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Shepastor: “In Honor of Katie…” Then Jonathan said to David, "Tomorrow is the New Moon feast. You will be missed, because your seat will be empty. 1 Samuel 20:18

Today, I ask you to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Mrs. Katie Cunion. You probably didn’t know her. She was not a pastor or preacher. She was, however, a “minister.” I met Katie during my daughter’s summer camp several years ago. Katie’s daughter, Jessica and my daughter, Aris became good friends and classmates. They both were only six (6) at the time.

Katie and I passed each other in the hall each summer morning as we dropped our daughters off for camp. We both frequently ran late and would laugh about doing our utmost to get them there in time for activities. When I first met Katie, I noticed that she walked with a limp. It wasn’t until a few months later, when she boldly wore shorts and sandals that I realized one of her legs had been amputated and she was wearing a prosthesis (I didn’t know that they made a prosthesis shaped like a foot and that sandals could be worn with them!).

This disfigurement, however, did not stop Katie. Her smile was just as bright, eyes just as sparkly and clear blue/green as the ocean, head tied up with a scarf, proudly and lovingly participating with her daughter in camp and in school. Her spirit was valiant. Her stride was majestic. Her smile was infectious. Her determination was admirable. She had cancer. Unlike me, I never heard her complain about the fact that we had to climb a few flights of stairs to get to our daughters’ room. She was a trooper!

Today, my daughter and I attended Katie’s calling hours at the local funeral home. I debated over whether or not I should take Aris (a third grader) with me, but figured that her friend and classmate would be blessed by her support. So off we went. The line was already growing long when we arrived. Katie was greatly loved and respected. As we entered the door, a beautiful little girl popped her head around the corner. It was Jessica! Children are so resilient. She immediately grabbed Aris, hugged her and said, “Come and play with me.” Later, Jessica and Aris, together would walk in the other room and see Katie, lying there so still.

Afterwards, they went back into another room, got down on the floor with more children, laughed, talked and colored. Even in death, Katie knew how to bring love, joy and laughter in spite of tears.

We will miss Katie. Our prayers are with her beautiful children and husband, Bill. We pray also for her parents who wrestle with losing their daughter before the Lord calls them home.

May we walk in the glow of her example and have valiant spirits, filled with hope, resiliency and fervor in all of life’s seasons.

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Posted by Chris at 12:00 AM