Help Barry, a Devoted Veteran and Teacher - #BrightforBarry

Dear Family, Friends, and Those Called to Help,

For those of you who don't know me, my name is Maddie Unger and I am the niece of Barry and Barb Siebenthall. Due to a series of challenging circumstances, I am raising support for Barry's care following his Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) diagnosis.

We are relying on God to provide both financial and spiritual support. We know we can expect the impossible.

"Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them" - Matthew 18:19-20

The financial need is pressing: Barry is now living at a memory care facility and for him to remain and receive the vital care he needs, the monthly cost is $6,000. This is impossible to maintain long-term.

The spiritual need is essential: I would ask that you completely cover both Barry and Barb in prayer during this time.

Whether you are able to support Barry and Barb financially, spiritually, or both - it is appreciated beyond words and a true gift from God.

For the past three years, Barry has lived with manageable dementia, experiencing minor lapses in memory, and Barb - his amazing wife - has been caring for him at their home in San Jose, California. In the beginning, his mood was stable and he was still performing everyday tasks independently.

During Christmas, he began experiencing new symptoms: shaking, confusion, hallucinations, and staring into space for long stretches of time. Recognizing this drastic shift, Barb took him to a nearby hospital. It was there that Barry was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), a severe form of dementia. After this new diagnosis, Barry was placed in a memory care facility about five minutes from their home. With this transition, Barry is in a safe place with a caring staff and daytime activities that he enjoys and Barb is able to see him during the day, take him on occasional outings, and get quality rest at night, which is a requirement for the challenging road ahead.

Even with the incredible gift of a comfortable living space, Barry is still experiencing hallucinations, confusion, and agitation starting in the late afternoon. On this journey, we are asking God for direction and focusing on one month at a time.

Now, I would like to share Barry's story with you so you can get to know him as an uncle, husband, and devoted follower of Jesus. In keeping with what is most important to Barry, I'd like to include Bible verses for each section of his story.

"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." - Romans 12:10

On August 4th, 1964, Barry came into the world and started changing his corner of it for the better. The physical possessions of this world are not on the list of favorite things for Barry but his faith, family, and friends are. As his niece, I experienced this firsthand; to be his niece meant adventures, laughs, unconditional love, and big hugs (Barry is over 6 ft tall)! He thrives on the experience of helping anyone in need and one of his many gifts is providing words of encouragement to those who are down, with a side of kindness and the biggest, brightest smile you ever saw. After just five seconds in his presence, his humility and calling to serve God's people is evident.

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord." - 1 Peter 4:10-11

Barry's love for serving others first began when he chose to accept the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. After graduating high school, he bravely chose to serve his country by joining the United States Marines. Working harder than ever before, his refuge quickly became the Word of God and the many encouraging letters he received from family. After serving in the Marines for four years, he then faithfully served in the Army Reserve for nineteen years.

"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." - Proverbs 11:25

All who knew Barry witnessed his love for America. It was this love that inspired him to became a history teacher - for middle school, no less! Unsurprisingly, his favorite history subject to teach was was the story of America and his middle school students hung on every word he said, which is a feat recognized by anyone who has ever met a middle school student. When he wasn't making American history fun, he was participating in Civil War reenactments, making history come alive for all who attended. Barry faithfully taught the Alum Rock and Los Gatos Union School Communities for 35 years before retiring in June 2020. Barry had a way of captivating and connecting with his classroom because he is also a child at heart with a heartwarming sense of humor and relentless optimism.

"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." - 1 John 4:8

Barry has been married to the love of his life, Barb, for 27 years and has loved her more with each passing year they share together. When speaking with Barb, she highlights that Barry is the closest thing she has experienced of Christlike character and pure love for people. In her words, "He loves big and without judgement" and is "dedicated to his family and he always keeps his priorities in check." This love is also vibrantly shown in how he loves his grandchildren.

"The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’" - Matthew 25:40

Perhaps the most incredible display of Barry's character and faith is how - despite struggling to remember certain events or people - he speaks softly to the other patients within the memory care facility, getting them water when needed or asking a staff member to assist them. Despite his diagnosis, he is reflecting all the more brightly the hope of Christ within him and his gift of serving others. Consistently, he shares that great big smile and makes Barb feel special during their daily visits because he is just so happy to see her.

I will be posting weekly updates on how Barry is doing. Thank you for your support during this time. When we shine the light of Christ, we can all be #BrightforBarry.