The Keys To The Many Doors Of My Life

Born in Cape Town, South Africa, to parents of German origin, Barbara Cohen’s story is full of life, memorable characters, and such a love of nature that the reader longs to experience the African storms she misses to this day.

The arrival of her sister, when Barbara was eight years old, triggered a divorce, and her mother moved out with the new baby. Her father went on to marry and divorce again, while her mother collected four husbands during her long life. She was not the mothering kind.

“The feeling of abandonment is something I have faced more than once,” writes Barbara, regretting her earlier strictness with her own two daughters, Roselyn and Nadine. “In my defence, I can say that I really had no role model in my upbringing. It has made me a survivor and resilient.”

Fortunately, she made a wonderful marriage with Max Cohen and went on to live a fulfilling life in Sydney and Melbourne. After his untimely death, she made many overseas trips. Barbara’s sharp eye and warm wit shine through this family story, recorded with love as a record for her adored grandsons, Daniel and Ethan.

“I am a ‘doer’ and cannot abide those who say, ‘Someone must do something.’ I do not suffer fools, although I am trying to be more tolerant and non-judgemental. I am tidy to a fault, efficient, love my home, and am keen on interior design. I get pleasure from most types of music, although given my background, the classics are my favourite. I listen to ABC Classic whenever I am at home or in the car. I enjoy painting, attending art galleries, going to movies, and playing bridge.

My life has seen its fair share of joy, sorrow, loss, and deep abiding grief. Through all this, my sense of humour has been a constant — a positive attitude is an important asset.

I have tried my best to give my daughters the stable and secure home life I did not have and hope this will prove to be a sound foundation for their future. They are independent women of whom I am very proud. I shall be there to support them to the best of my ability for as long as I am able.”