Thoughts about Frances Barrell: Mum
08 November 2009

November 13th marks the 42nd anniversary of my meeting my wife, Chris, for the first time in Israel. We were both volunteers after the 1967 Six Day War: Chris from England; I the USA. Chris beat me at a chess game, captured my heart and from there forward I was never the same. 13 months later we were married in London. Between February and December 1968 we wrote each other almost daily, back and forth through the international mail. I had met Chris’ Mom, Frances, during a stopover in London in early 1968. Chris told me her Mother thought I was Italian when I first met her. Mum was very protective of her children, Chris being no exception. In a letter, I asked Mum for permission to marry Chris and Mum gave her consent. All these years later I’m still glad she did.

I consider myself fortunate to have known Frances. She kept her World War II service for her country a lifelong secret. She was always a brave lady, who fought illnesses daily but never lost her sense of humor or love for life. I guess you could say she set the bar pretty high when it came to overcoming adversities. Everyone has their own share of troubles and rainy days. I’d rather think these things are apportioned wisely so no one gets too much of some and someone else very little of either. Mum knew how to stand tall, how to be strong, how to “smile when your heart is breaking,” as the song says. Mum didn’t complain much; Heaven knows she could have. She passed her fortitude down to her children. Marilyn, Alan, Chris and John, individuals all, possess the strengths their mother had. Winston Churchill said: “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Mum gave much more than she got.

Frances left us on October 13th. She will be with us, always. Though her family is separated by oceans, we all share the good fortune to have known Frances. I’m still madly in love with her younger daughter.

Thank you, Mum

November 8, 2009