Lori's Guestbook

It was about a year ago that I learned Lori was gone. I don\'t remember what sparked my memory toward the Barta family today, but I re-read this journal and cried through it again. It will never be fair or right. Know that I send my strongest loving thoughts even today. Julie Powers

Hey Lori, I still think of you often, and still really miss your part of my life. I posted this on your Facebook page which so much of us still check regularly, but I wanted this to be part of this journal as well - since to so many of us you will always be real, and you will last forever: “What is REAL?\" asked the Velveteen Rabbit one day... \"Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?\" \"Real isn\'t how you are made,\" said the Skin Horse. \"It\'s a thing that happens to you. When [someone] loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.\" \"Does it hurt?\" asked the Rabbit. \"Sometimes,\" said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. \"When you are Real you don\'t mind being hurt.\" \"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,\" he asked, \"or bit by bit?\" \"It doesn\'t happen all at once,\" said the Skin Horse. \"You become. It takes a long time. That\'s why it doesn\'t often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. \"Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don\'t matter at all, because once you are Real you can\'t be ugly, except to people who don\'t understand... once you are Real you can\'t become unreal again. It lasts for always.” ― Margery Williams Bianco, The Velveteen Rabbit or How Toys Become Real

Hi Lori,, it came to me now that in a few weeks it will be one year August 13th,2010 that you went into surgery..I never knew that it could hurt so much and what an impact you have made in our family..we still cry and it feels better somehow..where did you go..where did you go..we used to email and talk and i miss all the information that you used to send..you were very special in our lives..thank you for all the thoughtful gifts over the years.. I still remember your wedding day and you in that beautiful dress.and the times you and Adam dated..funny stories..and the engagement party we Dad and I went to and all your friends and neightbours sharing their thoughts and love for you.. Gone much too soon..you loved your children so much..so much...Hugs and kisses.. Ellie

Hi Lori, by this time you are in heaven,,we were at the cemetary and saw the beautiful granit stone and the bench with two hearts..we will miss you on your trip to Collingwood this summer.. last summer you were discussing your surgery on the beach and I am glad I gave you a few extra hugs..Adam and I send you always,,,love and kisses and we miss you now Ellie Barta.

I am so sorry for the loss of Lori. We had lost touch after she moved from Houston to Austin and it\'s been years since we spoke, but she was truly a wonderful person who I\'m so happy to have had the privilege to know and spend time with. I only learned of her passing from seeing her name on the \"Roll Call for the Absent\" list at Aggie Muster. It was a huge shock! I am in tears. Despite the years... she will be truly missed by me. All who knew her were truly blessed to have had the privilege. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family. -Allen \'93

My sincere condolences to the Barta family. I just learned of this terrible loss from Elie in Toronto, and I am deeply sadened by it. May G-d give you strength and courage to get through this difficult time. Michelle Schipper

Dear Adam and family Don\'t know if you\'re still accessing this site. but wanted you to know I continue to keep you in my prayers as you struggle with the death of Lori. All of us here on the HVJ never met Lori but we bonded with her as she prepared for her surgery. We certainly followed your heartbreak after her surgery as she declined. God be with you. Fran

Dear Adam, A generous contribution has been made to the Oncology Research Fund in Memory of our Beloved Lori by Elaine and Sheldon Lang of Cote St.Luc,Que. Business Associates of your Dad of Utex in Montreal,Que. lv Ellie

Dear Dr. Barta, I was so saddened to hear about the death of your wife. I cannot imagine what you and your family have been through the last few months. Please know that you are in my prayers. Marla Brooks (TMB) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Dear Adam & Family: I\'m so sorry for your loss of Lori. I sit hear with tears in my eyes, just thinking about the pain that you are going through. Just take it day by day and God will give you the strength to do what you need to do. Barbara S.

Adam, I am so sorry for the loss of Lori. I was the first hire at DSACT as an Administrative Assisant and absolutely loved working with Lori! I hit the ground running as Lori had many things to accomplish for DSACT. Her compassion, positive attitude, wisdom and laughter were incredibly contagious and I looked forward to coming to work every morning to work for her and DSACT. I was so impressed when I first interviewed with Lori as she had little Sara in her arms and I could see her love bubbling over. I remember when she made curtains for Hannah overnight because the sun was in her eyes and how proud she was of Emma for helping her sisters. We went to lunch one day and she told me how happy she was being married and being a mother. Lori was my mentor and I considered her a friend. We also shared the same faith and although we do not understand God\'s plans for us, we must trust Him as he loves us more than we can fathom. She truly made a difference in all the lives she touched and we will forever miss her. Carrie McGuire

Adam and family, I am so sorry for the loss of Lori. I am thankful I had the opportunity to photograph your family over Memorial Day and get to know your family a little better. Lori\'s laugh was infectious that day and I loved all her colorful ideas for the kids during the shoot. She really was a great lady and will be missed dearly.

