“We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not figures on a dial. We should count time in heart throbs. He most lives who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best.” These words by Philip James Bailey capture beautifully the Christiellen we had the joy of knowing. Her sojourn among us was so brief; her days so fleeting. She was truly a gift to us— a gift that keeps on giving. Like a tiny pebble, dropped in a quiet pond, she created ripples that continue to spread in ever-widening circles. Only eternity will reveal the full measure of her influence. I am convinced that many in that day will arise and call her blessed.

To her family we say: Thank you for sharing you precious wife and mother with us. We were blessed beyond measure.

I will always remember Cristiellen for her serious joy which sounds like an oxymoron but, let me just say, I think she was very serious about being joyful. With the kids, she was “one with them”, and she could be just as serious and committed walking away from a group, as she was joyous walking towards the group. She was deeply joyful without being frivolous. She was “deep”... Cristiellen was deeply committed to God, her family, & her church family which, btw, included everyone she met! I don’t know why God allowed her to rest so soon when the world needs more people just like her. But I am so grateful to have “rubbed shoulders” with this “daughter of God” and, I take comfort in these words from Scripture:

“The righteous perishes, and no man takes it to heart; merciful men are taken away, while no one considers that the righteous is taken away from evil. He shall enter into peace; They shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.” Isaiah 57:1, 2.