Jackie Lynn Caudill

I met Jackie when I was 11. She had EB, meaning she was born with three layers of skin instead of seven. Most die as small children but they were not Jackie. This is her eulogy I gave at her funeral.

Jackie Lynn took my heart

gently changed its form,

And handed back a gift from God

that could weather any storm.

Often late at night

she would tell me stories of her life,

Pouring out 42 years

until the morning light.

I listened in amazement

as she never said

"Why me?"

She felt that those who loved her

were the real victims of E.B.

Jackie didn't just overcome E.B.,

she made it disappear,

Overpowering it with love of life,

while death was always near.

In her eyes I saw eturnity

and it took away my breath,

Surely just such eyes had closed

the day that Jesus wept.

She leaves behind a legacy

more precious that silver and gold,

A love of life beyond belief

and a purity of soul.

We will miss her presence

but be thankful for God's will,

And that He loved us enough,

to give us Jackie Lynn Caudill.

1954-1996