I thought I would tell the story of how we met because to me,
it’s one of the best examples of Cassandra’s personality. Cassandra and I met
after high school in 2003 when we had both entered flight school to become
pilots. Along with the many flight classes we had to take we also had general
elective classes just like any college major. So we had a bright and early 7:30
am English class.
Now, if she was telling you the story this is the part where
she would tell you that after getting out of her car she slipped and fell into
a mud puddle in the parking lot. So for her, the first day of college wasn’t
going all that well. But to be honest with all of you, I never noticed the mud.
She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen and she just so happened to
walk into my English class. I remember that I was sitting near the front of the
class and Cassandra sat behind me near the middle. The professor wanted our
small class of about 20 to introduce ourselves since it was the first day.
To give a little back
story to myself at the time, I was lucky enough to start flying lessons just
before my 16th birthday. I was pretty proud of that fact and by the
time I went to flight school I was way ahead of most of the students. So when I
see a chance to impress the gorgeous girl who just walked in I took it. When it
was my turn to introduce myself I stood up and said “Hi, my name is Eric. I am
from Monett Missouri and I’m a pilot
and I am here to complete my training and become a professional pilot.” And to
finish it off, I’m not so sure I didn’t toss a wink and a single gun her way
just for added affect.
The professor exclaimed “Wow, I don’t think I have had a
pilot before, how exciting!” in my head I reclined in my chair cool as a
cucumber and watched the women fawn over me, including Cassandra, as I’m sure I
said “I know, it IS exciting.” Little did I know at the time that someone had
told Cassandra that women couldn’t be good pilots. So for her, an arrogant guy
standing up and bragging about it probably didn’t sit well with her.
I couldn’t wait for Cassandra to introduce herself. I wanted
to know her name. After most of the class went Cassandra finally stood up. She
smiled at me as she started to speak “Hi, my name is Cassie, I am from
Springdale, AR and I am also training to become a pilot. I’m just not so cocky
about it.”
That was Cassandra, there was nobody like her. She had the
perfect mix of stubbornness and drive that made anything possible for her. A
couple of days before Cassandra passed I was sitting next to her bed. She could
still talk at this point but most of the time she didn’t recognize me or her
family. She was laying there and I was holding her hand and suddenly she opened
her eyes and looked at me and said “Hey, don’t get any ideas, I am married to a
great guy.” I told her I wouldn’t think of it. She then started to hold my hand
like we were going to arm wrestle. I asked her “are we going to arm wrestle? I
think you are stronger than me.” She smiled at me and said “I am strong because
I have to be, see, I have cancer and if I am not strong I don’t get to see my
Elliot or my husband.” She fought every day to see the ones she loved. It was a
battle every day and she did it smiling. So, in the end she went quickly
because she had given everything. I know now that all of us have to be strong
and go on without her. For me, I have to go on and raise my son the way she
would have wanted. In true Cassandra form her final wishes are a pretty short
and concise list of dos and don’ts. However, her Christmas list that details
everything she did for Elliot is 2 pages long. I have some impossibly big shoes
to fill without her here but I know I have the support of my and her family.
Ill finish up by quoting Cassandra from one of her writings on her blog. “Today
is for processing, tomorrow is for getting things done.” And it really is for
getting things done because I have a 2 page list of Christmas preparations to
start knocking out.
Eric that is a great story and so telling of Cassandra's spirit and personality. She touched many lives more than she will ever know. This blog has been a amazing testimony to her and you also. Many prayers for you and all of your family
ReplyDeleteEric,
ReplyDeleteMy deepest sympathy to you. I knew Cassie when she was a child and even at a young age she was very spirited and strong willed. I've followed this blog and I believe that the information that you and Cassie shared will be a wonderful source of information for other families facing similar challenges. Thank you for loving our sweet Cassie (I--- she was never Cassandra to me, always Cassie). I'm sure that Cassie picked the right man to entrust with raising her son. Your love and support for her is evident. God be with you as you carry on with the work that the two of you began together.
Eric,
ReplyDeleteI truly enjoyed your part of the service last Friday. I was lucky enough to know Cassie when she was a teenager and can attest to her never wanting to be quiet. Try to get a teenage Cassie to be quiet while praying for the teen group...impossible. LOL! I have gone back and read the posts on this blog as I wasn't up to date on all the events. I want to say your strength and courage, as well as her fight, are a definite inspiration to us all. I will continue to pray for your family.
I cry as I read this (probably) final blog. Eric, I've never met you, but I admire the courage, strength, and support that you've shown during the past two years and even now as you continue without your beautiful Cassie. Thanks for sharing with us. You and Elliott will continue to be in my prayers. Edna
ReplyDelete