I don’t know how I found her.
I don’t remember if I clicked a link to get to her or googled something or what.
All I know is that one day I stumbled across this post, and it totally cracked me up.

Before I’d ever heard of Google Reader, I bookmarked this blog
and I’d come back every few days to see what Casey had come up with next.

I loved her quick witted-ness and humor.
I loved  her photography.  (Look how teeny tiny Addie was!)
I loved how no topic was off-limits for her.

I commented on her posts; she commented on mine.
There were emails exchanged and tweets tweeted along the way.

And then I gradually saw something I didn’t expect…
There was more to this Casey than what first met the eye.
Sure, she was still funny.
Sure, she still taking fabulous photos.
And sure, she still talking about things that are off-limit for many.

But now the off-limit topic was something I could really relate to: depression.

I was so grateful that there was someone else who “got” it.
There was someone else who could put words to what I felt, how I felt.

Casey’s words spoke volumes to me.

****

At BlogHer ’09, I finally met Casey.
She was happy and shiny and all dressed up.

We sat and talked a while until she said, “I just can’t do this anymore.  Let’s find food.”
She introduced me to Emily and while eating pizza in our pj’s…
I realized that this person?  This Casey girl?  Was so much more than “just a blogger”.
She is a magnificent mom.
She is a compassionate friend.
She is open and honest about her faith.
She is open and honest about everything.
She is as quick witted and amusing in person as she is in print.
She is full of energy and sarcasm.
And she is real; she is authentic.
She is Casey, and I’m glad that she’s a friend.

****

When she first emailed me a picture of that pregnancy test with dark, bold “PREGNANT”
I was at a restaurant eating lunch.
I actually shouted “Woo-hoo” out loud when I saw it.

I couldn’t be more excited for Casey, Cody and Addie.
Just like the rest of the blog-o-sphere, I can’t wait to see if Moosh 2.0 has those cherub cheeks and springy curls.

And, Casey, I hope you know that I’m always here for you.
You’ve seen me at my low points.  You’ve read my hastily written and unedited emails and said, “I get it.”
And there are few things that feel better than knowing that someone else gets it.
I adore you, too.  And I’m oh-so-glad the Internet let me have you as well.
(By the way, you can open your gift now.)

****

The lovely DesignHERmomma is the mastermind behind this 15 week celebration!
Thank you, Emily.  You are an amazing friend!