Dear Adam, Jack and I are deeply saddened by your loss. We are sorry to have never met Lori but after reading the journal we could tell she was an amazing lady. You and your girls are in our prayers. Charlotte and Jack Woodfin

I am Ellie Mom in law married to Adam\'s Dad and Bubbie to the girls.. We always opened our home to Lori and Adam and girls.. over the 10 years they new each other and we loved the fun and laughter we had combining our families...Lori, on her first trip to Canada, took me aside and said I always thought that there were igloos up here and lots of snow year round.. and since our city Toronto is very much like Chicago..we had a Golden Mile also in the name of Bloor St., we laughed and laughed..Lori was so impressed on that first trip to Canada..we had many trips since back aand forth..we caught up on clothes,perfumes mmakeup and jewellery.. Lori love going out ffor dinner and dressing and she always looked beautiful and chic...loved dancing, loved her strawberry martinis..loved singing and of course laughing.. At home making snacks for the girls.. going to playgrounds, making sure that the girls, went to water areas,as they loved to swim and splash..and biking et. Lori was an avid reader between 11:00pm and 3:00am.. she most of her work on the computer for DSAC and emailed friends and colleagues..Lori loved parties and when ther was an occasion Lori would organize a party..That is how Dad and I see and remember Lori always doing things.and there always excitement...Lori was an amazing young woman..and indelable creature she crawled into our Hearts in way we could never forget..and we miss you still. Love and blessing, Ellie and Adam Sr

Adam, we met years ago when you and Lori were dating and then engaged (one of Lori\'s friends). I am so sorry for your loss. I am a wife and mom of 2 and know the millions of things that one worries about for your children and your husband should you not be there to \"handle things.\" I am a woman of faith and believe that God doesn\'t make mistakes, just masterpieces. Keep your faith and trust in God. All will be revealed in due time. Lori Nines (Austin, TX)

I just got out of the hospital and just read about your wife Lori,the last i read your journal Adam things seemed to be going better for Lori. i just wanted you and your family to know that she has so much love surrounding her and she will take that with her and will always be with you and the children. may you and the children have strength and peace, Sending Love and light to you and the family through this very difficult time. peggie k and my husband Michael k.

My prayers and thoughts are with you guys through this very difficult time. Your story has brought tears to my eyes and a renewed sense to cherish each day...Amy Arredondo( Angela Tullos\' siter)

Adam, Although I never knew your wife, I am truly sorry for the loss to you, your beautiful daughters, and your family. She obviously touched and changed the lives of many, and will continue to do so. May God continue to give you strength during this difficult time. Prayers with you, Ursulla Courtney (UVA family medicine residency graduate, was an intern when you were a third year)

In Memory of a Sweet yet Energetic Young Lady Praying Peace and Comfort to your Husband, Adorable Daughters, family and friends. As many hearts are broken and tears are being shed, I can see you driving thru the streets of Heaven in your Blue Mustang just smiling and laughing along the way

Adam - We are with you in spirit on this very difficult day. May God\'s love surround you now and forever. Our prayers and love are with you today and Lori will forever be in our hearts. She left a wonderful legacy of love which will live on through you and the girls. Love Carol and Ian

Adam and family... I am very sad to hear of Lori\'s passing. Although I did not know her personally, having a child with Down syndrome led me to know her a little bit through our local Ds Guild. It\'s obvious she touched many, many lives, and was a wonderful advocate for our children. I pray God will give you and your children strength in the coming weeks and months and that her legacy will live on forever.

Adam, It\'s so hard to accept that we are saying goodbye today to one of the brightest lights this world will ever know. I have never seen anyone work for the good of others as fervently as I saw Lori work, and her legacy of passion and good deeds will leave behind more bettered and uplifted lives than we may ever count. No one will ever be able to fill her shoes, but I am one of the many, many people who was so blessed that she walked in them for the short time that she did. I am so sorry for your loss, and so sorry she wasn\'t allowed to shine in our lives a little while longer. She will be more deeply missed than words can say. Jana Palcer