Dear Jill, Please welcome Jason to your heavenly palace and hold his hand as heaven has another friend of yours and ours taken too soon.

Wasn't sure what to do on Saturday.......really couldn't believe that it's been a year. Decided to make it up North and spend the weekend with Previs, Sam and Harper. Saturday we did SMC - then drove by all of our old houses in Burlington on Saturday and we spent the day and the night telling the same stories that so many of you were a part of. I miss those days, and I truly miss their smiling faces and think about how lucky anyone was to have spent time with them. Lots of love to you all. -Zach

We were all in a big circle today, and they were in the middle......

I miss you Casey Family and I’m always thinking of you. Although a sad day, I always smile when I think you guys, and our memories. You will forever bring goodness and inspiration to my family and me.

I would like to share with you all that today, on this most memorable day, we were given the ultimate gift of life for our baby girl, Georgia Anne. For those of you who may not have known, Patrick and I had a baby girl born Jan 14th, 2011 with a severe congenital heart defect. At 5 days of age, she was operated on, however the surgery was not as successful as we had hoped and we were given the last and final option for her to live. A full heart transplant was her best hope for life. This was agonizing news, as we knew that a heart transplant for a 7lb infant would be extremely rare. We were told that Georgia may have to wait on the heart transplant list for months and months and we were unsure of how her current heart would withstand this wait... Well our prayers were answered in the early morning hours.. a heart became available today for our baby girl! And not just any heart, but a "perfect match" (same size, same blood type). I would be remiss if I didn't mention to you all-- my friends, Jillian and Mike's family-- that I strongly feel that this gift of life had a lot to do with my friends up above in heaven, watching over me, answering my prayers. I'm crying just thinking about it now. How unbelievably beautiful. I will always remember this day forever. Jillian, Mike and their two babies will forever be a part of my daughter's spirit. She is being operated on now, as I write this. I'm going to ask Jillian to watch over her operation and hope that our little fighter makes it through. All my love to you all~ Megan

I used to fancy myself as being a writer back in the day, but there are no words to express the pain and sorrow I am feeling on this, the 1st anniverary (angleversity as they call it at Compassionate Friends) of that tragic day when we lost Jillian, Mike, Makayla and Bryce. But I would like to share a positive story about a gift that was given to me this morning. I arived at the cemetary to leave yet one more bouquet of flowers, commenorating another sad milestone in my griefing process. Two cars were already parked at the spot. . From someone's car radio, the sounds of The Dead were playing,. Flowers, smiles, tears, memories, and yes, glasses of Guiness at 10:00 in the morning. We laughed, we smiled, we told stories, and we celebrated Jill and Mike like they would have loved us to. I can't thank you Chris, Brett, Eric and his beautiful wife, for making me smile and remember that life was, and is, good. Jill and Mike, your friends are a testament to the wonderful people that you are. Peace be with you, Makayla and Brycie today and always. Are you happy to see Bailey with you?

Mike, Jill and their precious children are in my thoughts everyday. I cannot escape their beautiful faces for they are always present in the back of my mind...finding a way to weave into my stream of consciousness...be it a gorgeous sunrise or the hum of the whispering winds...I hear them and I see them, and I pray for their families and dearest friends that they may find comfort in one another and in their cherished memories...much love and many prayers sent to the Heavens above and to all of you today.

On this day, our thoughts are with both the Casey's and the Schuessler family. We have beautiful memories of On this day, we are thinking of both the Casey and Schuessler families. Mike and Jill were a very special couple, who with their dear children, lived their lives, helping young people reach their dreams. What a wonderful legacy ! We send our love, thoughts and prayers today and always to both families.

As I am sitting here reading all these touching memories and words I decided to say a few short words in my sisters honor. As this day rolls upon us my heart breaks for Alex and all Mike and Jill's family and friends. My sister is expecting her first baby and I know that her only wish would be to have Jill see her pregnant and experience this beautiful time in her life. It's just not fair to not have one of your best friends by your side at a special time like this. I could not imagine how it feels. All I know is that Alex will follow in Jill's footsteps and be such a gentle and fabulous mother. My daughter is being baptized tomorrow on the anniversary of that tragic day and thoughts of Mike, Jill, McKayla and Bryce will be all around us and shine through a new life.

