My beloved friend and sister - Christine Folsom

by Janice Jordan Toliver
(Wisconsin)

I am struck with hurt, pain, sadness, and emptiness where she used to be. Christine passed on two nights ago, and I had just moved out of town, so I got the news via email from one of our church sisters we had in common.

Even though she had cancer and bounced in and out of remission for over a year, it was still very unexpected, and I felt like someone had smashed me in the chest with a wrecking ball. Since receiving the news I have struggled to stay sane and not dissolve into tears every few minutes - even though the urge to scream is there.

I miss her SO much, and cannot wrap my mind around the fact that I will not be able to call her anymore - ever. She left a profoundly positive mark on my life and I will always remember the day God put my hand into hers. She was my spiritual guide in my christian walk, a mentor, a role model, a counselor, friend, and true sister to my soul.

I pray for her soul and for mine. I still have her numbers in my contacts list on my phone, not wanting to delete them for fear of losing something real to me - my link to her. We talked on the phone at times for hours and I was always able to reach her. I am not even sure I can bring myself to go to the funeral service. I feel like no one understands how I feel and how special she was to me.

God bless and keep those who grieve.....see you later Christine....I will love you always.....Janice