September 27, 1937 - December 5, 2020
A Tribute From Corliss Corazza
None of us are here to judge another’s journey, only to witness what needs to be
cleansed in ourselves. Judgment causes resistance and creates karma.
--Connie Castro Jackson
Forty or so years ago, I flew to L.A. to join my husband at a dinner meeting to support railroad union representatives in California. Dave represented our local area, and his friend Ray represented the Stockton area. When I arrived, Dave was excited for me to meet Ray Jackson and his wife Connie, a couple he thought I would truly enjoy.
He had no idea about the fire he was about to ignite. Connie and I sat together at dinner, couldn’t stop talking, left our dinners untouched, and my life was forever changed
The Jacksons moved to a small town about fifteen minutes away from us. I was invited to the meditation classes she taught. It was quite an education for me. I met many interesting people. Meditation proved to be far less mysterious than I expected, and much more beneficial.
The real purpose of meditation is to tune in, not to escape but to find peace within.
—Connie Castro Jackson
Connie became the reason that I finally started to write. Of all the offers she had over the years from writers asking to write her remarkable story, she chose me. What a thrill. I was more than ready for the challenge.
Teachers come into our lives to guide us along our spiritual path—
teachers don’t necessarily know they are teaching us but happen to be
in the right place at the right time and are saying or doing the right thing.
The person who causes you to feel is your teacher.
— Connie Castro Jackson
Initially, we self-published her story and titled it An Unlikely Teacher, but I was never satisfied with the way it turned out. It needed polish, additional content, and a more compelling title. A professional editor was referred to me who understood the nuances of writing a story and the publishing industry, and Cut Open the Sky was the result.
Cut Open the Sky is an assembly of Connie’s experiences as she navigated a life thick with poverty, loss, lack of formal education, and the realization that she had a psychic gift not everyone could understand. Pushing aside the obstacles, she educated herself and developed her psychic abilities. She became a well- respected psychic channel.
Together, we enjoyed the launch of An Unlikely Teacher and had the opportunity to do a couple of events together to share the book with her followers. Those were fun. She passed before Cut Open the Sky was published by Black Rose Writing. How I would love to have her here with me to present it to the world. I hope she knows how I miss her friendship and wisdom.
Ego is the enemy of peace. Shut that fear voice down or
it will tell you that you CAN’T.
—Connie Castro Jackson
Connie would have turned eighty-seven years old on September 27th. She passed on December 5, 2020. It was too soon. Frequently, when I am deep in thought in my garden, a hummingbird will fly right in front of my face. The little wings will flutter just long enough for me to notice, then the bird will dart off. It always seems to happen when I'm struggling over something. Could the hummingbird be bringing encouragement from Connie? I like to think so.
The Universe can’t give to us until we are open to receiving.
We get whispers when we are ready. Pay attention.
—Connie Castro Jackson
I am sure she is proud of the success of Cut Open the Sky, and the fact that I continue to write. Peaceful birthday wishes, my friend.
All the Best,
Corliss
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