the importance of faith saying: "i have and remain very grateful to god for his steadfast love. i have indeed seen his faithfulness." hers was a personal faith: she spoke ofjesus christ and her relationship with him as well as his teachings and the way that his life, death and resurrection opened the possibility for new life, for restored relationships and a commitment to a kingdom not of this world. and so i end with her own words, as she reflected on the meaning of christmas for what turned out to be the last time. having lost her beloved husband and yet found consolation