There is not much I can say to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family, just thought I could share with you my experience meeting Jill and how she touched my life. She was the on of the kindest, most beautiful souls I have ever met. Although I only spent a number of times with her, I always held her in highest regard and looked up to her as someone I want to live like. I met her when I went to visit Stang for the first time and she made me feel so comfortable with her sweet words and absolute gentleness. Obviously her physical beauty was overwhelming, but it wasn’t that got me so much as how kind-hearted she was and genuinely caring that made her so beautiful. I remember even at such a young age I was touched by her presence…I remember going home and telling my mom how I had met her and how she made me feel so welcome. I always looked up to her. Then, when I went to college at UVM I was lucky enough to get to spend some rides up to school with Jill driving and Melissa, Amanda and I all singing along to some our favorites from the Grateful Dead, Phish, Steely Dan and the Allman brother’s. I remember feeling so comfortable with the girls, it reminded me of my being with my sister Caite. Jills soft voice singing along to “Melissa”by the Allman Brother’s…I knew that this was directed at her baby sister who she loved so much. I feel blessed to have gotten to spend some of those moments with the Shuessler girls. I also had some funny moments running into Jill, Mike and Alex at Phish shows…..usually they would help me to get water and make me feel better about the “state” I would be in. We would end up laughing about Mike's latest debauchery inside the show and just have fun dancing carelessly to the music we loved so much. Jill always seemed to make me feel better Than there was Belize, a place that is so near and dear to my heart. I remember deciding on my environmental program for study abroad and I remembered talking to Jill about the amazing place she had found called Belize. My heart was set on going to Nepal, but when my trip was canceled I decided on Belize instead. It was destined to be, I fell completely in love with the country, its people, and just the simple way of life. For me this place changed me as a human being and my perspective on life. I know that Jill and Mike felt the same way, since they devoted their lives to helping the people there….there is nothing more admirable to me than this. I know that I didn’t know Jill and Mike that well, but it was comforting to know that there were some people from my past who were there. I actually ran into Mike randomly on Caye Caulker. We chatted for awhile and had a beer together…we talked about Gallon Jug, the school and life in general living down there. He talked to me about Jill and how happy they were…he let me know if I ever needed anything I could contact them. Although I never got chance to visit them it was comforting to know friends from the past were in living in the same paradise as me. Anyways, i just wanted to share how much Jill touched my life just for being herself and I know she was was wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend..something I really admire. Mike and her were both very special who embodied selfless service to others and there is nothing more powerful than that in all the world. I know that their spirit and love is all around us...they will always be remembered in everything beautiful.

Never seemed to actually write something. I guess I tend to stick to pictures. They say a lot - they say more than words I suppose. I just really miss you Jill. I miss you and Mike and Makayla, and the time I barely got to spend with Bryce. The time I wish I could still be spending with you all. There are times where I find peace for the moments we had.....but sometimes, it hurts so much. SO SO MUCH....that I don't have more time. You guys are something special I tell you. The strength of the memories are so strong...Only those who are so special... can leave that much of a mark, and keep the memories so strong. For that I am grateful. Yet sometimes...I cannot help but wish that I could wish hard enough to have you back. I love you. Meg

we just saw a raimbow and thought of how we miss you so much and how its almost been a year

