My first encounter, a very pretty, smiling young woman sitting on a chair at the Casey Homestead twenty-one years ago.  My parents had the family come over to meet Shawn’s girlfriend, Lorie Lyttle.  I was excited to meet her.  I approached Lorie with a bouquet of flowers and opened my arms for a hug while she was beaming with that beautiful smile.  As we hugged, she instantly started to chat.  We chatted on and off most of the day and a friendship began.  I instantly knew we would forever be connected.  The following year she brought Erin into the world and was the most amazing mother to her.  The love that she had for Erin was so genuine and contagious.  I remember talking with Lorie about my pregnancy and my hopes and dreams.  These sentences stood out the most to me.  Lorie said, “Lisa, your baby will change your life forever, be ready to feel the most amazing love where it takes your breath away.  No matter what happens, you will do whatever is needed for your child”.  Fast forward twenty years, how true that statement was.  I witnessed firsthand all the beautiful things she did for her daughter, no matter what, she made sure Erin was taken care of.    She really had a heart of gold.  When Erin’s grandfather passed Lorie was so supportive to Erin and the extended family.  She raced over to the Casey’s Homestead with all sorts of items, it was overwhelming.  That was the type of person Lorie was full of giving and always trying to make the other person feel important.  I will miss hearing from her from time to time and seeing her Facebook postings, Lorie was a true animal lover and loved to share new food creations. 

Thank you Lorie for all your love through the years.  I will be here for Erin and do the best I can to help her through this everlasting change in her life.  I will think of you every time I see one of these signs, as one of your Facebook postings on July 19th  read:

5 signs from heaven:

White feather: the angels are with you and surrounding you right now.

Brown-black Feather: your angels are sending you love and support.

Butterfly:  Someone in heaven you are missing is free of their pain.

Robin: a loved one in heaven wants to remind you of your strength.

Rainbow:  a promise your loved ones will never leave you.

I will miss you, rest in peace Lorie.  

Love you, Lisa Casey