Hello, It's been well over a year since I spoke these words at my dear friend's memorial. I am at a place now where I can share here. I don't know why but, I wanted to keep it private between only those who knew here and were there to hear it in that very difficult moment of gathering to celebrate her and say goodbye. She is on my mind often, but even more so in the last two weeks. I still miss her, catch myself wanting to reach out to her and smile, sometimes with tears when I see a picture of her, a butterfly, find a note from her or see one of her boys on Social Media.....she is undoubtedly so proud of them!! A butterfly will forever be a sign of the brave 'bighouse', of
my friend taken too soon. I hope this finds you reminded of how we can honor those who have passed, how we can honor their life and their legacy by continuing to show up, connect and care for one another.
Below, is the message I shared at the Celebration and Memorial of our beloved Gina Casa grande Ast in July of 2023.
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Hi Friends, Hello Gina’s beautiful family, her community and coworkers;
It’s still difficult to even fathom that we are all here gathered for this reason isn’t it? My name is Kellie, and Gina and I met in our Junior year in High School when I was a new girl. We remained friends even though I moved away from the valley and then away from California 22 years ago. Gina always made me feel at home, she made so many of us feel that way didn’t she; special and loved.
They say it isn’t the words you say that are remembered, but how you make someone feel that is remembered. Well Gina did a great job at making people feel heard, seen and loved! She was also great with words; and I know so many of you here shared very inspirational communications with her throughout the years. What a gift she left us in all those cards, texts, emails, letters, and notes in books she shared.
We will miss her radiant smile and her hearty eruption of pure joy in her laughter but we can find comfort anytime we need to by calling upon those joyful memories.
Today, we gather to remember and honor a truly beautiful soul, our dear Gina. As we reflect on her life, we are reminded of her love for butterflies, her affection for color, her strong work ethic, her unwavering dedication to encouraging others and being a rock for everyone in her life.
Gina's vibrant spirit will forever be etched in our hearts, just like the delicate wings of a butterfly fluttering through the air. Have you heard of the Butterfly effect? It is a concept in chaos theory, that suggests small , insignificant events can have far reaching and significant consequences; that a seemingly simple flap of a butterfly's wing could set off a chain reaction reaching another part of the world, leading to even a hurricane; we know Gina was a force so this fits right?!. The butterfly effect emphasizes the interconnectedness and sensitivity of complex systems…. We are all interconnected, and as complex as that may be at times, Gina shared in January this message; she said, “this is a reminder to keep in touch and stay connected; not just in hard times”. Gina would appreciate that we take what she did for us, and continue to allow that reaction to reach far beyond this space, this town, and continue to have a profound impact, just like her beloved butterfly.
Butterflies, with their graceful flight, their fight to survive and vibrant colors, can remind us of Gina . They symbolize transformation, growth, and the beauty that can arise from life's challenges. Like a butterfly, Gina embraced change and adapted to the circumstances that came her way. She taught us that life is a journey of constant growth and transformation, and that we don’t have to be afraid to spread our wings and embrace what’s next.
Gina also leaves us with this important reminder. She reminds us that life should not be measured by its length, but rather by its depth. It is not the number of years we spend on this earth that matters, but rather the quality of our relationships, the impact we have in our communities,how we show up for each other and the memories we collect along the way. Gina's life may have been tragically too short for all of us, particularly her beloved family, but it was a life filled with profound depth. It was a life of love, encouragement, and inspiration. That is the invaluable lesson and legacy that Gina leaves behind.
In honor of Gina, let us remember to connect with one another, to be kind and compassionate, and to live each moment to its fullest. Let us strive to build deep and meaningful relationships, to make a positive impact in our communities, to work with integrity and to collect memories that will warm our hearts even in times of sorrow. May we carry Gina's spirit within us, and may her example remind us to live with passion, purpose, and unwavering love.
Gina, dear friend, your time with us was far too short, but the impact you made will resonate within us forever and is far reaching. As you soar with the spirit of a butterfly, know that your beautiful legacy lives on and we will continue to honor your memory. Rest in eternal peace, dear Gina. We will forever love you.
As I went to print this Tuesday night, I looked up at a sign in my office; it’s a sign I had made a few years ago of the tag line I often use in my business; it says “with grace and grit, we got this” Grace and Grit…..that was Gina wasn’t it!?
Finally, I’d like to extend my heartfelt condolences to you Don, Cody, Brendan, Logan, Kelsey, Kendall and Alana…… there isn’t a person in this room that doesn’t know how much Gina loved all of you!!
Thank you.
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