I Wish You

I said goodbye to a friend today.

I wish you could have known her because she was amazing.

I was privileged to be one of her “Ladies,” a group she organized to care for the girls then sequestered in Madonna Heights on Burrs Lane,

It was because of her gentle persuasion that we met and soon bonded together embracing her dedication to the Sisters of Good Shepherd and the young women living under their care.

For decades we baked cookies, monitored yard sales at Barbara’s beautiful home, greeted guests at Fashion Shows, played games at picnics and attended Midnight Mass on Christmas in the beautiful chapel on the Madonna Heights campus.

One memorable spring we hosted an elegant tea for the good Sisters of Good Shepherd, many known to their young charges as “Mother.”

When life changed as it inevitably does, and SCO became the caregiver for the youngsters, the small group of dedicated caregivers was relocated to another state.

However, they were not forgotten because my friend not only kept in contact but organized pilgrimages to follow and visit our inspirational friends.

God allowed her to remain until today and watch her sword of love be carried by her daughters and sons, and now grandchildren.

She had already said adieu to her beloved husband and many of her “Ladies.” Yet in her remaining years, she never abandoned her personal vocation of generosity to all in need.

Her name was Barbara mcKinney Tyree.

I wish you could have known her.

And I was so privileged because I did.