Remembering Ann Caster

I often talk about my antiques show and the vendors who participate. We gather once a year, but stay connected throughout. I've watched their children grow, their dreams unfold, and been there throughout the ups and downs. Like family.

I remember getting to know Ann when she began participating in the show, back when we'd just moved it to Fairfield. I can still see her antiques spaces in my mind, and remember each one and why she'd moved from one to another. I admired her candor and witty personality and loved that her husband Andy was always by her side - one of the many couples I've grown to love over the years.

And I remember when I learned of Ann's battle with cancer and the wave of emotion that I felt that day. I didn't - and still don't - handle these struggles well.

This week I found myself struggling with the loss of Ann. What could I do?

And I was left with the only answer I know. To live my life and be the best I can be. To be thankful for the life and the family that's been given to me.

When I think about Ann, I can see her smile in my mind. The way she wrinkled up her nose and squinted her eyes when she smiled. And when I remember that, it makes me smile too.

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A Funeral Mass will be held in Ann's honor on November 18, at 11am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 3720 East Colbert Road Colbert, WA 99005, with a reception at the church immediately following the service.

Comments

[Fielding Chelf]

A lovely post about a very lovely woman. We will all miss Ann very much.
Fielding & Dianna

[Tina McINtosh]

Thanks for the very timely reminder. We get so caught up in our own lives we forget to live it properly.

[teresa]

She sounds like a lovely women- it's always hard to lose someone we cared for family,friend or just someone who brightens our day- we are all in this together.
When things like this happen it helps me to remember to love life and see good days.

[Gail Jantz]

Thanks for your words...our family will miss Ann so much. She was always sooooo supportive of Hollie and Heidi :-)

[Amy]

So sorry for the loss of your dear friend. Separation from a loved one is never easy. This month of 'Thanksgiving' is a good time to remember our many blessings and give thanks for the wonderful people in our lives now and hereafter. Thank you for your lovely words.

[Marianne Duarte]

Thank you Serena! Such kind words. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her ~ Marianne

[Kristen]

Thank you for posting about Ann. I just found out last evening about her passing away and it really hit me hard as I got to know her at all the shows and visiting with her at her sales north of Spokane. When I would get overwhelmed with trying to sell at shows with the kids, I would remind myself what a strong and dedicated person she was hauling furniture around when she was battling cancer! She will be missed...

Kristen

[Sandy McClay]

I really am sorry for the loss of your friend Ann. I am in this same spot with the loss three months ago of my friend Scott. I also struggle, sometimes daily with what he would want me to do with the rest of my life ( he was only 51) and I have to believe I also need to move forward and be thankful....so thankful for everything and everyone I have in my life! Thank you for this post....it helped reassure me that I am on the right path.....

[Karen]

A lovely post. I lost my sister this past summer at age 45. There are many days when something will cause me think of her and her children living without her that causes me to shed a tear or two. But then there are also times when I think of her and smile. It is ok to be sad.

[Trish]

I must admit, I didn't know Ann. But reading this post has made me think again about how truly important it is to live the life we are given to the fullest. For any day could be our last, & if it was sadly the last...we would do best to have lived that day well. Thanks for the reminder Serena, and my thoughts are with you and those who were close to Ann.