Howard Armstrong and Barbara Ward Armstrong by Elisa Haber

When I was searching for a title for my documentary about Howard and Barbara I came across the lyrics to Love’s Old Sweet Song:

“So till the end, when life’s dim shadows fall,
Love will be found the sweetest song of all”

Earlier this week was the 10th anniversary of Howard‘s death and I called Barbara, who told me what I knew from friends, that she is not long for this world.

My kids put up with me in the car this morning when I cranked the volume up and sang along — if you can call it that — to Obie Gray’s rendition of “Drift Away,” a song from my 1970s childhood that always gets me going:

“Thanks for the joy that you’ve given me
I want you to know I believe in your song
And rhythm and rhyme and harmony
You’ve helped me along
Makin’ me strong”

On Tuesday I’ll be in Boston visiting with Barbara. I won’t try to sing for her. I’ll try to find other ways to tell her how much she’s meant to me. If you want to send a message please email one and I’ll pass it along.

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UPDATE: Barbara died on September 4, 2013. Here is her obituary in the Boston Globe and photographs taken by Lolita Parker, Jr. at her memorial service.