Once in a rare while, God sends an angel to remind us of the deep-down meaning of unconditional love. The Thake family was very, very lucky, because one of the angels He sent us was an angel called Barbara. To her children, Kristin, Jonathan and Ashley, Barbara was "Mum". To her grandchildren, Cameron, Duncan, Claire, she was "Nana". To her husband, Richard, she was his "Angel" all her life. And to everyone else who knew her, she was good old, silly old, huggable, loveable "Auntie Barb". And on Thursday evening with her work here finished, our Angel returned to God's arms. Goodbye, Auntie Barb. We love you more than words can ever say -- because you taught us that love is so much more than words. It's hugs and laughter. Cupcakes and little wax candles and gold stars on Allowance Charts. Love is goodnight kisses, hosting noon-hour lunches, and family dinners -- when you would sit there enjoying every moment of our enjoyment just being in the same room together. And although our world has been greatly diminished by your passing, we can't help feeling the next one has been greatly improved.
If you believe as I,
Then you know that God did not
Send us here to die.
For my bones and ashes, do not lament --
I need them not when they are spent.
Because, you see, I did not die.
I am not dead.
I am simply someplace else instead.
So, take my memory and hold it dear
And that is what will keep me near...
Until that day when you and I
Once again as one
Will fly across the universe
Together
And there, abide forever.