Mrs. and Mr. Barbar were both my teachers at the Lebanese Evangelical School in Achrafieh, Lebanon from 1985 till 1992. I remember them very well, especially for their authenticity and ability to communicate candidly what's on their minds. 

Over the years, I've had several great teachers in that school in Lebanon, but the one thing about the Barbars is that they cared. I felt that they cared and I know they continued to do so... Always!

To the Barbar Family.  I am so sad to learn this news about dear Helen.  Yes, she was truly a woman of grace who dearly loved her precious husband, her children and grandchildren.  She did not let them forget their wonderful Lebanese heritage by keeping alive their traditions, language, but most of all, their faith.  Both Jamil and Helen leave so much  for their family to continue to grow on.  My prayer this will be carried on by their children and grandchildren down through many generations.  May each generation of Barbars remember the legacy left by Jamil and Helen.  May the Lord be with you all here until all are reunited over there.

Dear Teta,

Happy heavenly birthday, my beautiful grandmother. My heart is breaking into pieces as I write this, because putting these words down means facing the truth — you are really gone. It’s been a week but I find myself reaching for my phone wanting to call you but I can’t call you today and I am shattered all over again. I can’t hear your voice say my name. I can’t tell you how much I love you or how grateful I am for the life we shared.

I’ll never forget that moment on my wedding day — the photographer caught it perfectly. I didn’t cry walking down the aisle until I saw you smiling at me. In that moment, I wasn’t a bride yet. I was still your little girl, the one whose diapers you changed, the one you sang to sleep, the one you raised with so much love. Seeing your face there reminded me of everything you had been to me… and everything I had because of you.

You were the strongest woman I’ve ever known. No matter where I was in the world or what time it was, you always picked up the phone. You listened. You guided me. You made me laugh when life felt heavy. You loved me with your whole heart.

I’ve never known grief like this. I didn’t just lose my grandmother. I lost my best friend. My safe place. My role model. The one person who understood me without words. **(Thank you to those who have reached out. I see you and I hear you and I am grateful, but I just have not had the energy to respond ❤️‍🩹)**

I don’t know how to live in a world without you, but I promise I will try to carry you with me in everything I do. I will love like you loved, give like you gave, and be strong like you were.

I’m so glad I got to be with you in your last moments on this earth and as I watched you take your last breaths I know you found peace and you are now with jido in heaven.

I miss you more than words could ever hold.

I love you forever, Teta.

Love, your “Toose” ❤️