All safe and blessed, we shall meet at last.

How can I love a woman I have never met? How can I call her sister, friend, and kindred spirit?

Seven years ago I met dear, sweet Kimmie Texas on a website for swapping recipes. I lived vicariously through her children's proms, dates, and college. She lived the same through my kids first days of school, scouting awards, and heart surgery. Our lives had similar roads. We shared advice, empathy, and celebrations. Our exchanges went far beyond recipes.

Kim cared. I cared back.

Her life took a turn, a journey no one wants to take. She became very ill and didn't know why.

Breast cancer.

She fought bravely. She showed grace. She kept her sense of humor. She advocated for breast cancer awareness and research. Even though her body was ravaged and worn down, she did not cease being Kim.

Last night, Kim won her battle on earth. Right now she is in the middle of the best heavenly family reunion imaginable. She is whole and happy and pain free. Even in death she still advocated for breast cancer by donating her body to science.

I imagine right now she is at a kitchen table with Claudia and Fancy Nancy, two other Cookies who bravely fought cancer.

As a teen, Kim took dance lessons from Patrick Swayze's mother. Kim and her friends used to ogle Patrick when he came to the dance studio. I imagine now that she might get to dance with him - just once! - just to say she did it.

How can I love a woman I have never met in person?

My heart breaks, for I shall miss her!

We "talked" nearly every day for almost seven years. I shall miss her voice, her wit, her wisdom, and her undeniable faith in God.

Be still my soul: the hour is hast'ning on

When we shall be forever with The Lord,

when disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,

sorrows forgot, love's purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul :when change and tears are past,

All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

(Be Still My Soul, text by Katharina von Schlegel, music by Jean Sibelius

hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing it here.)

Good bye, dear, sweet Kimmie Texas. We will meet again.