Remember my volleyball team, Coach
Johnson, Pops, “Come on Eyeore”. How hard we all worked. How
our muscles ached, we couldn’t be a minute late to practice, we
got so strong. We gave them excitement didn’t we? We all overcame
challenges and fought so hard to win. We did it!
Casey, you know how proud we are of you. You worked so hard. Perfect attendance
through all your school years, straight A’s, honor student, national
honor society, tutoring the little ones and feeding the homeless. You
made your mom so very proud. So dedicated in everything you put your heart
and mind to. Never doing anything halfway.
How about all your mothers. We loved taking care of you when your mom
was away; you were big sister and little sister to all the kids, playing
games and telling stories. You blended so easily with all of our families,
and the dads really appreciated, you laughing at their jokes. We loved
doing your hair and makeup for you…shopping, and hearing the latest
successes in your life. We loved watching you grow from a little girl
to into this beautiful young woman. You are a little bit ours too. You
brought us so much happiness.
You came into my life when you were a little girl, you were so beautiful
and shy, adored and protected. You are the center of your mother's universe,
daddy's precious little girl, the first grandchild, first everything.
You had everybody's undivided attention.
When your mom and I met and became inseparable, you went from being an
only child to sharing that attention with nine other kids! 10 kids between
four moms. I’m sure it was a bit tough at times having so many mothers--we
were always putting our 2 cents in whether you liked it or not. It wasn't
just you getting your hair braided, it was a family affair, all you girls
in a row doing each others hair. We did lots of stuff together. I remember
the time when all the kids were riding bikes and you didn’t know
how to--growing up in an apartment and spending time at the fountainblue
didn't exactly give way to lots of bike riding opportunities. It was one
of those days when everyone was riding in front of the house--I had been
after you for weeks to try it. Your mom was sooo protective, Kathy couldn't
even look…you were sooo nervous but determined. I ran after you
holding the back of the seat. You telling me "don't let me go, don't
let me go" but in the end it was "ok let me go".
Remember the bike trips to Markham Park, the huge trailer with all of
our bikes. That was your birthday party, we barbequed and ate cake--you
would only eat the cake so Alex ate your frosting. You had a blast and
were sooo proud of yourself, now you were riding with the rest of the
gang.
Remember pizza on the beach, building forts, boat rides and the St. Rose
carnival and being scared to ride the rides--you even conquered that.
You didn't do Halloween, you didn't even like candy--I guess we finally
wore you down and you indulged us, and dressed up as a fabulous witch,
with green face, wart and all. We have such wonderful memories I could
go on and on.
Casey, I see you in the sunshine that dances through the trees. I thought
of you this morning. I saw an orchid-- a pure white bloom. I see you in
everything that is beautiful around me, in the smiles of our children
and our friends. We will remember you when we drink champagne and watch
Dirty Dancing. We will remember your smile always and we will never forget
you. You will always be close to us, we love you.
Help us preserve Casey's memories with
stories, poems, verses, testimonials, photos, or any other personal
remembrances.
For anyone interested in sharing these thoughts with Casey's family,
please email them to: schaefers411@aol.com
If you would like to add them to this web site, please email them
to:
jpierce@magnumopusstudios.com
Mailing address: 11420 N.E. 8th Ave.
Miami, FL. 33161
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