The Casey Feldman Network

Holiday Season Reflections: Looking Back on the Year

Casey with her parents and brother Brett on Christmas 2008.

 

 

It is around this time each year that we gather with our friends, family, and neighbors to show our appreciation and love for each other.  As we continue through this season, we tend to think about those who are longer here to join us in the festivities-- family, friends, neighbors who have left us too soon.  In many ways, the holidays are a celebration of life and love-- and instead of mourning those who have left us, we should give thanks that their lives impacted ours and celebrate their time spent on this earth.

 

 

Please use this space to share your holiday reflections. Do not feel limited to answer a particular question.  Share what is going on in your mind this season. How has Casey impacted the way you treat others in your life-- family, friends, complete strangers?  What things do you find yourself doing differently now, because of Casey?  What did you learn about Casey this past year that you didn't know before?  What do you miss most about Casey-- the reasons you love her and now celebrate her life?
The pink tree outside of the Feldman home, a holiday tribute to Casey.

Tags: Casey, Christmas, Holidays, family, love, reflection

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Permalink Reply by Rachael Ceffaratti on December 19, 2010 at 1:58pm

Because of Casey I have learned not to take things for granted and to be thankful for everything God has given to me.  All that we have in life comes from Him.  This Christmas I have decided, instead of buying Christmas presents,  to give more to those in need.  I gave food to some people who are unemployed, gift cards to those who are sick, blankets and food to the homeless.  I have all I need.  I have someone who loves me more than anyone else and his name is Jesus.  I have loving and caring  children, a wonderful church family, good friends, a warm house, clothing and food.  I learned so many special things about Casey.  She truly touched the hearts of all who knew her and even those who never met her.  God Bless You Casey.  You are loved.  Aunt Rachael

Permalink Reply by Marcy Seminoff on December 19, 2010 at 3:33pm

Casey remains larger than life for me, and larger than the pain and trauma of our family losing her.The latter is still so poignant, and perhaps always will be, but I want her legacy to be at least as strong. I am a grown-up now, or closer to one, in that I step back and try to see the bigger picture. I try to think ahead to how my actions will impact others. I extend empathy more often and I am slower to judge others. I take less things for granted. Casey has taught me it is not about me.  I push past human shortcomings, my own and those I love, drawing on Casey's moxie to love and connect with them anyway. Each time someone I love leaves this earth, I realize that love is all we have. I am also more aware of how powerless I am, that I am not in charge, deepening my faith in a higher power. Grief is a personal journey, and I am curious about how much Casey has to teach me throughout the years. She will be with our family through every event, milestone and passage, no doubt.

Permalink Reply by Linda A. Burns on December 26, 2010 at 11:54am
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Casey, I felt honored to learn about her at the time of her passing, to celebrate her life and to continue to be a part of her extended family.  As I said before many times to many different people, I can't think of one single event in my life that has had as powerful an impact...and I am one that does not take things for granted.  I continue and will continue to feel Casey's spirit as I did so strongly leaving her service that day and will allow her spirit to complement mine and flow through me as I reach out to those who I interact with...at times those who go through life judging and becoming stuck and refusing to live in the moment as well as living every moment.  Perhaps a small piece of Casey will live on in all of us and....as we've all heard a million times and I'm a firm believer of...be the change we want to see in the world.
Permalink Reply by ALICE VROOME on December 29, 2010 at 1:10am
  ...not really knowing Casey well before she died ( only knowing her through her parents) I feel i have become better aquainted with her beautiful spirit through her family, friends, and this remarkable web site. I think of her so often and try to continue what she emulated in her short life... that of a loving, compassionate and involved person who tried to make this world a better place through small acts of kindness.... I thank Joel and Dianne for sharing their journey with us that we all may grow as a result of Casey's presence here on earth and Casey's many lessons that have been passed along in her memory. I feel she is so much alive as a result  of Joel and Dianne's efforts and that we all are better for it!  She truly IS larger than Life as Marcy stated, and now is working on a much bigger stage, shining her beautiful light upon us. She continues to be so present and make a difference in this world ( an angel amoung us) ....Thank you Joel and Dianne for celebrating this remarkable young woman, for having the strength and courage to do so much good in spite of the loss you've experienced, and to exemplify hope, love, and the strength of family.  Casey is so proud!!!   Wishing you, Brett, and all your family the peace and joy of this holiday season. With much love, xxoo

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