It has been a few since I have posted. There have been a couple changes in life. Casee has unfortunately left us. There was no way to prepare myself for the loss of someone so wonderful.

I have been to several funerals in life, but this was by far the hardest one. She died just as she wanted to, at her parents' house surrounded by family. She died with strength and courage and continues to inspire. She is missed greatly already. 

There was a balloon ceremony after the funeral, it was an amazing visual expression of the caring that everyone has for Casee and her family.

This is a picture at the surprise 40th birthday party that we had for Casee last year at the Amish dinner in Clare. 

Today, we lost Casee to cancer. It is hard to believe that someone with so much life could be taken away at such an early age.

She will be missed greatly by anyone that had the honor of getting to know her.

I got a new app for my phone. It is called Strike Finder. It is used to take pictures of lightning and fireworks. I got some amazing photos that I would not normally have been able to capture. The fun was going through all 427 of them that it took last night. :-)

Casee and me at her surprise 40th birthday party. 

Not enough minutes left

How are you able to decide how many moments is enoughto spend with a person? With our busy lives today, sometimes it comes down to chance. If you bump into them at the grocery store or at a kids' sporting event.

There are times in our lives, that remind up how important spending time is.  Not texting, not emailing, but actually sitting down and spending time with a person. 

Yesterday, I recieved the news that a dear friend and co-worker has about two weeks to live.  This is heartbreaking news to all people that have had the honor of getting to know her.  Casee is honestly one of the strongest people that I have ever met.  She has fought breast cancer, bone cancer, and now has liver failure.  She has fought this unrelenting disease while raising two boys 12 & 7, who I have no doubt will grow to become wonderful young men. 

It breaks my heart that Rayce and Wyatt will not be able to have their mom at their graduation, prom, or any other big life event. But I know that they will make it through.

Yesterday, I spent a few hours with Casee, outside by the lake, in the sunlight watching her boys ride their bikes.  Knowing that there are few days left, I can't imagine that there are many better ways to have spent that time.  I know with my entire being that Casee is ready to die, even though I am trying to process what life will be without her here.

I am thankful for the moments that I have had and the memories of her laugh, her tenecous personality, and sass.  She has been such an inspiration, but anyone that knows her well, knows that she doesn't try to be. She has just lived her life, which is what we should all do.

I am planning to see Casee again this week, there is no way to know how fast her health will deteriorate. But, I know that she is at peace, and my time spent with her cannot be taken away.  I am at peace with my friendship, we have shared our lives, the good, the bad, and the scary and I would not trade it for any amount of money.

Casee, this world will not be the same without you here! I love you and will miss you! Thank you for making me a better person!