Part 2: Those Seven Words “There is nothing more we can do.” The seven words most are never ready to hear. We had decided that Chris, Ashley (Cassie’s older sister) and I would be in the room when Dr V gave Cass the results of her latest tests and what her options...
Part 1: The Unsayable Word—Hospice. It was a quiet Saturday afternoon; our social worker was stopping by to see how we were all holding up, or so I thought. You see, Cassie had just had surgery to remove a large tumor on her spine, which was causing severe leg pain. ...
Welcome to 2026! New Year—New beginnings. In Michigan it also means winter, with all the white (and grey) that comes during the season. The best part of winter…it’s Gala planning! On February 28, we will be on the dance floor celebrating another year of...
November is set aside to recognize caregivers, but the truth is: most of us are caregivers long before we ever claim the word. We care for children, aging parents, our friends, our partners—and sometimes, for a young adult navigating cancer. I wanted to share some...
Cassie’s Bucket List, My Bucket List, and the Lessons in Between On Labor Day this year I was able to check something off on my bucket list. I walked the Mackinaw Bridge alongside two of my cousins and Chris (and tens of thousands of others). Yes, the bridge moves,...
I wrote a book and self-published three copies. I kept one. Two copies I gave to my daughter Ashley and son-in-law Jeff for their kids to read. (one copy to keep “safe” for later). The twins were babies at the time. The book was personal; it’s about Cassie. It’s 18...
