Beginnings Occur Whenever

From Mom and Dad

There is a propensity for people to wait until everything is just right before they start something new. Getting things in order, making sure you feel perfect, setting off on the right foot.

It never happens.

Well, very rarely.

Anything worth starting now.

You have a monumental history of beginnings. I’ve spoken about your starting off at 1lb 6 oz, but you have to realize this is where your journey started. And it has turned out exciting, thrilling and wonderful.

Interspersed on this journey are various beginnings you’ve chosen to take. Your moving on to your next one and we cannot wait to see you start.

Reassuring Way

From John

Cassie has always been there to help.  She has always been the one to say “Everything really is going to be ok“.

Cassie always has a smile on her face and is really interested in what is going with me and everyone else.  She is a happy person at heart.  She has been like a sister to me.  She is thoughtful and kind.

Cassie is one of the best, most special people I know.

Adventurous Spirit Guides You

From Mom and Dad

We love the adventurous spirit you bring to life. Whether you’re up for trying something new, encouraging someone to join in or doing something at the spur of the moment, your spirit is infectious. It draw people to you and makes them want to participate.

Never lose that yearning to try new things and include people; it will serve you well.

An Angel in our Presence

From Aunt Elizabeth

“There is an angel in the family who, by the mysterious influence of grace, of sweetness and of love renders the fulfillment of duties less wearisome and of sorrows less bitter.”  – G. Mazzini

In our family that angel is Cassie.  Cassie’s ability to make me smile and her genuine sweetness give her a special place in all our hearts.  If I could give Cassie a mirror that shared with her how we see her, she would see a beautiful smile, quickness and intuition to other peoples’ feelings, a loving nature and sympathetic warmth that most of us should strive to emulate. The first to offer to help and the first to see if a person has a need. There isn’t anyone else in the world like Cassie.  She is our bright, shining light, our small ball of energy and our great blessing.

A Gift that is Always There

From Uncle Dave

When I think about Cassie only good things come to my mind. I think about the beautiful and happy-go-lucky kid who grew up with my daughter Claire, all the CYC soccer games, the birthday parties and holiday celebrations, picnics and all the fun we had as a family. Mary Beth’s passing brought everyone close together.

Cassie was always there for Claire and I, always ready with a smile and always putting others needs in front of her own. What separates Cassie from almost anyone I know is that every time I meet her she always asks about me first, always does so with a smile and, more importantly, does so in such a caring and genuine way you know she really cares.

Cassie has a “gift” and that gift is being the genuine caring young woman she is and sharing that warmth and spirit with others. The world would be a much better place if there were more “Cassie’s” out there. Sadly, there are few, but I’m fortunate enough to know one. My life would be less rich without her.

The lives Cassie will undoubtedly touch in the future have no idea how lucky they are.

Unconditional Love and Memories

From Uncle Tim

By this point in time you should have recieved two scanned photos from the Schraders who were able to go out to our house and retrieve a couple of shots for us in our absence – one of Cassie and I and one of Cassie and Nathan that have been posted on our refrigerator since the day they were recieved.  They are somewhat different pictures – but both are awesome shots, both of them, as Cassie is always smiling when the camera is present and has such a great smile (she deserves kudos for always showing it to the camera upon command..NOT a trait readily available in all women.   🙂

One picture should be of Cassie and I that was taken during our rehearsal dinner at Laura’s brother’s (John’s) house.  It’s a great memory for me everytime I see it.   She was her usual loving self that night; and, again, flashed that most excellent smile.  It reminds me every time I see it of exactly how wonderful the wedding was – surrounded by loved ones like Cassie.

Unconditional Love

From Aunt Laura

I guess where I want to start is the first time Tim brought me over to the Grote’s house….it was snowing and the Grote family was just glad Tim was dating someone  and that he brought someone over to meet them.    He brought me over and the family was wonderful…but I remembered Cassie taking extra time with me and wanted to find out about me.

From that time on Cassie always loved me with open arms…no questions…no concerns…unconditional love.  Cassie has a way of making others around her feel loved and special and she always puts them first.   There was no doubt in my mind that Cassie would be in some type of work in the future in helping others.   I knew Christ’s love was a huge part of her life, because of how she love others…she loved them instantly and gives of herself 100%.   Not qualities you see in youth everyday….I knew Cassie was different and pretty sure God has His hand on her to do great things.

I’m just glad the I get the chance to see changes in her and her future and pray for her to be guided daily in God’s love and those around her.   We love you sweet Cassie.

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Cassie is Amazing

From Claire

Cassie is amazing. Plain and simple.

She is everything one should strive to be without even trying. She is selfless. That raw need she has in her to help others is something I wish I had, as I can be quite selfish at times. I know everything she is going through happened for a reason….in other words…sometimes bad things happen to good people.

I used to hate that saying because I never really understood it…but i think I get it now.  Sometimes the worst things happen to the best of us….and I believe that is god testing us. Jesus went through all that suffering for us….why shouldn’t we suffer for him? And the ppl who are tested the most….well they are the strongest of us all….and so worthy of gods love.

This is the definition of Cassie.

She works harder than most. She is exhausted all the time and she is rarely feeling 100% healthy with all the stomach problems. And it doesn’t seem fair because she works so hard. But I know it will pay off. She is so deserving! She is so loved! Not only by God but by her family….by me!

Inspiration comes from all over

From Mom and Dad

One of the many challenges in life is inspiration. Many people think that inspiration is something that comes out of no where, but it isn’t. Inspiration, the best inspiration, comes from deliberation, thought and reflection.

The fuel that drives our goals and endeavors is inspiration.

My Best Place

My inspiration has come from many things, but the times I find the greatest inspiration are when I am in the steam room or shower. The warmth and water allow me to withdraw into myself and think.

Inspiration Traps

The traps of inspiration come from external sources under the wrong circumstances. When you find inspiration in doing something for someone else watch yourself. It may feel good to do, but it is rarely the source of inspiration. What you are really doing is trying to make someone else feel better instead of yourself.

True inspiration, the soul touching stuff, is something that is life altering. It clarifies and sharpens your life.

What I love about my sister

From Shannon

I love that Cassie loves Hero.

I love that Cassie loves Santa Clause.

I love that Cassie plays with Toys.

I love that Cassie goes to the zoo and sees tigers.

I love that Cassie loves Mommy.

I love that Cassie paints my nails red and brown.

I love that Cassie takes me to the store in her car and buys some jaguars.

I love Cassie because she loves Jesus.

I love Cassie’s eyes.

I love Cassie for screws.

I love Cassie because she loves Daddy and Mommy.

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