AT THE UNVEILING: SAGEET BAR-YAM — Sister
Aureet and I had a unique relationship both as sisters and best friends. Our relationship was envied by many who did not have a relationship with such closeness, love and understanding. I miss her terribly.
As close as Aureet and I were, I have learned a great deal about her through working on the book, speaking with people about her and in reviewing her files.
Aureet was energetic, resourceful and exciting to be with. She was creative in so many ways and at the same time was also extraordinarily well organized. Her files were categorized systematically, chronologically, and up to date. She even had files for each theorist. The house was always in order, her jungle of plants always watered, and Flame (her golden retriever) well cared for.
Aureet was also well organized with her time: she kept a calendar and wrote post-its for things to do - as many people do, but it always amazed me how much she could get done in a short period of time - meetings or gatherings with family, friends, colleagues and clients, lectures, seminars, workshops, parties, dancing, house chores, plants, shopping, Flame, painting, and more. She seemed to have time and energy for everything.
Aureet was never a procrastinator and would complete things immediately - particularly if it was something she didn't like to do. When studying she would finish her projects at the beginning of the semester, preferring to get it done early. I looked through her school papers (also filed chronologically) - I read through professors comments - "excellent", "outstanding", "well thought out, well written", "best paper I've seen in a long time", A, A, A, and A.
She was an excellent student.
Aureet was also an excellent teacher and clinician. I was one of her trusting patients and pupils - for almost 30 years. Beginning with her teaching me everything she could about life, school, people, growing up, friendship, love, nature, the world. She gave me advice, helped me sort through problems, and supported and encouraged me always. She did these things generously for friends, family, acquaintances and of course clients too.
Aureet showed compassion, consideration and tolerance even of other's wrongdoing. She was honest, straightforward and genuine. She was a terrific communicator; so perceptive, with empathic understanding of human weaknesses and she knew how to show care and love. Our love was truly rich and meaningful.
Aureet and I were best friends. We enjoyed spending time together. She would invite me to join her with her friends and she felt comfortable with mine. It didn't matter who was with us or where we were - we would always have a good time together. She was a serious intellectual, yet she could be completely informal, playful and even mischievous. Aureet had the special ability, to adjust herself to different situations and moods, both her serious and playful qualities came naturally to her and she engaged in both very intensely.
We shared our home, our clothes, our friends, our experiences, our love. I loved her so much! She truly was my best friend.
We lived together for almost two years before she died. I clearly remember the last time I saw Aureet. It was in the morning when she prepared coffee for us and then went to walk Flame in the park across the street. I can still see her waving good-bye from the park that day as I was leaving the house with the travel mug she got me.
She will be in my heart forever.
