Till we meet again.

Sweet rose, fair flower, untimely pluck'd, soon vaded,
Pluck'd in the bud, and vaded in the spring!
Bright orient pearl, alack, too timely shaded!
Fair creature, kill'd too soon by death's sharp sting!
Like a green plum that hangs upon a tree,
And falls, through wind, before the fall should be.
--Shakespeare

The last time a spoke with her was probably 8 or 9 years ago. I didn't even know that she was living in Utah. Then I read a horrific story in the paper about a woman being shot in the parking lot of her church building. I was mortified to learn that woman was my old friend Kristy. After some reflection, a flood of memories tumbled into my mind. I sought out my old photo albums and wondered how many other people would be doing the same this week. Probably many, many grief-stricken people.

I knew her as Kristy Palizzi. We were in the singles ward together in Puyallup. I'll admit I was a little intimidated by her at first. Who wouldn't be? She was beautiful, confident, popular, strong, smart and talented. Yet, when you got to know her she was so real. I remember singing in "My Servant Joseph" with her. I remember hearing her sing at church. She had a rich, gorgeous voice. I remember talking with her about Jeremy, when we first started dating. She was very good friends with Jeremy's sister-in-law. She came to my bridal shower and she came to my wedding. Her mom helped my mom with the reception. Her mom also gave me piano lessons for awhile. Oh! My heart grieves, the more I reflect on these memories, however brief they may be. There is a small space in there for hope. The knowledge that we have a Savior. While our poor mortal minds find these things difficult and painful to perceive, He in his infinite mercy and wisdom is able to perfectly carry out the justice that is needed. He, alone, can provide the balm of comfort and the whisperings of peace.

We are going to the funeral on Saturday. I will bring these quotes with me in my heart. Once again, I find that I do not have the right words and so, must lean on someone else.

Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. ~Author Unknown

Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow,
May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
~Author Unknown

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. ~From a headstone in Ireland

He spake well who said that graves are the footprints of angels. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Life is eternal, and love is immortal,
and death is only a horizon;
and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.
~Rossiter Worthington Raymond

But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ. Mosiah 16: 8


There is a memorial fund set up for Kristy's two children. You may donate to it at any Wells Fargo Bank under the Ragsdale Children Fund.