Cailey, who had been living with stage four metastatic breast cancer for the past two and a half years, passed away on August 30, 2013. Cailey and I (her husband, Kill) had been told by her oncologist on August 9th that her liver was failing and that she only had a few weeks of life left. After that day Cailey and I strived to fill our remaining days together with as much love, life, and fun as we possibly could. We took bike rides along the banks of the Bow River in Calgary, we walked in the community of Kensington and drank tea, we sat together and we laughed. Amidst all of that we also threw a wedding in the beautiful community of Hills, BC.
Cailey was the most genuine, loving, and caring person I have ever known. I can't help but feel that the world is a sadder place without her in it, but then I think about all of the things that Cailey has taught me over the years. She taught me to be kind to myself, but more importantly she taught me to be kind to others. She showed me that when I make sure to meet the needs of others they will in turn help me meet my needs too.
Cailey's goal in life was to find happiness each day, and although some days seemed more difficult than others, she would always find a way to do something for herself to be happy. Sometimes this just meant sitting and drinking a cup of her favourite tea or listening to her favourite song, but most of the time it meant connecting with the people in her life that meant the most to her. At a sad time like this, Cailey would have desired for everyone to take a portion of their day to be with the people they most cherish. Sit with them, laugh with them, be with them. And although Cailey's passing is tough to bear she left me with a simple statement:
"I loved you all so very much. Please miss me but don't focus on my dying because you'll do me a disservice :)"
Cailey's life was full of love, and when she passed away she was able to leave having experienced so much in her short time. She had travelled the world, she had turned her passion of teaching young people into an enriching career, and luckily for both of us she had met someone whom she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. It is rare to have had such a short but rich life. It was an honour to have been a part of it with her as it is an honour to be writing this letter to you all now.
I love you and I miss you Cailey.
Kill
28 comments:
Thank you for sharing this Rory....Cailey would be honored. You were the love of her life and like you, we will miss her dearly. The beautiful memories will keep us from doing her a disservice. She is indeed a true Angel!
With Love, Kitty's Dad.
Beautifully expressed Kill! Cailey would have been proud of your writing about her passing, but mostly was so nurtured by the wonderful man you have been though all of your time together. Your dedication to Cailey was remarkable as was the depth of your relationship and I could not hope for more in a son-in-law. Cailey’s life was so full of love, and she filled us all with so much of it. She taught us by her example of living and being happy and I hope to honor her memory by doing both well. Cailey smiled through everything, saw the humor in most things, and always made sure everyone else was ok. I will always love you and miss you beyond words Cailey and I feel very fortunate that I have been allowed the privilege of being your Mom and your friend.
xoxo
Sincere condolences from the Heinz family.
Old soul...forever young. Let's all be more like Cailey.
Sending love to all.
xoxo Aunty SuSu
Beautiful, Kill. Cailey taught us all so much. I will miss her for the rest of my days, but remain forever grateful for having spent at least some of my days with her. My life is better for it.
I just read this blog, after seeing the obituary in the paper. Having lost my parents, 2 sisters and 3 brothers to cancer, I am always saddened to see it take another. I would say you are all blessed to have been part of her life. My deepest sympathies.
Please find a way to share this on a larger scale, everyone can learn something from this amazing young woman.
I saw her picture in the Calgary obituaries and came over to read more. What a beautiful woman, inside and out. My condolences.
I was one of her students. I had no idea that she passed away. I'm so sorry for her loss, and I hope she rests in peace. I'll remember what you taught me, thank you so much!
I didnt know her. I got her cause a friend used to be her student. But im sure she was a wonderful person, for what ive heard of her. Please hold on to this words: "the hour is coming in which all thouse in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurection of life" (John 5:28,29). Im sure Cailey was one who did good things :)
Though I did not know her as anything more than my French teacher. I do know that Madame Renaud was always smiling and brought so much energy and passion towards life. She will be deeply missed by all and I am honoured to have been a student of a woman with such an amazing and inspiring fight.
She was the best teacher ever.
She was an amazing teacher, and is beautiful inside and out. Madame Renaud tought me wrestling and I will never forget the smile she always had. She will be deeply missed
She will be missed. She was the one to stir my passion for French. Love you ms. R
Mrs. Renaud was my french teacher and wrestling coach. An amazing human being, and someone that always wore a smile on her face. May she rest in peace. If there is a heaven, she belongs in it.
Always smiling as my French teacher in Jr. High. Made wrestling fun and encouraged me when it mattered the most. RIP Ms. Renaud, you're in heaven now.
Mlle Renaud was one of the most inspiring, joyful and incredible teachers I've ever had. She is the reason I had a love for French and I owe it to her for convincing me to continue taking it. I hope that she will forever rest in paradise. Love you Mlle R.
Great teacher, great coach RIP
She was an amazing person... was always smiling... Best teacher ever... RIP
As one of her students, I will always remember her for the passion and joy she brought into the class. One of my favourite and most memorable teachers. She also played the Xbox!!!
I am glad to be one of the privileged students taught by Ms. Renaud and my fellow classmates and I will remember her for the amazing, lively and always smiling person that she was. She will forever remain in our hearts!
WE LOVE YOU MS. RENAUD!!!!
AWESOME teacher I had. wonderful
Someone told me about this remarkable blog. I work in cancer research, and I can only hope that something I do will in some way can make a positive difference in the lives of those who are affected this terrible disease. What a lovely young woman, and how much poorer the world is with her passing. And what a brave young husband. Thank you for sharing, and inspiring.
It is difficult to find words to express the profound sense of loss that Cailey’s passing has brought to so many people.
My son Andrew and I had the privilege of spending some time with Cailey last year when we visited Calgary. Although she was over a year into her battle, Cailey never let it show. We shared a cup of tea, talked about her hopes to return to teaching and her plans to marry the love of her life. I will never forget the sheer joy she radiated; particularly when she was playing Super Mario with the boys :)
For those who followed Cailey’s blog, you know she was truly “living” with cancer. I’m sure Cailey’s strength and determination was an inspiration to countless others.
Our sincere condolences to Cailey’s family and friends; she will be missed but never forgotten.
Carol Crowe and family
Madame Renaud will be honoured! It was such a blessing to know someone like her, even if she taught someone or not. Condolences and deepest sympathy to family and friends through this time.
Cailey had a kind heart and a loving nature. In the short time I knew her she never ceased to amaze me with her courage and her humor. I will miss her.
It has been five months since our beautiful Case passed. Not a day or minute goes by where she is not thought of or loved and missed.
I was blessed to have her in my life and enjoy the love and joy she brought to our son.
Case, you brightened my life, taught me what courage really means and lit up any room you walked into. I miss hearing you say "Hey guys".
Your passion for life, your ability to know the right thing to say, your love for adventure, your understated sense of humour, your graciousness in all things....these were the essence of you.
Sweet girl... you graced us with your presence and allowed us to be part of your life.
Thank you
I miss you Case ...always and forever
Mama Kill
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