Fun, exciting, happy. I had the privilege to see and experience a quintessential facet of life everyone tries to attain. Unfortunately, my memory can only be conveyed from a firsthand experience and cannot be explained to be fully understood. Although this is the case I will try my best to express this in words with the hopes that it can be somewhat comprehended. It is summed up by something extremely simple and very easily overlooked as juvenile. My memories stem from a dance. A dance with a little girl who exemplified life as it should be- fun. A characteristic every person would cherish and would do everything in their power not to give up. It is a memory of a dance that is so simple, but yet so complicated at the same time. I had the pleasure to dance with Makayla; Jill and Mike’s daughter. I had the pleasure of experiencing the dance on more than one occasion. It was fun for us both and drew laughter from everyone present. At the time it may have been seen as pacification, an attempt to distract the little girl who loved to explore, or give Mike and Jill a little time to relax without a worry. I was the new guy, but was instantly befriended and named. I was now Beev. Even though I was new to the scene it didn’t matter. I was a dance partner. Whether it started out as a mode of transportation, a fun activity, or as an enjoyable experience, my feet and hands were there for dancing. The tops of my feet were now being stood on by this barefoot spitfire and my hands were being held for stability and guidance. My movements were being mimicked by Makayla standing on my shoes as I walked around the house, stepped side to side, and front to back. My right foot was lifted and so was hers. My left foot was picked up and so was hers. I shifted to the right and so did she, so on and so on. This was the dance. Feet and hands working in concert. It was a symphony of movements that brought a smile to both our faces. It was fun. I was brought back to an era of my life where there was nothing to worry about. I peeked back into life the way it was meant to be seen. Fun, exciting, joyous, fulfilling- bliss. It is clear to see this was a direct reflection of both Jill and Mike. Reflecting, time is irrelevant for my relationship and friendship with Jill, Mike, Makayla, and Bryce. While it is an unavoidable factor, I was able to see a family who thrived in all situations. Jill exemplified what it meant to express unconditional love for her children and family and Mike was a model father, husband, and family member. Both provided exceptional stability and care for their families and all those they came in contact with. They lived and breathed for everything they believed in. As I write this I think about the impact made. There was a major component of stability, empathy, and support. In particular, the balance Jill provided for her immediate is something that is not comprehendible. She held a grounding position and provided a component that cannot be described, but only experienced firsthand and somewhat understood secondhand. She provided a friendship and a comradely that soothed and eased. She was there for support, laughter, and played a role in her family that I will never fully understand. She was the shoulder to lean on and relate to; a grounding component that was essential for happiness and homogeny. To bring it all together, the young Casey family was one in which I aspire to be like. I am one who is always taking mental notes to later assess and evaluate to apply to my life ahead. The life and family Jill and Mike partook in is one in which I strive to attain.

I haven't been able to look at pictures or even this website until now. This is still very hard for me. I guess I need to eventually face the reality as much as I don't want to. I have so much sorrow and sadness within me that its difficult to fave every day but when I do hear tracy chapman i know Jill is with me, singing every single lyric just like we used to do everyday growing up. I miss you Jill more than you will ever know. I love you. xoxoxo love, Mel (leesha)

I shouldn't be spreading candy hearts on the snow in front of their gravestone. I shouldn't be placing soft stuffed animals there, never to be felt or hugged by Makayla and Brycie. I shouldn't be the one giving Mike and Jill roses on this special day for lovers. There have been way, way too few Valentine's days. There have been way, way too few days, hours and moments. But for the short time they had, they loved each other and all of us like every day was Valentine's Day. I miss their special love more than words can say! You are in my heart today and always. Love, Mum/Nana

Its been almost a year and it still doesn't seem possible that this amazing family was tragically taken from us. I don't think the pain will ever subside and I so desperately want to believe in heaven so we can all meet again. I try every day to regain my faith and make sense out of life.

I can't believe that it is one month short of that horrible day. I still see your beautiful faces in my mind every day and hopefully will forever. The world has lost more than beautiflu faces - it has lost beautiful caring people. I know you will all live forever in our hearts. Love, Aunt Ree

words cannot explain what the heart feels.. This 2010 Christmas will be one of the saddest ever..It just makes me recall the countless times that Ms. Jill use to practice with the students...getting ready for caroling..This evening we'll go over at the village for caroling.Ms. Jill and Mr. Mike's traditions. .it will not be the same..but at least..it will honor them..it was always a fun evening School is a challenge..but we're trying our best..or at least.i am trying to continue on with what mr. mike wanted...He was a role model.. Every night i would dream about him..that he's back at school..here with us..it is so hard to keep on going..and what inspires me is the way HE live.."living life as if it was the last bus of the day"

I was out for a walk the other day; listening to Brett Dennen, and was struck with a beautiful memory after hearing these lyrics... "The first time my heart collided with yours I know I felt the ocean tickle the Earth's sandy shores. But changes come and we all know that we can't stop them, I hold these memories and I will never drop them. And I'll watch over you" So, the memory that instantly rose to my mind was of the first moment that I ever met Jill. I believe it was the summer of 97 on the sandy shores of CA. I was already friends with Maire and we decided to spend that summer working at Yosemite national park. Maire brought Jill along and the three of us spent a magical summer together. We worked a little, played a lot, and formed bonds that will never be broken. I drove my car from Texas and Jill and Maire drove from Mass.. Somehow we managed to coordinate meeting up on the coast (pre cell phone era) before heading to Yosemite. I want to say it was somewhere around Monterrey (help me recall Maire), but it was a beautiful rocky beach where we stood on a little rock wall and took pictures. I never knew that day that such an amazing friendship would transpire, and I'm so grateful it did. Christmas is coming soon and thoughts of the Caseys and Schuesslers fill my heart every day, along with memories of seeing Mike and Jill for the holidays during the couple Christmas seasons I spent on the east coast. I cherish all those memories so much. I love and miss you Mike, Jill, Makayla and Bryce; beyond words.

