Cassandra

The days seem to fly but it even seems hard to say that when I know that each day is so precious. I want to be able to soak it all in. There is so much to our huge life that sometimes, we feel so small. Or maybe even insignificant.

There is something so significant about the special people in my life. There is one young woman who always seems to come to mind right now when I think of someone who is so treasured and so blessed by God's grace, strength, and mercy. I think that this young woman that I know, and that I love as if she was my sister, is a beautiful example of power. My darling Cassie is eighteen years old. She did what most eighteen year olds do. She graduated high school, she went to prom. She laughed, she cried, and she learned a lot a long the way. She did somethings though, that not every eighteen year old goes through. She got married, she had a baby. Life just seems to never slow down for Cas. She's been raising her little beautiful baby boy, but not without struggle. From my previous posts you know what Zayd has gone through, so you must know what Cassie is going through. She has a full time job and at a time was commuting between her job, three hours to the hospital. When she got her leave of absence from work,she has been able to just be at the hospital with our sweet and precious angel. She has spent the first few months of Zayd's life talking about his future heart surgeries (yes, plural), his breathing and feeding tubes, what to do if he was to turn blue, and how to support him with the proper nutrition, medicine, and care. She doesn't get to take him any where she wants, she doesn't get to play with him any way that she wants. But still, through all of that, she is an amazing mother. Can you imagine doing this, ever, in your span of parenting? How exhausting and overwhelming! But Cassie does it. And she's eighteen. And not only does she "do it", but she is a Mom with exceptional spirit. With positivity, with love, and with strength. She asks the tough questions, she stands up for what she needs to, she understands that her family, this unit that she has created, is what deserves her compassion. They deserve it.

I can't even fathom anyone saying Cassie isn't strong, or that she hasn't grown up (sometimes she seems older than me!) and that she isn't a great Mom. It is without doubt that if you look closer at the real person Cassie is... you will see greatness. She is just absolutely a vision of beauty, and someone to be so proud of.

I am so incredibly blessed to know her. And to do life with her, and to be and Auntie to the most beautiful boy I've known thus far. My life has been forever changed by Cas because she has taught me to be strong, to be someone's hero, and to love with wild abandon. She has taught me to be tough and keep your chin up, and to never, ever doubt yourself.

Cassie, I love you so much. I always will. You move me with your faith and your love for those around you. Thank you for being who you are, and being so true.