Last week, my phone rang with a familiar yet distant number—my uncle from my biological father’s side that I hadn’t heard from in years. Instinctively, I realized the call would bring heavy news. When I answered, my fears were confirmed: my sweet Aunt Cathy had passed away.
I had a complicated relationship with my late biological father, which led me to distance myself from that side of the family somewhat to protect my mental health. I hadn’t attended a Corzine funeral in decades, but my beloved Aunt Cathy’s passing was different. She was special.
Catherine Rose Corzine was born over 71 years ago, facing incredible challenges as a premature infant with hydrocephalus—conditions that many believed were insurmountable at the time. Remarkably, she not only survived but thrived, even if her way of thriving wasn’t recognized as such by those outside our family. To the outside world, Cathy may have appeared as a twisted, deformed body with an enlarged head, intellectual disabilities, and blind eyes, but that’s a narrow perspective; the world is often blind to true strength, resilience, and beauty.
Aunt Cathy had just three words mastered: “I love you.” With enthusiasm, she would reach out for hugs, drawing everyone into her orbit of warmth. She was the purest, brightest light I ever knew, facing challenges with smiles and laughter. My fondest childhood memories are of riding on her wheelchair tray at Murray Center, enveloped in her little arms as she joyfully proclaimed her favorite phrase. It’s what I imagine being held by Jesus feels like.
When I hung up after receiving the news of her passing, I couldn’t help but smile. I envisioned what it would be like for Cathy in her new body—racing through a tunnel of light and falling into the arms of Jesus. I imagined that His face would be the first thing she ever saw as He shouted her favorite phrase, “I love you!” She would discover what a great job she had done sharing His light and love with the world. Finally, she would get to see the faces of the parents who had loved her so well, and together they would dance, laugh, and shout, “I love you!” over and over again. Who knows, maybe those will be the only words we ever need in Heaven?
Not surprisingly, Aunt Cathy’s service was well attended. We traveled from all over to celebrate the life and love of the tiny woman who made such a huge impact on us all. The service was officiated by Pastors Lisa and Doug Cherry from Carbondale, IL, who were also related to Aunt Cathy. Their anecdotes created a warm atmosphere filled with laughter, hope, and an abundance of Jesus. Cathy would have loved to see everyone there, smiling, hugging, and full of hope because of what she represented to us all. Thank you, sweet Aunt Cathy, for teaching me that all it takes three little words to melt the hearts of those around you.
Blessed are the pure of heart; for they shall see God. ~ Matt 5:8
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