Oh my gosh, its amazing the things you come across when you clean out your closet. Freshman year in High School Jill and I were bored out of our minds and came across a camera and thought it would be a good idea to pretend we were models. They are the funniest and goofiest pictures ever because we got so into it so much in fact that we raided both our closets and did it a second and third time. So this past weekend I came across those pictures and Jill looked so beautiful and you could tell from the photos that we were having a blast. I am so glad I still have those pics and they remind me of how its moments like that that make life so incredible. I am thankful for those moments we shared and I relive them in my mind often. I love you Jil and think of your family constantly.

The song came on that me, you and Melissa sang to in the car anytime it came on the radio when Melissa spent her summer in JH. I doubt Melissa even would remember but for some reason that song ALWAYS makes me think of the 2 of you, always has. It played on the cheesy radio staion today that I secretly love at the dentists office. And I couldn't help it, the tears just ran down my face. She asked me if I was OK, I mean she was just cleaning my teeth . I said they were "just watering for some reason...how odd." I miss you Jill.

a friend of mike, jill and i from college is getting married this upcoming weekend, and it makes me think back to a handful of wonderful weddings we attended together. one of my favorite memories of jill was at a friends wedding in florida over 5 years ago, prior to kids, mike and jill flew in from belize. it was a beautiful wedding, in the middle of cocktails jill turned to me and another girldfriend and told us her back hurt from wearing high heels. if you could see these "high heels" they were at a minimum a wedge, but more like a fancy flip flop. we laughed for a long time, she was priceless. classic. mike loved dancing, and i loved watching him dance to a wedding band just like he was at a phish concert. My favorite wedding memory of him was at my own wedding, selfishly. Mike bought at new suit. he loved it, it was khaki. He didn't even take the jacket off all night. i have a picture of all of our buddies from SMC and looked at it the other day, mike is right up front, fully decked in his new khaki suit. i loved that kid, still do. always making fashion statements. and of course the who can forget the casey extravaganza in belize..where do you start? San pedro where we partied till the wee hours of the morning , clancy in the banana hammock, the drive to chan chich lodge, the rehersal dinner, the pumas, the butterflies....it was all perfect i missed the casey family beyond words this summer. summer 2010 was not complete without them home. i will never forget.....

There is not an hour that goes by that I do not think about Jill and her beautiful family. Its doesn't get any easier it just gets different. I knew Jill once upon a time we had a lot of laughs and a lot of tears in the 8 years we were friends. Then we drifted. For so long we competed with each other and as you all know you cannot really compete with Jill shes like Mary Poppins that way "practically perfect" :) but we both grew tired of the on and off friendship and stupid childhood and teenage drama and it was over just like that, no hatred just indifference and over the years we would randomly meet up again in the strangest of situations and it was like time stood still in a good way. We would reminisce about the good times and laugh and laugh. But I never got complete closure with my once best friend. I never told her I was sorry and that I missed having her in my life and that I thought of her often and wanted to know how she was, I wanted to tell her to be part of my life again but I never did because I somehow thought I had more time and that moment will present itself again. But of course that moment never came and now I am limited to speaking and apologizing to her grave. I guess what I am saying is she and her family taught me to not take anything for granted which you always sort of know but when an unimaginable tragedy like this happens it truly does put everything into perspective and that is not an easy lesson to learn and I hate it took this horrible horrible loss to do it but its the only thing that keeps me going. I miss Jill and did when she was alive and now I will never have the chance to tell her but I do have the chance to never make that mistake again. My outlook on life and family and relationships is so much better and more positive in a way I never thought possible and I have the casey family to thank for that. I love you Jill and see you in my dreams constantly. I hope that deep down on some level those talks are real so you know how you have changed my life forever.

