Unconditional Support: No matter what, the most important thing to Barbara is being there for those she cares most about

Dedication to family.

Selflessness.

Self-sacrificing.

Always there for me.

Persistence.

Supporting.

Listening.

These are some of the countless things Craig Kushnir said he appreciates about his loving mother, Barbara, but the actual list is endless. Everything he has become in life is thanks to the unconditional love he received from both his parents, and he knows the support his mother gave him in particular is the kind of support that has helped him succeed in every facet of life.

“She’s been the type of person who would always do something for me,” Craig said. “I’m a physician now. She would do anything for me. She would help me with my homework if I needed help. She would do anything for her son to make me successful.”

And now she is doing the same for her grandchildren. Barbara is very hands-on, making sure they both know she is going to always be there for them. If they need anything, they can count on their grandmother.

“She loves spending time with her grandchildren,” Craig said. “She is devoted to them. Her and my dad come across the coast a lot to be with them. The most important thing in her life is her grandchildren.”

Barbara has really shifted gears ever since her grandchildren were born, and that is something that is certainly appreciated. She went from a doting wife and unconditionally loving mother to a doting wife, unconditionally loving mother… and a spoilsome grandmother.

Speaking of being a doting wife, Barbara has been married to Ira for a long time. They have been through life together, and they have supported each other through and through.

“They have been married since 1966,” Craig said. “I rarely see them fight. Her and my dad were very much on the same side of things. They balance each other out very nicely. They have a true friendship. They are both almost 80. They are both very active. They love to travel together. They have a loving relationship. They are Midwest people.”

No matter what life has thrown their way, Barbara and Ira have stood by each other. That is something Craig does not look at lightly, and it is one of the infinite reasons why he appreciates his mother so much.

He appreciates her for all the wonderful memories too. From Barbara driving several hours to pick Craig and his friends up from sleep away basketball camp to her persistence and encouragement during medical school applications, she has always been there for her children.

She has always been there for her friends as well, and she is very much a caring individual who has many friends in both Ohio and Florida.

Overall, Barbara is just an incredible individual with a whole lot of love in her heart and a whole lot of good fortune ahead of her. Craig and everyone else appreciate her and are grateful to have her in their lives.

“I would like my mom to know that I love her so much and I know life hasn’t been completely easy (she lost her daughter to a hiking accident), but the other parts (great marriage and grandchildren) have helped make up for the loss. I am so appreciative of the loving support she gave me that allowed me to have such a fantastic life. My mom’s life has been so incredible!” – Craig