Farewell, Darling Friend

Terri Lyn Folkman Grundvig

February 16, 1969 - September 10, 2010

Seeing this picture of TL with the spark in her eyes and shine on her cheek makes it hard to believe that she's not here any more.  

You know, every time I had a baby I had nine months to prepare for the arrival.  I spent nine months feeling sick or feeling large (or both), watching my feet slowly splat out like pancakes.  I spent nine months picking out clothing and diapers and setting up a crib and a changing table.  I got everything all arranged.  And then I'd go into labor, go to the hospital and eventually someone would put a baby in my arms.  And somehow, after all that, I'd be surprised.  What is this?  Who said anything about a baby? And I have to say, this is kind of the same.  TL told me more than a year ago that her cancer had returned and that she would not recover from it.  Over the ensuing months I watched her fight and suffer and deteriorate until over the past three weeks it was almost unbearable to see her.  And yet, when she passed, I could hardly believe it.  I've been walking around for almost a week now trying to process the idea that I won't be seeing my friend again in this life.  That she won't be popping in with lunch or to borrow a necklace.  I won't be calling her to vent about something silly that I know only she'd understand.  No more sneaking out to late night movies.  I just can't believe it.  I'm just aching right now knowing that she's gone.  Truly, I loved her.  We called each other sister friends, and that is what we will always be. 

"TerriLyn "TL" Folkman Grundvig, 41, ended her inspiring and courageous four-year battle with breast cancer on Friday, September 10, 2010. TerriLyn was born in Bellevue, WA to Robert and Patricia Folkman. TerriLyn grew up in nearby Issaquah where, from an early age, she developed a fervor for life. That passion motivated TerriLyn to establish friendships and embark on adventures across the country. TerriLyn was a fiercely loyal and devoted friend. She was also a tremendously gifted athlete, excelling in both track and soccer throughout elementary and high school. In 1996, TerriLyn moved to Salt Lake City, UT to pursue a career in massage therapy. There she met Adam Grundvig, whom she married in 1997. TerriLyn and Adam brought two beautiful and amazing children, Gabrielle and Ryan, into the world. TerriLyn was a loving mother who strived to instill in Gabrielle and Ryan the same devotion to friends and love for life that she had. On their four-year anniversary, TerriLyn and Adam solemnized their marriage in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. TerriLyn is survived by her parents, Robert and Patricia; husband, Adam; children, Gabrielle and Ryan; step-daughter, Haley; siblings Kristine Christensen, Scott (Jackie), Gary (April), and Julie (Bryan) Roos; and numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends who will miss TerriLyn dearly."