Mike, Jill, Mikayla and Bryce- there is not a day that goes by that I am not thinking of you guys. I am trying to live life to the fullest and take time to appreciate it more because I know you guys have done just that. I love you all and I wish you were here. You are all always in my heart. I love you, Kara

I think about you guys all of the time. I love you. The strength, guidance and inspiration you have given me is something I am constantly reminded of. I think about your families and pray that they are healing and that find peace. I hope they remember how much happiness all of you brought to us all so that they might be inspired to feel it now. Jill, you are practically as much a part of my soul as I am. You will be a part of every day of my life. I could say that without you is like living without the sun but I can't because I still feel your warm rays and your lively spirit in my heart. Till we meet again know that for eternity I will do anything for you all. I love you.

The Cape just wasn't the same without you this year. Last year I remember running off the beach with Makayla b/c Jill you were in labor!! This year I kept looking around for you but you never came. Jill, your mom came and spent a few days with us as did your cousins. It was so good to see them all. I love your mother unconditionally, what an amazing woman. Bella seemed to have a nice summer with us. We are having a going away party for her tomorrow. I thank you for bringing her into our lives. Mike, your birthday is this weekend. Remember when we used to go to the track? I can't believe you're not here to celebrate. God, I miss you guys. All my love, K

Did you get the baloon we shot up into the sky for you Brycie? Did you hear us singing Happy Birthday to you? Did you feel our love and see our tears? I can't believe that you weren't with us on your first birthday. This isn't the way it was supposed to be. Block Island-swimming with us on Mansion beach, laughing with Makayla and Payson, surrounded by love, and the proud smiles of your incredible parents. Jillian, Mike, Makayla and Brycie, that's the way it should have been. My heart will be forever broken. Love, Nana

I think of you all every single day...whether I am driving or playing with my children or simply praying...Jill, Mike and their children always seem to seep into my thoughts...and I feel blessed to have known them....we will feel their loss forever but they are always with us.

Sending my love, hugs & kisses to heaven on your birthday sweet baby boy. The summer just isn't the same without your return from Belize. Xoxo, Sarah

Ever since that day, things are different. Sometimes I can attempt to explain it, but mostly it is just a feeling that things are not the same. Usually around this time, we look forward to their summer homecoming and spending as much time as we can with them before they head back to the jungle even though every year was definitely going to be their last year, WEll, the point is, I guess, that I really miss them, will always. I don't know if things will ever not really be different, but I am not sure that I want things to be normal without them. Jill, Mike, Makayla & Bryce, I miss you so much. Love you, Alex

I come to read every post on here and always try to write something but fail to do so. Every post makes me smile. They influenced so many of us it is unbelievable. I always think about them and wow, they were great. The GJCS graduation is approaching and it makes me look back to my years at Gallon Jug. They were the best teachers anyone could ask for. They did everything in their power to help us students understand the importance of education. Not everyone of us was smart and listened but I am sure that every single one of us that did does not regret it. We owe it all to them and in my behalf as well as everyone else I want to thank them. I graduated from Gallon Jug in '04 and ended up studying at Tabor Academy, a great school from which I graduated in '09. Now I just finished my freshman year at Gettysburg College. There have been some hard times throughout these years but I am going to do it and finish, for them and for me. They have been my inspiration all this time. As my sister Miriam pointed out on an earlier post I saw both of them as friends, as role models and as mentors. I have come a long way and I would have never guessed that this would happen to me. I look back and I realize how far I have come along and all because of themI am so lucky to have come upon such a great family. I was lucky enough to spend Christmas with them and both Makayla and Bryce were great. Makayla was always in party mode and trying to speak Spanish to me. Brycie was so calm, smiling and the cutest baby I have seen. I don't even remember if I heard him cry. He would put the biggest smile on when I spoke to him in Spanish as well. You could tell that they were going to the be great, just like their parents. Every one of you that knew that family and interacted with them are so lucky. Your are lucky to have met such a family, to be friends with them and be related to them. Be proud of them, they were the best since you do not come along people like them often. They will forever be in our hearts and thoughts. I know they are watching over us and they will keep us all strong. I am so grateful to them and their families, they have been my family here. I love them. On behalf of the Sylvester community I especially my family I say thank you, for EVERYTHING. We will forever be grateful. -Anabella