Caliesha A. Blackmon

Caliesha A. Blackmon

Caliesha Blackmon, eleven years old, died March 31, 2007, after suffering a heart attack. We both met her last year, the first year of our school's existence, when she was in fifth grade. As the school counselor, I remember her beautiful smile whenever I saw her around the school. After her death, I was called to her middle school to help with grief counseling. Every student I listened to mentioned that they would remember her for the smile she had for everyone and for her hugs that made people feel like sunshine. I also found out that she had had four heart surgeries in her life, which I never would have guessed by her age or her attitude. Jasmine remembers that she gave everyone hugs, from little kids up to grown-ups. Jasmine saw her mostly at cheerleading, but also at volleyball. We were both surprised at the funeral to see pictures of her in all kinds of sports, like basketball, baseball, volleyball, and cheerleading, from as far back as 2001! During the funeral, the pastor mentioned that her parents always let her participate in sports, and that she had lived her short life to the fullest of happiness. Jasmine says their cheerleading coach had given everyone on their team a bear dressed in a personalized cheerleading uniform with pom poms, and when she looks at her own bear, she remembers that Caliesha is still with her in her heart.

We learned a lot of facts about Caliesha at her funeral. Caliesha gave her life to Christ on February 11, 2007, and was a member of Greater Vision Community Church. She enjoyed skating with her friends, and she enjoyed listening to music. She liked dancing and talking on the phone. She spent her summers going swimming and going to Sea World or Six Flags. She was a 6th grade honor roll student at Liberty Hill Middle School. She liked playing volleyball at the Boys and Girls Club. She will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, kind spirit, big laugh, and "Egyptian" eyes.

Caliesha's mother wrote this poem on May 25, 2001:

Caliesha's Heart
She was born with a hole that was not found -
Made me cry from fear from the day it was found -
Fixed for a first time as a mere babe -
Went back in as a child that knew everything -

Each time I cried, bore my heart to God, even though He already knew
He knew because she is beautiful inside and out, with a slight imperfection.

She is brave and in turn makes me braver and stronger for us.
Always joyful and knowledgeable beyond her childhood years.
She thrives to learn and teaches us even more in return.
Caliesha's heart - the cross that lies in the middle, shown to us with much care and faith.

It makes me sad to some extent, she shouldn't have to go through it -
But, so very proud that she has been so brave and has accepted so much -
If I could take her problem and pain, there would be no second thought, it would be mine.

But life's not that easy or fair -
That's why this makes her a bigger, better human being
The heart that will never stop beating and growing for God's grace has blessed us and led us this far.

Caliesha is no longer suffering from a physically weak heart, and we are glad for that. As a school counselor, I hope that any kids Caliesha's age who read this will be inspired to grow stronger in courage, kindness, and confidence. Caliesha lived a short life, but she succeeded in teaching many people of all ages how to live well.

In honor of Caliesha, our school will be giving a Caliesha Blackmon Sunshine Award to one child every year who radiates the same sunshine Caliesha spread to all who knew her.