Video - Letter to Dearest Brother

Video - Letter to Dearest Brother

Video - Eulogy by Aaron

Video - Fearless Cassidy - Eulogy by Aaron

Letter to My Dearest Brother

My dearest brother,

Thank you Lord, for having blessed me with an incredible brother.

I’ve enjoyed every moment we spent together, growing up together, fighting for Internet access and the iPad. I treasured the moments where we fought for the last piece of lobster on the dinner plate, or even the last piece of cooked garlic.

My dearest brother, I am sorry for having taken everyone’s attention away from you since my 7th birthday when I was diagnosed with cancer on my left leg. While I was adjusting after my amputation, you took care of me, carried me and helped me up and down the stairs.
Sorry, my dear brother, that seven years after my amputation, the cancer came back. God has his own plans for us, but I want you to know that you are always my beloved “boring” brother. I wish I can run around in the playground…bothering you…and I wish to be able to see you graduate from college.

My dear brother, instead of spending hours on the Internet, go outside and look at the world that our God has created. I know you love winter, which is perfect because we have long winters in Ontario. Find some winter activities. And although you don’t like summer, put on a pair of sunglasses, lots of sunblock and go outside to breathe and feel the summer breeze. Pursue your dreams, your love of music, continue to play piano.

I know you will be fine.

With all my love,
Cassidy

Cass, we love you so so so much too!

Cassidy's Good Bye video.

"When Tomorrow Starts Without Me" by David M. Romano  
 
When tomorrow starts without me
And I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me.
 
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things
We didn't get to say.
 
I know how much you love me
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me
I know you'll miss me too.
 
But when tomorrow starts without me
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name
And took me by the hand.
 
And said my place was ready
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
 
But as I turned to walk away,
a tear fell from my eye.
For all of life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for, so much yet to do.
It seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterday's, the good ones and the bad...
I thought of all the love we shared.
If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while,
I'd say goodbye, then kiss you till I saw that special smile...
 
But when I walked through heaven's gates
I felt so much at home,
When God looked down and smiled at me
From His great golden throne.
 
He said "This is eternity
And all I've promised you",
Today for life on earth is past
But here it starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow
For today will always last,
And since each day's the same way
There's no longing for the past.
 
So when tomorrow starts without me
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me
I'm right here in your heart.

Video of Fearless Cassidy

The video of Baptism and Testimony that's shown during the funeral service on January 17, 2015.

Thank you card from the family

On behalf of the Sheng family, we would like to express our thankfulness to everyone! We are touched and overwhelmed with the support we have received. A tremendous amount of people came out to bid their last farewell to Cassidy at her memorial service.

With Cassidy's Prayer

Forever Fearless! See you in eternity...

"When a stone is dropped into a lake,

it quickly disappears from sight - but its impact leaves behind.

A series of ripples that broaden and reach across the water.

In the same way, the impact of one life lived for Christ will

leave behind an influence for good that will reach the loves of many others."                                 

 

~Roy Lessin

In loving memory of Cassidy...

"Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow
but remember me in every tomorrow

Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles
I've only gone to rest a little while

Although my leaving causes pain and grief
my going has given me relief

So dry your eyes and remember me
not as I am now, but as I used to be

I will remember you all and look on with a smile
Understand, in your hearts
I've only gone to rest a little while

As long as I have the love of each of you
I can live my life in the hearts of all of you"

Cassidy's definition of "fearless"

Please support us and help us to continue Cassidy's story and dream!

http://www.youcaring.com/fearlesscassidy

Canadian Paralympic Committee mourns the loss of Cassidy Sheng

http://paralympic.ca/news-and-events/news/canadian-paralympic-committee-mourns-the-loss-of-cassidy-sheng

Forever Fearless

Many of you have read this, either online or from the paper, already. Here is the link in case you have missed it:

Fearless Cassidy deeply inspired and touched each and everyone who she met or read her story. She cherished every moment she had and she strived to be the best she can be everyday. In times of despair, she always found the silver lining and made the best of any situation. She had a big dream of becoming a Paralympic swimmer, and to inspire others to triumph over adversities like she did. She was a loving sister, daughter, cousin, niece and friend, and cared more about the ones she loved than herself.
Mike Strobel's article regarding Cassidy's passing
http://www.torontosun.com/2015/01/11/forever-fearless

Forever Fearless! Cassidy, we miss you!

Memorial Service details for Cassidy

Memorial Service of Cassidy Sheng

Please join us in a memorial service to celebrate Cassidy’s life.

