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 my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.
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 your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day's the same way
There's no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Though there were times
You did some things
You knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven
And now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand
And share my life with me?
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.
EXETER -- Casey LeeAnne Goodwin of Exeter was taken from us on Thursday March, 13, 2003, by a drunk driver.
Reed and Lynne Goodwin brought Casey into the world on Oct. 26, 1982, in Hayward, Calif., and she continued to fill their lives with incredible joy everyday thereafter.
Casey was raised and educated in the closeknit community of Exeter, Calif. She enjoyed every aspect of attending Exeter High School, graduating in 2000. She was active in Friday Night Live, ASB and community service. Casey served on the California Youth Council for three years and interned with the California Friday Night Live Partnership. She was a four-year varsity swimmer and water polo player and two-year MVP. In pursuit of her teaching credential and lifelong dream, Casey attended Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo where she also played water polo and formed many wonderful friendships.
Casey was more than a sister to her brothers Christopher and Kyle and sister Kellie. She was their cheerleader, best friend and guiding star. The love that they shared was like a circle that you wanted to join, yet you knew it was theirs alone.
Casey was blessed with many lifelong friendships that started in the sandbox at preschool and continuing into college. Robin Crookshanks, Allyson Eddy, Scott Montgomery, Garth Gipson, Dustin Hall, Evan McMillan and other special people, were part of her. She gave her heart to Ryan Warren.
When we think of Casey we will remember her enthusiasm for life, her love of family and friends, her sweet spirit and beautiful being.
Casey's life was rich with the love of her grandparents Frank and Lou Viola, John and Anne Baker, Reed and Doreen Goodwin and Dianna Thornsborough. She was adored by her aunts and uncles Laura and Steve Preciado, Leslie and Sean Pennington, Diane and Barry Sudbury, Joe and Wind Goodwin, Jim Goodwin, April Pagel and Vivian and Rich Weaver. She was the oldest of many loving cousins.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Casey Goodwin memorial fund, P.O. Box 601 Exeter, Ca 93221.
Casey's life was celebrated at 3:30 p.m. Monday, March 17, at the Visalia First Assembly of God Church on the corner of Caldwell Avenue and Akers Street. Arrangements by Smith Family Chapel, Exeter.
Originally published Saturday, March 15, 2003
Obituaries - Saturday, March 15, 2003, Visalia Times Delta
