A Tribute to Roberta Eldridge
On Friday, November 25, The Balanced Mind Foundation lost one of our bright and shining stars. Roberta Eldridge, longtime member and volunteer, passed away after a lengthy illness. Our community mourns her loss and celebrates the tremendous gifts she shared with us over the years.
Roberta first came to Balanced Mind almost 10 years ago, seeking support for her twin daughters, Kathy and Susie, who were 12 at the time. She found a home in our chat rooms and often started and ended her day with other parents, laughing, crying and supporting each other. Roberta later joined one of our online support groups and became a moderator. But her heart was always in chat. In 2008 Roberta offered to dedicate her time to bringing our chat rooms back to life, something she did almost single-handedly. Over the next few years our chat program grew and expanded, including a year of teen chat where Roberta worked her way into the hearts of kids who came with raw pain and a strong protective wall that few could penetrate.
Wherever there was a need, Roberta was there. She joined our Family Helpline to provide one-on-one support to parents new to the world of mental illness. Roberta was first in line to help when The Balanced Mind joined forces with BringChange2Mind.org and took the most challenging of inquiries from adults, teens, whoever needed help. Here are just a few of the responses that she received in thanks (names have been changed to protect confidentiality):
Hello Roberta,
Thanks so very much for taking the time to write to me. After reading your note, I just put my head down on the desk and cried. It is such a dreadful time for me and my family and you have offered some hope and understanding.
Sincerely,
Shelly
Dear Roberta,
Thank you so much for all the information you have sent and your kind words. Words cannot even express what a feeling it was to see all this and knowing you took the time to get this to me. We are so appreciative. You have given me such inspiration! Once again thank you so much!!
Best regards,
Laura
Roberta was a dedicated wife, mother and friend. Her family came first, and her advocacy shone through for her daughters, both of whom have grown into beautiful, compassionate young ladies. She spoke with great love of and appreciation for her son Brian Jr. and her husband Brian Sr. Roberta leaves behind a community of Balanced Mind volunteers and members who love her dearly and have been blessed with her warmth and friendship. We are all better parents, friends, advocates and people because of Roberta.
Honoring Roberta
Services were held for Roberta on Tuesday, November 29, in New Jersey. The family has requested that memorial donations be made to The Balanced Mind Foundation (formerly CABF).
We are putting together a memory book for Roberta’s family with a collection of stories, memories, reflections and pictures that represent the wonderful relationships and support that Roberta gave and received here in our cyber community. We would like to send the book to her family in time for the holidays. Please submit your thoughts, pictures or stories to nschiman@thebalancedmind.org by Monday, December 12, 2011. Your memories are greatly appreciated and will bring comfort to Roberta’s family.
Please visit our chat rooms, now named “Roberta’s Place” in honor of her online home.
Forever in our hearts,
Nanci Schiman, MSW
Program Manager