Barbara R. Vallejo

I was blessed to meet Barbie’s daughter Arlene when we were in our youth (1970’s), became the best of friends immediately and grew to become Sisters, not by blood, but by heart and soul…. from the get go Barbie welcomed me into their family, treated and spoiled me just as she did Arlene, i felt like her daughter and was included on many different trips and family events and practically was at their house as much as i was at my own families home – i will believe that God placed Arlene and Barbie (Raul too) early on in my life’s journey knowing that they would play a big part in who i would grow up and become. As i took time to read the lovely memories that others who love Barbie shared, the most common thing mentioned (remembered) is that she was always so sweet and smiling and i remember so many times that Arlene and i might be having the typical teeny-bopper dilemma and Barbie would encourage and motivate us to look at it in a positive light, not fuss at us, like others might do, which would only encourage more negative teenager drama. I remember one day, Arlene and i were just all bummed out and she walked into the room and said to both Arlene and i “you girls need to get up, fix your hair, put on a bit of make up and go somewhere” – trying to lift the mood we were feeling, for us not to just lay around and feel down. I thought she was one of the most physically beautiful women i’ve ever come to know as well and still do and her daughter, my Sister is just as beautiful. My Sis Arlene thought and talked about her Mama all the time, they had a wonderful, beautiful relationship, Arlene being such a dedicated daughter put her heart and energy in trying to do everything she could to make sure Barbie was doing the best should could through out her life and Barbie did the same for Arlene, two of a kind, with the kindest most beautiful hearts, they both have touched my life in so many ways, many more than i can express here, but it’s people like Barbie (i love calling her Barbie…..) who really make others feel important and loved – we need so many more people like that in this world – my life, my world, my journey, all were influenced and impacted with the existence of this beautiful Angle of a woman and she now is spreading her love in a heavenly manner, after all….. that’s where Angels come from, and return – heaven. I love you Barbie and i thank you for all that you touched my life with and i thank you for sharing your daughter and family with me, making me feel i was a part of it, you are and always will be shining brightly within my heart. I love you Barbie and will, as you have always asked me to be – i will always be here and try to be a good Sister to your Arlena…..