barbara jogging through the neighborhood & even when she jogged, she had this beauty about her, she ran tall, like a winner. Barbara’s passing has really touched me & hurt my heart. I pray for Emily, Chris & Andrew and her entire family. Rest in Peace Barbara, heaven has truly received a one of a kind Angel that I’m sure will continue to Live, Laugh & Love!

  5. I was so happy to have had the opportunity to laugh and cry with Barbara. I felt a connection with her in the short time that we shared our time celebrating our survivorship. Although it is hard for me to understand, I believe that her work on this earth must have been complete and now she is an angel in heaven. May her light continue to shine upon her family and friends.

  6. One of the most beautiful people I have ever known, what an honor it was to call her a friend. My prayers to the family, especially Emily, Christopher and Andrew. You will never be forgotten.

  7. We are saddened to hear of the passing of such a great Mom who was always smiling on the lacrosse fields with her beautiful children. Thoughts and prayers for her family in this difficult time.

  8. I am so sorry to hear about Barbara. Please know that you have my thoughts, prayers and love at this most difficult time.

  9. We were so blessed to have known Barbara. A beautiful person inside & out. God Bless her family.

  10. Barbara, beautiful girl, beautiful Soul! Always be remembered. In our hearts forever! We are all better having had known you! You are an inspiration to all! Love you forever!��

  11. Our Hearts are heavy . Barb was an amazing person and a inspiration to all. Prayers for her beautiful children.

  12. You will be dearly missed by so many. You will always remain in my heart as an inspiration of strength, courage and most of all love.

  13. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Barbara and know that the light that shone through her every day lives and shines in her beautiful children. She inspired us all and we were glad to have known her.

  14. Heaven has a new angel with a beautiful smile. I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. So very very sad.

  15. Praying for you and your family during this time of need. Your sister is watching above from heaven. Xo

  16. I will sorely miss you like many.You loved,cared and always gave of yourself so openly, and I will forever carry that in my heart. I love you my friend.

  17. We are very saddened by the passing of Barbara. She touched so many lives with her smile and personality. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

  18. Barbara, you were a kind and sweet person. Although we only worked together for a short time I will always remember your laughter and smile.

  19. To Emily Christopher and Andrew we are so sorry for your loss. Your mom was one of the strongest person we knew. She always had a smile on her face and was always had a nice thing to say no matter what. I hope you know how much people cared for your mom and will continue to care about you guys. If there is anything you ever need please feel free to call us.

  20. I am so very sorry for your loss and offer my sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Barbara. Know that God is aware of the tears you are shedding. Soon he will do what is written at Acts 24:15, where he promises a resurrection of our dear loved ones. (John 5:28,29) May this give you hope and peace.


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