Monday 26 July 2010

Things That Made Me Think of Barry

Barry was one of my first blogging friends and one of the first blogs I ever followed. I loved his superb quality of writing, I loved his view on life, he was perceptive, imaginative and funny. He introduced me to Friday Shoot Out and through him, gave me the confidence to take part. We were fighting cancer at the same time. I am still undergoing treatment but my prognosis is good. I decided to change my blog from www.canceraintgonnabeatme.blogspot.com because I didn't want to be defined by the disease and now my blog can be found www.sarasfightback.blogspot.com

So, what makes me think of Barry.....

Firstly, you see the picture above in black and white...... He is my heroe, the best ambassedor for Wales, a true heroe among my culture. So why does Owain Glyndwr remind me of Barry? Well..... yes, Barry lived in Canada but we share our celtic heritage, his coming from Scotland and mine from Wales. Different countries yes..... but the same tribe, the same culture and we suffered the same victimisation.

Follow the link at the bottom of my page to find out more about Owain Glyndwr and why he is so revered by my poeple. Barry was the same... a fighter.... passionate.... kind..... a heroe. By coincidence as I sit here writing this my son is wearing his Owain Glyndwr t-shirt and by chance when he starts High School in September he will be in Glyndwr house. No chance of ever forgetting Barry...... (as if anyone could!)

This is a book (picture courtesy of Amazon UK) and one of my favourites. It tells the tale of a dog called Copper and it is written through his eyes. It makes you laugh, it makes you cry, it is a true story which is cleverly written. I bought a copy of this book and sent it to Barry in the hope that he would be inspired to write a similar story through they eyes of Lindsey. I will read this book again and my thoughts will always be of Barry and Lindsey.

One of Barry's posts was about finding some strange encampments in the woods. I remember it as though it was yesterday and I loved it. Whenever I see a "den" no matter what it looks like I will remember that post and Barry. This particular den is at Chirk Castle in Wales.

Barry loved Lindsey so much and I loved the photos and videos he shared. Do you remember Barry's attempt at creating a vegetable patch in a box..... do you remember the fact that the boxes were raided and for a time Lindsey was under suspician? Even thinking back to that particular adventure brings a smile to my face. So, when I see a dog who looks like Lindsey I will think of Barry. When I go on my own adventures with my dogs (Wilbur pictured above), I will think of Barry.



Most of my blogging has been done in the evening in front of our chiminea. The burning embers creating a perfect backdrop for dramatic and interesting reading. So, on those warm summer evenings, when my fire is burning charismatically away, I will think of Barry.



This is a weird one. For some reason whenever I think of Barry, I think of trees, I am drawn into visions of woodlands. Perhaps it is because Barry was a bit like a tree to me.... Tall, Strong, Brave, Beautiful, FREE, Inspirational, Comforting, Safe, Escaping, Adventurous.
Barry, my fellow fighter in this devastating silent war... I continue the fight in your honour and one day we will find an ultimate cure.
Barry, words are insufficient.... How can I explain what an amazing impact you have had on my life.
You will live on in the hearts and minds of many people and so my Celtic Heroe.... I salute you.


http://www.castlewales.com/glyndwr.html

15 comments:

  1. What a wonderful post, Sara. I could say so many of the same things. Barry was really an inspiration, in a lot of different ways.
    I think I heard he did more or less finish a book that would be self-published. It will be an immense pleasure to have that to read and reread. I hope it contains lots of Lindsay's point of view!
    Take care,
    -Nancy

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  2. Nanu, he helped me more than he knew. I would love a copy of that book if Linda ever thinks to publish it.

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  3. this is wonderful Sara, well writen, felt from the heart. be sure to link in on Mr. Linky on Thursday so everyone can read it.

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  4. Sara, what a great tribute. Your battle with cancer created a special bond with Barry and so the feelings must run very deep. Your writing shows this. Thanks.

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  5. Sara what a great tribute to Barry. He was a marvelous person. I changed my blog from Queenmothermamaw for security reasons. Just wanted you to know who daylily is.

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  6. A wonderful tribute to Barry, he will be greatly missed!

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  7. this is a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to Barry Sara. awesome post! This week is our tribute to Barry so be sure to link up again.

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  8. duh....... I see you already have....... me slow this week!!

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  9. Sara, you expressed that so beautifully. You captured Barry's spirit and it is that spirit that will live on for all of us.

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  10. Very touching and very personal. Thanks for sharing!

    FTSO

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  11. Sara,
    Well written and felt.

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  12. Sara that was beautiful hon!! I think of the woods too..seemed he just was suited to be there. Wonderful post hon.beautifully offered up! Hugs, Sarah

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  13. Well done Sara....I miss Barry and think of him every day. Although I don't do Friday Shoot Outs I think what you have suggested and done here a fantastic idea. Be well my friend.
    .......:-) Hugs

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  14. Am so sure Barry is smiling and happy to read our posts for him. I even envied Lindsay. The posts for her made me smile.

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  15. Very well done, Sara. It is good to visit again. Drop me a line when you have time.

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