Barbara aka Shewanti needs a new grill
Donation protected
If you’ve spent more than 15 minutes with me since August 2018, you’ve likely heard a Barb story. Maybe it was the one when within fifteen minutes of meeting us, she ran an electrical cord out of her window so that we could begin work on our electricty-less house, or the one when she immediately whisked us off to a local women’s fire circle so that we could get to know some members of our new community, the one when we came home to her standing on an 18 foot ladder sweeping off the roof of her house, the one when she watered our entire lawn with a single watering can every day for 6 weeks, the one when we installed a tile ceiling together and upon stapling the last tile to the track, the whole thing came falling down... the point is that two years has born an unbelievable amount of Barb stories. And this is because of the way she shows up for the people in her life.
Barbara Uhrie is my 75 year old neighbor, dear friend and godmother to our two dogs. She goes by Barbara, Barb, Badass Barb, Cookie, Shewanti, Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma and so much more. If there is one thing to say about Barb, it is that she chronically puts others before herself. She may even be described as uncomfortable receiving the same level of attention or care that she is constantly bestowing upon those around her. In a single day, this 75 year old great grandmother of 2, soon 3, accomplishes more than I could ever dream to knock out in 24 hours, and 99.9% of what she does is dedicated to others. You may know Barbara from the ashram, from one of the zillion volunteer groups in Sullivan County that she dedicates so much time and energy to, from her days working as a nurse in NYC and Massachusetts, maybe you were just another kid from the neighborhood who she took in 20 years ago and who she still calls several times a week, maybe you’re a lifelong friend who fondly remembers the time Barb showed up to help you recover from a complicated surgery, maybe you’re a niece who receives biweekly packages of fresh baked cookies from her. However you know Barbara, I’m certain she has extended the same kindness and consideration to you that she has extended to me and my wife Erin from the very first time we saw our house. We are so grateful for the two years we have known her and we just want her to live the very best life she can, forever!
Which brings me to why I’m writing this. This year has been tremendously hard on Barb- emotionally, being separated from her family, living alone and in fear of being susceptible to Covid 19, hearing of the hardships the pandemic has brought to members of her close family and feeling isolated and unable to help as much from afar; financially, as Barb has stepped in to aid several members of her family who are dealing with health issues, evictions, unemployment and other symptoms of the pandemic; and health-wise, as a dental crown that Barb had put in years ago has begun disintegrating at this most inconvenient time, leaving 5 teeth needing very expensive extraction and replacement. Last week, she saw her trusted dentist who explained that the total anticipated cost for her dental treatment will be $15,000- this is far more than she can handle alone right now, but I have faith that as a community we will quickly be able to band together to support Barb in the way she has always supported us.
So this is my attempt at creating an anonymous fund which Barbara has no knowledge of, and which will be sent directly to Barbara’s dentist in Ellenville to insure that her health issues are prioritized as greatly as the issues of those who she helps day in, day out. We know she would sooner suffer severe dental pain and be able to financially assist members of her community and family than use this money on herself, so the intention of your contribution will be protected by handing it straight to her dentist. Any extra money that is raised will go toward Barb’s utmost goal of returning to India once travel becomes a little safer. Thanks so much for taking the time to read this, and let’s please share, share, share this link so that we can raise as much as possible for dear Barbara to restore her health!
Barbara Uhrie is my 75 year old neighbor, dear friend and godmother to our two dogs. She goes by Barbara, Barb, Badass Barb, Cookie, Shewanti, Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma and so much more. If there is one thing to say about Barb, it is that she chronically puts others before herself. She may even be described as uncomfortable receiving the same level of attention or care that she is constantly bestowing upon those around her. In a single day, this 75 year old great grandmother of 2, soon 3, accomplishes more than I could ever dream to knock out in 24 hours, and 99.9% of what she does is dedicated to others. You may know Barbara from the ashram, from one of the zillion volunteer groups in Sullivan County that she dedicates so much time and energy to, from her days working as a nurse in NYC and Massachusetts, maybe you were just another kid from the neighborhood who she took in 20 years ago and who she still calls several times a week, maybe you’re a lifelong friend who fondly remembers the time Barb showed up to help you recover from a complicated surgery, maybe you’re a niece who receives biweekly packages of fresh baked cookies from her. However you know Barbara, I’m certain she has extended the same kindness and consideration to you that she has extended to me and my wife Erin from the very first time we saw our house. We are so grateful for the two years we have known her and we just want her to live the very best life she can, forever!
Which brings me to why I’m writing this. This year has been tremendously hard on Barb- emotionally, being separated from her family, living alone and in fear of being susceptible to Covid 19, hearing of the hardships the pandemic has brought to members of her close family and feeling isolated and unable to help as much from afar; financially, as Barb has stepped in to aid several members of her family who are dealing with health issues, evictions, unemployment and other symptoms of the pandemic; and health-wise, as a dental crown that Barb had put in years ago has begun disintegrating at this most inconvenient time, leaving 5 teeth needing very expensive extraction and replacement. Last week, she saw her trusted dentist who explained that the total anticipated cost for her dental treatment will be $15,000- this is far more than she can handle alone right now, but I have faith that as a community we will quickly be able to band together to support Barb in the way she has always supported us.
So this is my attempt at creating an anonymous fund which Barbara has no knowledge of, and which will be sent directly to Barbara’s dentist in Ellenville to insure that her health issues are prioritized as greatly as the issues of those who she helps day in, day out. We know she would sooner suffer severe dental pain and be able to financially assist members of her community and family than use this money on herself, so the intention of your contribution will be protected by handing it straight to her dentist. Any extra money that is raised will go toward Barb’s utmost goal of returning to India once travel becomes a little safer. Thanks so much for taking the time to read this, and let’s please share, share, share this link so that we can raise as much as possible for dear Barbara to restore her health!
Organizer
Lily Price
Organizer
Hurleyville, NY