Oh my. I'm only just now getting caught up on email and correspondence after some health issues. (Nothing like Casey's.) Part of that is getting caught up on your columns. You have done Casey such a great honor by sharing her memory and her verve with the world. Thank you for this. I always love your columns, but this one is so special. It made me cry, and that's no easy feat. Much love and peace for Casey and her loved ones.
I shared this column with a friend who was Casey's Creative writing teacher and mentor on the school literary magazine in high school. He was very moved, and grateful to read it. (They had stayed in touch over the years.)
Thank you. Ovarian cancer is particularly insidious. We lose women far too young (as Casey’s story illustrates). My partner Linda was only 50. We do service to all of us by knowing the earlier symptoms of Ovarian and pushing back if doctors tell us “it’s all in our heads.” Being a health self-advocate and supporter saves lives. And any doctor who dismisses concerns needs to be replaced immediately.
I’ve only now had the chance to read this essay. My deep condolences to Casey’s husband, daughter, family, you, and others who knew and loved her. What a phenomenal spirit and bright light of a woman! I know the loss of a loved one to ovarian cancer (my partner of 20 years). As you have, I think we do best to remember them for how they so fully, joyfully lived their lives. When I get copies of your book (for my great niece and nephew) knowing Casey’s influence on its creation will make it that much more precious. I just made a donation to Casey’s memorial fund.
O mei, so beautiful and so sad, so happy and so heartbreaking. Thank you for celebrating Casey (and making strangers cry about her loss) and for creating Lola. They both will for ever belong together.
And yes, in the end it will need the courage of a little girl to take down the emperor 😈. Go Lola, go! We need you so.
Awesome piece of work CS, and bittersweet share of your life; how dreadful fate works out sometimes. I find this ever truer as I get older. Thanks for sharing your life and skills so freely.
I remember seeing her post on social media a few months ago. I have tears streaming reading about her final months. How beautiful and inspiring that she thought to raise money to eliminate the medical debt of others when she was fighting what must have been a terrifying battle.
One of the best things about really good writers--REALLY good writers--is their ability to tear one's gutz out after walking one down a wonderful path filled with light and joy.
Somehow, I feel as if each reader now knows, too, how each writer has editors they can’t write without... it’s a curious relationship. As you said, it’s part cheerleader, part “Sr. Mary Reminder that you are behind in your work!” In tears, thank you.
Oh my gosh. I didn’t see that coming. I am so sorry... and Casey’s letter at her end of time. She knew how much people loved her. That is a very healing thing to say.
Oh my. I'm only just now getting caught up on email and correspondence after some health issues. (Nothing like Casey's.) Part of that is getting caught up on your columns. You have done Casey such a great honor by sharing her memory and her verve with the world. Thank you for this. I always love your columns, but this one is so special. It made me cry, and that's no easy feat. Much love and peace for Casey and her loved ones.
I shared this column with a friend who was Casey's Creative writing teacher and mentor on the school literary magazine in high school. He was very moved, and grateful to read it. (They had stayed in touch over the years.)
Wow...just wow. Connie, your writing always touches my heart. Thank you for telling us about Casey...may she rest in peace and love.
I’m not crying, you’re crying. You are the best Connie Schultz!
Casey would love this tribute! It has an arc like the best of all stories!!
Thank you for sharing a story that must have been painful to write. With her passing comes the birth of a story where Casey will live on.
Thank you. Ovarian cancer is particularly insidious. We lose women far too young (as Casey’s story illustrates). My partner Linda was only 50. We do service to all of us by knowing the earlier symptoms of Ovarian and pushing back if doctors tell us “it’s all in our heads.” Being a health self-advocate and supporter saves lives. And any doctor who dismisses concerns needs to be replaced immediately.
I’ve only now had the chance to read this essay. My deep condolences to Casey’s husband, daughter, family, you, and others who knew and loved her. What a phenomenal spirit and bright light of a woman! I know the loss of a loved one to ovarian cancer (my partner of 20 years). As you have, I think we do best to remember them for how they so fully, joyfully lived their lives. When I get copies of your book (for my great niece and nephew) knowing Casey’s influence on its creation will make it that much more precious. I just made a donation to Casey’s memorial fund.
So kind of you, Carolynn. Thank you. I’m sorry you lost your partner to that horrible disease.
O mei, so beautiful and so sad, so happy and so heartbreaking. Thank you for celebrating Casey (and making strangers cry about her loss) and for creating Lola. They both will for ever belong together.
And yes, in the end it will need the courage of a little girl to take down the emperor 😈. Go Lola, go! We need you so.
Awesome piece of work CS, and bittersweet share of your life; how dreadful fate works out sometimes. I find this ever truer as I get older. Thanks for sharing your life and skills so freely.
I remember seeing her post on social media a few months ago. I have tears streaming reading about her final months. How beautiful and inspiring that she thought to raise money to eliminate the medical debt of others when she was fighting what must have been a terrifying battle.
Dang, I am sobbing.
This beautiful. I had read about Casey before, her plan to reduce medical debt. Grace should know how special her Mom was. May she rest in peace!
One of the best things about really good writers--REALLY good writers--is their ability to tear one's gutz out after walking one down a wonderful path filled with light and joy.
Oh, one surely did not need that ending...
Somehow, I feel as if each reader now knows, too, how each writer has editors they can’t write without... it’s a curious relationship. As you said, it’s part cheerleader, part “Sr. Mary Reminder that you are behind in your work!” In tears, thank you.
Oh my gosh. I didn’t see that coming. I am so sorry... and Casey’s letter at her end of time. She knew how much people loved her. That is a very healing thing to say.