Sensitivity

You wouldn't know it, but I am a sensitive person, like my mother was.  We both seem strong on the outside but inside is another story.  Certain things, when touched deeply, brings tears, thoughts and ponderings.  Today is such a day when I learned that someone I knew passed away this past Wednesday, January 23rd. 

Barry worked in a different area of Florida Department of Health than I but I would call him when I needed data.  He always was quick to supply me with the information I needed.  When he announced his retirement years ago I wondered what Barry would do with his life since he was so young in retiring.

I learned a few things about Barry after he retired.  I learned that he was a professional photographer who took pictures of international ice skating competitions.  I also learned he was in the Flying High Circus when he attended Florida State University and would take pictures of the group long after he graduated.  I learned that Barry was a gardener extraordinaire who had a vast garden of so many different plant types that I can't even begin to tell you what the plants were.  Sometimes he would harvest his plants and flowers and give to charities to raise money.  From all this I learned that Barry was passionate about whatever he did and he gave 110% to any project he was working on.  

I was in shock when I learned of Barry's death this morning.  He was the one who I asked where I could get mulhy grass and he mentioned the nurseries here in Tallahassee might have some.  They did but were really expensive.  Months later I received a message from Barry via Facebook that he had mulhy grass and would sell for half the price the nurseries were selling it for.  BARGAIN!  I met up with him, we did the exchange, I planted the muhly grass and the plants are growing, growing, growing!  I was so grateful that he remembered that I wanted the plant and had some available.  That was Barry to remember what others wanted and to give when he could.

Barry died from injuries sustained in a car accident.  He leaves a wife, brother and sisters.  To them, my condolences and prayers.  To his friends and former colleagues, we have a lot to live up to.  His death has brought a lot of tears today because we lost someone who cared so much for others and didn't have a selfish bone in his body.  Yup, we have a lot to live up to.