A Tribute

Recently a dear friend and colleague to many in the Christian Science nursing field passed on. She was certainly a friend to many of us at Wide Horizon. I’d like to share a tribute that was written and published by The Commission for Accreditation of Christian Science Nursing Organizations/Facilities, Inc. (first shared in its e-newsletter of June 2021).

The Commission Board members join with each of you in remembering our dear friend, Bonnie Castroman. Everyone who knows her has been blessed by her friendship. Everyone who had the opportunity to work with her has been inspired by her example—her devotion, her focus, her perceptivity, her joy. She has been a ray of sunshine wherever she has gone, and we know she continues to bless all in her presence.

Most of us know Bonnie through the loving, humble, tireless service she gave as Manager of Christian Science Nursing Activities at The Mother Church. Christian Science nurses around the world have been touched, blessed, and helped by her, and each of our Christian Science nursing organizations has felt her daily, ongoing support for maintaining the highest standards of our work.

We would like to take this opportunity to pause and express our deep and heartfelt gratitude for all Bonnie did on behalf of The Commission. She served for years as its Executive Director. Then, when there was a need for a different organization model, she met frequently with representatives from The Mother Church and the Partnership for Christian Science nursing. The foundation and initial framework of The Commission as it is today grew from ideas that emerged in these meetings. All of us will continue to learn from Bonnie’s humble, gracious example. What a precious gift she will always be!

Bonnie was a shining light. She embodied Christly qualities. She loved life, was adventurous and shared her joy freely. I am privileged to have known her for 18 plus years. Recently before her passing, we had a wonderful conversation and learned our dads served in government roles which required being stationed and traveling overseas. Our paths crisscrossed without knowing it growing up – in countries and cities such as Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Germany. I think we both also lived in California and Virginia too. We were world travelers without having to do the planning! During our conversation, we laughed and shared our respective stories, which included being inoculated as dependents within military or government families. And, perhaps most importantly, we appreciated our lifelong journeys in Christian Science practice.

As Christ Jesus taught and showed us, I believe life is eternal. Ultimately, therefore, I believe Scripture which states Christ will give us the victory over death. I also believe Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer of Christian Science, when she wrote: “To-day my soul can only sing and soar. An increasing sense of God’s love, omnipresence, and omnipotence enfolds me. Each day I know Him nearer, love Him more, and humbly pray to serve Him better. Thus seeking and finding (though feebly), finally may we not together rejoice in the church triumphant?” (The First Church of Christ, Scientist and Miscellany, p. 174)

I’ve held to and shared this statement often during the years I’ve served Spirit, God, in my work at Wide Horizon. I think dear Bonnie is singing and soaring, knowing and loving God, Love, more – as she continues to rejoice together in selfless service to Spirit, Soul, even better.

Bonnie was most certainly blessed in her experience on earth to be a blessing! And, I am blessed by our friendship!

D. Brian Boettiger