In Memory of Jessica Cadieux

For those of you who did not know her, she was a daughter, a niece, and a cousin to many including me.. but growing up she was more like my sister. Jessica was born with muscular dystrophy and was also mentally challenged. Her mother passed away when Jessica was only nine years old, but got by from the love and care from her grandparents and close family. I have so many great memories with her that I will hold close to my heart forever... Piano lessons with Harriett, Pretending to be sister aliens at my mom's birthday party, dancing in grandma's living room for hours to The Spice Girls. She was someone who could always put a smile on my face and she never failed to make me feel like the funniest person alive, her laugh was so contagious! When I was sad, she would be there to give me a hug and figure out something else to do to keep my mind off of things. I will always remember all the fun times I shared with her at The MDA events, the boat rides, the dances, all of them such great and humbling experiences.

She was kind and she loved everyone, she always wanted to help, always lending a hand (except when it came to cleaning her room! Haha!) She could be feisty, but always sweet in the end and you could always feel the love.

She passed away this afternoon at the age of 23, and when I found out, I must say I was quite a mess. So many things ran through my head, I wished that I could have talked to her even to just say hello, but then I remembered all those little memories that I shared with her, things that I will remember that nobody else will and though I am still sad, I know she is in a better place now and she will always be a part of my life.

I love you and will miss you forever

-Courtney the alien. 

Here are some photos I have taken of her a few years back, Also a video she helped me and a friend make when we were in high school. I think that the video represents her amazingly with her laugh and her smile.