Help Jared Fulfill His Mother's Legacy

Jared Wiltheiss has a desire to be a Clinical Psychologist and assist individuals that struggle with mental illness. Cathy’s desire was to see her son pursue a Doctorate of Psychology. Jared will be graduating in April from Indiana Wesleyan University with his degree in Psychology. Would you consider assisting Jared with a donation in lieu of flowers, gift cards, food…Jared was his mothers pride and joy. His success meant the world to her. Help him fulfill his legacy.

Jared wrote this following his mothers death of natural causes on March 17,2025 two days before her 46th birthday.

I sit here lost, staring at the computer as I type this, not knowing how to put my thoughts into words. I am weeping, aching, shaking, hurting, confused, and lost. My mom was the person I went to for comfort, someone who would hold me when I was sad. She was my rock when my life was falling apart around me. My mom was always a phone call away. I think back to last week when I needed to hear her voice, and now I have to listen to voicemails to recreate a glimpse of what she offered. I want to talk with her, but hearing no response is the new norm I need to adapt to.

I think about her love for those around her. My mother was the first person to lend a hand, to console you, a shoulder when you needed to cry, a joke when you needed to laugh, and a hug when you needed a hug. She was so loving, compassionate, and tender-hearted. I think of the verse from James 1:19-20 that reads,

"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." She was always a listening ear and slow to speak. My mother was someone I could tell anything to, and she wouldn’t judge or become angry. She instead listened and provided support.

I will deeply miss her goofy texts or jokes, small acts of kindness, and her gentle soul. My mom couldn’t buy anything in the world, but she always made me feel loved, and that, to me, is worth more than money can buy.

I thank the Lord for my mother. She is the reason I am pursuing psychology. I saw my mother battle mental and physical illness each and every day. I saw her get up and fight, fight not for herself but for those around her. My mother fought battles I pray no one has to face. She was strong and relentless.

As I try to make sense of all this, an image came to my head. I imagine my mother walking up the stairs, and there is a blinding white light. She thinks to herself, “Where am I.” As she keeps walking, she begins to see the pearly gates. The gates open, and my mother’s burdens, aches and pains, mental struggles, and tears are finally erased. She walks past the pearly gates and hears a voice saying, “Welcome, my good and faithful servant.”

She looks up to see a figure waiting for her. The light dims, and she can make out the figure. The figure’s arms are out to his side, and he says, “Cathy, my daughter, you have done well; I am so proud of you. You are forever here with no pain.”

My mother stands there, embracing the hug of our Father. She asks, “What about him?”

“Jared, my dear, will be all right. He does come from you, you know. You have raised him and guided him. You have given him the tools he needs to further my Kingdom. He is hurting, but do not fear, for I will care for him.”

I sit and think about this moment, the moment where my mom entered Heaven and all her worries and pains have been washed away.

I am hurting and have not made sense of this moment. But what I do know is that my mother will forever live within me, she will still be an ear to listen, and will forever be my mother. My mother always said her purpose was me, and now my purpose is to fulfill the person she raised me to be.

I leave you with this verse,

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Love always,

Jared Wiltheiss