Barbara Kampe presented me, her sister, with her painting “Three birds in a bush.” In 2001, I worked as an administrative assistant; Barb offered to spruce up my office. Originally there were three birds in the painting not living up to the artist’s sense of design, so bushes grew up and covered the birds. I never learned which bush hid the birds.
Barb was born in Joliet, Illinois, due to an unexpected snow storm in October my mom and baby sister spent a few extra days in the hospital. With this much excitement, I think the rest of her growing up years were “ordinary.” Since my sister and I are twelve years apart in age, I do not know much about her early life. As an adult, Barb moved from Illinois to Florida. Living in Florida offered her an opportunity to relax, enjoy and pursue her interest in painting. She painted everything from landscapes, flowers to horses. Barb’s art provided her an outlet to express her love for the outdoors.
This blog was written to express my memories and appreciation for my only sister. Amy Johnson Crow has a program called #52ancestors. . Each week a different topic allows us to think about our families. This is in response to week 10 siblings. We can blog, share a note on Facebook on Generations Café or bury the memories and no one will know what we are feeling. My personal feelings for my sister include the fact that I wish we could have spent more quality time together. Barb came to Georgia several times and I did enjoy walking the sandy beach in Clearwater, Florida.
Barb’s life ended too young and too quickly
in May 2023. Her memorial was live streamed for the out of town friends and
family. Thank you First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin for your thoughtfulness.
Barb’s art was on display. Several of her friends offered comforting words. One
of her friends articulated that Barb found comfort in Reading her Bible,
especially Romans 8:38 “38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither
angels nor demons,[k] neither the
present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither
height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate
us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This stirred
childhood memories and comforted me. Two of my favorites include John 14:6 “6 Jesus
answered, “I am the way and the truth and
the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. “And
Mathew 6:33 “33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Relationship
to me: Barbara Ann Kampe is my only sibling; see my public trees on MyHeritage.com
and Ancestry.com
Happy
tree climbing and roots digging,
Selma aka Roots Digger
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