In the vast expanse of the Internet, where tales of the bizarre and unusual often find their spotlight, a story from Tennessee has recently caught significant attention. It revolves around Casie, a woman of around 30 years age, whose coping mechanism following the loss of her husband is, to put it mildly, unconventional.
The Background Story
Casie and Sean, a young couple from Tennessee, experienced what many might call a whirlwind romance. They met in 2009, and in less than a year, they knew they were meant for each other, resulting in their union as life partners. Their marriage, however, was tragically short-lived. Sean succumbed to a fatal asthma attack, leaving Casie to grapple with the huge weight of her grief.
A Unique Bond
Most individuals mourning the loss of a loved one have specific ways of cherishing their memories. Some keep mementos, others tattoo significant dates or symbols, and some may even pen down their feelings. Casie’s way was, however, unique. She started carrying Sean’s urn, which contained his ashes, everywhere with her. Whether she was grocery shopping, catching a movie, or dining out, Sean’s urn was always in tow.
“I take my husband everywhere… wherever I go, he goes.”
Cassie on TLC’s ‘My Strange Addiction
How the Habit Began
One can only imagine the depth of Casie’s attachment to Sean when she says she even used to sleep while hugging his urn. But the peculiarity of her behavior intensified one day. During a transfer of Sean’s ashes, some spilled onto her hands. For most, the instinct would be to carefully wipe it away, perhaps with a heavy heart. For Casie, the thought of wiping away what remained of her husband was unbearable. In a spontaneous decision, she licked her fingers and thus began an addiction she couldn’t have foreseen.
The Unconventional Craving
As days turned into weeks, Casie found herself unable to resist the urge to consume the ashes. At least five times a day, she’d dip her fingers into the urn and lick them clean. The taste, she described, was akin to “rotten eggs, sand, and sandpaper.” But over time, this once repelling taste became something she grew fond of. What began as a mere act of not wanting to let go transformed into a daily ritual of consumption.
That is my husband, and I didn’t want to wipe him away. So, I just licked him off my fingers.”
Cassie on TLC’s ‘My Strange Addiction
The Emotional Toll
Casie began to consume her husband’s ashes two months before her appearance on TLC. The emotional and physical toll of her actions are evident. She’s lost 19 kilograms, surviving only on the ashes. Her act gives her a fleeting adrenaline rush. However, it’s soon overshadowed by feelings of embarrassment, guilt, and deep-seated shame. Casie’s realization about her actions and their consequences is poignantly captured in her words.
“I have to stop eating him. I have lost him once. This time it will be my fault if I lose him again.”
Cassie on TLC’s ‘My Strange Addiction
Conclusion
People have different ways of coping with the anger and loss of a loved one. This is a woman from Tenessee who appeared on TLC’s ‘My Strange Addiction to share her story.
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