Graduate Kacy Harris congratulated by friends, she
died in 2004, shortly after graduation
from Calhoun High School, a smile on her face.
By Bob Weaver 2004
Kacy Harris has been facing a shortened life since her birth, suffering from cystic fibrosis, an illness never held secret from her.
She was laid to rest this past weekend at the tender age of 19, with her family and friends congregating to celebrate her spirited life. She had lived much longer than doctors had expected, likely longer than she had expected.
A week ago she sat in a chair at a fundraiser at the Mt. Zion Drive-in, coughing and gasping for every breath. "Maybe you should go home and rest," I said. "I would rather be here to see my friends," she replied.
I got close to her for a few seconds, drawn by her wonderful attitude. Looking closely into her eyes I commented "You have a beautiful face." She quietly responded, "Thanks."
Pastor Rick Swearingen said such shortened lives are like putting a period at the beginning of a sentence. He recalled Kacy's life as well lived, her joyous attempt
to fill the hours and days with moments, experiences and adventures most of us take for-granted.
The mourners heard the moving lyrics of Tim McGraw's song "Live Like You Were Dyin" which spoke to Kacy's life.
"I went sky divin',
I went rocky mountain climbin'... and I loved deeper,
and I spoke sweeter..."
"And I watched an eagle as it was flyin'.
And he said, someday I hope you get the chance,
to live like you were dyin'."
Pastor Swearingen told family and friends that Saturday's service was to share the grief and the glory.
He said Kacy wanted her last minutes filled with life and sent her family out to buy some lottery tickets, knowing it would keep them occupied scratching for a winner.
Drifting toward death she spoke of angels greeting her and family members welcoming her across that mysterious threshold.
Her mother said "Why don't you just close you eyes ... and go on."
But she opened them once more and said "Mom, Jesus said just take my time, take my time."
After long-suffering, the glory is in believing that Kacy is once again sky
divin' and rocky mountain climbin'.
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