Service Address: 

Chapel Ridge Funeral Home

8911 Woodbine Ave, Markham, ON, L3R 5G1

Visitation:

Friday,  January 16, 2015- 5pm-8pm

Saturday, January 17, 2015- 10am- 11am

Funeral Service:

Saturday, January 17, 2015- 11am

It is Cassidy’s wish to have all of her family and friends attend her memorial service dressed in dark colours with accessories in the colours of pink or purple. 

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask you to consider donating to:

http://www.youcaring.com/fearlesscassidy

The Fearless Cassidy Fund

The Fearless Cassidy Fund

Fearless Cassidy deeply inspired and touched each and everyone who she met or read her story. She cherished every moment she had and she strived to be the best she can be everyday. In times of despair, she always found the silver lining and made the best of any situation. She had a big dream of becoming a Paralympic swimmer, and to inspire others to triumph over adversities like she did. She was a loving sister, daughter, cousin, niece and friend, and cared more about the ones she loved than herself.

Even during her last breaths, Cassidy was more concerned about her family’s well-being and future than herself.  Her last wish was hoping her family would be taken cared of. She also told her family that she wanted to leave something in the world for all to remember her by. 

A memorial fund has been set up in remembrance of Cassidy on behalf of the Sheng family.  The fund will be used to help offset Cassidy’s funeral costs in order to extend a hand to the Sheng family during this difficult time.  All remaining donations will be set up as a fund in Cassidy’s name to be used to help other athletes just like Cassidy to support their participation in Para-sports.

On behalf of the Sheng family, we extend our most sincere thank you for your support throughout Cassidy's journey and during this time of grief.

Please click on the Donate button below to make a contribution to the Fearless Cassidy Fund.
Any amount is greatly appreciated. 

You may also donate through the following link:

https://www.youcaring.com/fearlesscassidy

Rest in eternal peace

Cassidy said farewell to us this early morning at 4:45 a.m. We prayed over her as she passed, along with Rob Gin and Shawn Fraser, who spent the night with us. Soon after, we were joined by Emily's House's nurses and the chaplain Jonathan, as well as Rev. Kwong and our other family members and close friends.

Cassidy passed away in peace and comfort as far as we could see. Her breaths slowed very suddenly, but she did not appear in any discomfort or pain at all during this time. We prayed over her from the moment we noticed her breath slowing until those breaths ceased. We believe, as she believed, her faith is now vindicated. She chose to trust and serve The Lord her God, and now she is with Him in eternal peace.

We wish to extend thanks that have meaning no words shall ever quantify. You visited, sent gifts, made food, comforted, prayed, provided in many ways, endured long nights - there is so much more we could say of what you did for Cassidy and the family.

We have reached journey's end. Though we will never know the full picture of God's plan in her life while we remain on Earth, we trust that He has done as His good will has pleased, and borne great fruit from the seeds of her life.

Rest in peace, Cassidy.

Please continue to pray for Andy, Carmen and Aaron.

Sharing by Rob

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Your works are wonderful,

I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14) 

“To the one who comes near me, I will show myself holy; Before all the people, I will show my glory” (Leviticus 10:3) 

God gives us messages in different ways – you are one of them Cass. When you shared your baptism testimony it reminded me that everything God created is wonderful and beautiful – it’s his glory; it’s glorious! And that’s what the glory of God means – the beauty & perfection of God shown in all that is created by Him who doesn’t make anything worthless. This is something that’s probably hard to see at times, but this display of beauty has been seen particularly this week, especially when I chose to stop and reflect through a lens of hope and love versus anger and bitterness. 


* ‘Herp…herp…herp’ is the sound of Cass’ current breathing (At the time of this blog entry, Cass is still with us enjoying every breath with God and friends). Short and shallow breaths - difficult to hear & see. But sitting by her bedside – watching & listening – you can notice her resting peacefully. As if to savor every last breath she has. As if to tell us, ‘life is short and bad; remember to stop & celebrate every moment God gives’. 

* Cass has enjoyed when she gets massages and rotations to her arms – not just one, but both arms (something she likes to remind us of). At times, some of us did the motion incorrectly causing slight discomfort. But when together and paying attention to her body’s response, it becomes a beautiful dance with Cass – celebrating one of life’s glorious moments together. As if she’s telling us that, like dancing, to choose selflessness over selfishness because dancing is more fun & flows nicely together, even when both people are different size and strength. Thanks Cass for teaching us the glorious beauty to life’s dance. 

