See you in Heaven, Cathe!

I treasure my friendships with quadriplegics across the country – each one inspires me with their perseverance and patience, as well as their love for Jesus. Cathe Chermesino was one of my special quad-friends. I met her years ago when she was 13 years old, right after the accident in which she became paralyzed (below is her testimony). Recently, pneumonia got the best of my friend and she is now home in heaven. But I think you will see from her story, she is still an inspiration to us all!

On November 19, 1991, Cathe Chermesino was running down South Street, trying to make it to Calvary Baptist School before the late bell rang. On the surface she had it all. She was a beautiful, talented thirteen-year-old who possessed YMCA swimming medals, not to mention a beautiful singing voice. When she ran across the street, she was hit by a fast-moving car and thrown into the air. Immediately Cathe became totally paralyzed.

Cathe now goes to school sitting rigid and upright in a bulky wheelchair. She breathes through a ventilator and has to carefully mouth her words so others can lip-read.

On the first anniversary of her accident, she gave her testimony at her church. “I’m like the potter’s clay,” she said. “I’m being reshaped into something that I believe will be far better. What looks harmful for me will actually turn out to be good. Before the accident I was an awful snob, but now God has given me an inner peace. I’m giving my voice a rest until I get to heaven.”

Her mother looked lovingly at her daughter and added, “Cathe needs just two things to make it through. A lot of prayer and a little bit of oxygen.”