Donor Spotlight: Barbara Meislin

In 1992, By the Bay Health donor Barbara Meislin founded the Library of Hope to provide resources to those grieving the loss of a loved one and to honor the memory of her beloved mother and brother, Vivienn and Allen Fosman. Barbara was no stranger to grief having lost as a young mother her seven-year-old daughter, Little Lady Lori, to a rare illness. As a passionate supporter of hospice care and true to her generous spirit, Barbara was searching for ways to help others who were grieving the loss of a loved one.

In 2005, Barbara wrote the award-winning children’s book No One Can Ever Steal Your Rainbow. Beautifully illustrated by Helen Webber, it is the true story of a mother’s search for inner strength to help her overcome the devastating loss of a child.  When a hand painted rainbow sign of hope is stolen from the entrance to her home, she goes through a profound period of grief and self-exploration. Ultimately,  it is a journey that leads her back to a place of renewed joy and peace in her heart.

Affectionately known as the Purple Lady, Barbara has spent much of her life spreading joy and wisdom to children and adults through her significant charitable work — not to mention through the healing color of purple! Surrounding herself with all things purple reminds her and those around her to live life to the fullest with joy, energy and hope.

We are pleased to share Barbara’s book with you here, accompanied by her singing the story.

Through writing, song, resilience and service to others, Barbara has created a beautiful legacy.  We are honored to have her as part of the By the Bay Health community.

If you are interested in grief support resources provided by By the Bay Health’s counselors, see the latest materials here.