* ‘Fearless continued’. It’s been hard for Cass to communicate to us, and every time it seems draining to just nod her head in response to questions. In spite of this, Cass has asked her family to continue spreading her message of ‘fearless’ to the world. A beautiful request from a beautiful heart. She communicated she wants to leave something bigger in this world. No doubt she has already left a big impact on each person that knows her and her story. Part of her legacy is to be hope-givers because just like love…hope also wins.

Fearless - Love Wins

From FB posting of Opus Gi, who's been at Emily's accompanying the family this week

“Fearless” 

It’s now approaching to 72 hours mark since Cass had said her love and farewell to her family. I am in awe of what’s been happening to this young, cheerful teen, loving sister and student of mine is running in her cancer journey 7 years to this moment. Cass, you are doing your very best, with all your strength to keep going.

Cassidy’s definition of the word “Fearless” is “to be determined and don’t ever give up”. (Dec.21/2014 on her blog) Cass, being here with your family by your bedside these past 3 nights, you are a trooper and brave fighter! God is still doing amazing thing to make you shine in this world. The word “fearless” to Cassidy also means "is not be afraid for The Lord is with us and not against us and “I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14.

Cass, what an inspiration you are to so many of us. People all over the world is still praying for you. Love wins!

Love wins! Cassidy said goodbye

(A message from around midnight, January 7, 2015.)

Cass said good bye to all of us last midnight. She said sorry to all of us that she needed to go very soon. She said many many times that "I love you" to all of us. She has been breathing with great difficulty since last night and the doctor got one more pump to put her to sleep and make her more comfortable....her body is shutting down! She is not able to eat, or talk with us anymore but will do some simple responses to our questions. The doctor said it could be anytime to any day in the next few days. Family and friends came to say farewell! I didn't get the chance to ask her how she would like people to remember her while she was still able to talk. Now I am thinking how Cass would like people to remember her......I kept telling Cass that mommy knew her so well & I knew what she liked and wanted. Do I?

Rob said: "love wins". In Junior worship we talked about athletes running races and there's some award at the end - trophy, medal, medallion. The race that Followers of Christ run is one that entirely is about love. God loves us and we in turn show that same love to the rest of the world. Aaron said earlier that Cass showed huge gratefulness during a time of bitterness. So love wins. In Hebrews, it talks of fighting the good fight and finishing the race. Cass, you fought a good fight because you showed us that love does win. You chose to love. Thank you Cass.'

(We are now all at Cass's bedside together with the E Es and Rob and Rebecca)

Cassidy's update

Cass has been breathing with great difficulty since last night. It is apparent that she might not be able to hold on for any longer. In fact, she had spoken farewell to us last midnight.‎ Many many "I love you" to all of us!

The extended families are here to say farewell to her.

Please help pray for her comfort and pray to God that His peace be with her.

Cassidy...

Dear All,

Please pray hard for Cassidy and her family! 

May God take away any pain of Cass! May the peace and comfort of God be with the family! 

We trust that God's timing is the best.

Blessings!

A Song to Share

Video from YouTube

Just want to share this song here! Cass and family have been praying hard for God's merciful hand and healing.....we couldn't find the answers!
I am so touched by the song and with the lyric.....

"What if my greatest disappointments,
Or the aching of this life,
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy.
What if trials of this life,
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise?"

BLESSINGS
We pray for blessings, we pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
And all the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel you near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if each promise from Your Word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win, we know
That pain reminds this hearts,
That this is not, this is not our home.....
It's not our home

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?

What if my greatest disappointments,
Or the aching of this life,
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy.
What if trials of this life,
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise?

Happy New Year!

December 31, 2014.

Sending my heartfelt wishes to all my friends and family. 

“Happy New Year” to you all. I wish you all a safe and blessed 2015.

I know that I would never have been strong enough to endure such difficulties one after another. However, Cass shows us how to be thankful for every little thing and to never give up and always hope. She did a finger painting with Bee EE's help even though she could hardly move and feel with her fingers. She was very happy she was able to do this on the last day of the year. I can say farewell to 2014 as well, and look forward in hope to 2015. We are thankful because of the grace of God and the support from the loving people around us.

At this moment, I would like to sincerely thank you for the care and love that you have been showing us in the past and, at this moment, I would ask for your continual prayers in 2015, and the time to come. 

May we all experience God’s grace and harmony in His love, and may you have a blessed 2015.

"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40:31