Cash Dakota Mullins

Cash was always determined to make everything faster and better. When he was about 3 he came stomping his little feet in to the house. Huffing and puffing. “Mom!My four wheeler won’t even go fast enough to jump the bar ditch!” “I’ll fix it!” He took that battery powered bike apart and from then on it went real Fast! But only in reverse.

Cash was very attentive and aware. He studied what went on around him and you better bet was watching what you did. One day, Jerrad, Cash and I were coming back from East Texas. We were in Weatherford and Jerrad got pulled over. We had just left the gas station and Cash got a root beer. The officer came up to the window and Cash got real quiet. When we got back on the road that little 5 year old boy said “It’s a good thing I hidid my root beer.” We laughed so hard. Cash, you’re allowed to have a root beer in the truck, buddy.

Pa didn’t have one story that stuck out. A special bond, constantly spending their days together working alongside one another like two lifelong buddies. Daily phone calls so Cash could get the guidance and advice he needed. No goodbyes. Just a “that oughta work” until the next time.

Nana and Cash. Those two together never missed the chance to share an opinion or humble each other. When Cash was about 4 , Nana stopped at a gas station and let him pick out his own snack. When they hit the road, Cash said “These are so gross!” My mom said we let you pick out your own chips. He said “Nana you know I can’t read”. You’re right Cash. You’re so right.

Cash went beyond a Big Brother for Kiera, Taos and Trinity. He fulfilled the brotherly badgering and spinning you until you wanted to vomit role oh so well, just ask the the kiddos. But they’ll also tell you that they looked up to him. They saw parts of themselves and who they want to be in him. Without ever being asked, Cash was the Man of the family and were shoes he filled to the fullest.

Cash was everyone’s hero. No matter the time, no questions asked, if you needed him, he was there. Alicea’s truck broke down. Cash said he’d be by the next day to fix it. Knowing she needed her truck, she looks out the window late at night to see him and Cutter with only the light from their phones working on her truck. Of course he fixed it and hugged her goodbye, flashing his wise grin as if to say “I got you. I’ve always got you.”

Only 20 years of stories do I have to share with you today. If I told them all to you, the recurring them is Cash making all of our lives better. He could see our pieces and put them back together better than they were the day he met you. Cash did not deserve to be taken so soon, but Cash definitely deserves eternity rejoicing and making Heaven even better.

Lastly, I’d like to share words written specifically for my sister Alicea by her dear friend Shannon King.

With a mischievous grin and a tip of his hat he turned and walked out the door.

I’ll see you tomorrow Mom.

From the day he was born, he had a hold of her heart and everyone around him.

A good baby boy who melted her with every giggle and sweet little coo from his chunky, squishy body.

He toddled with purpose and always on a mission.

I can fix it, Mom.

As a young boy, he was her compass, her guide through the darkness. Holding her hand through to a better life.

We got this, Mom.

Before she knew it a young man, wise beyond his years stood before her. Her rock.

We made it, Mom.

This man. This strong and courageous young man. He walks in their door and all their hearts and eyes light up.

Cash is here, Mom!

Making sure she and his siblings were good for the day, off to work he’d go. With a rev of the engine on his big red truck he turned the corner.

You got this, Mom.

The days pass filled with good times. A beautiful life of love.

A rev of the engine outside the window.

Cash is here, Mom!

Off for more adventure, he hugs them goodbye. With a mischievous grin and a tip of his cap, he turned and walked out the door.

Don’t cry. I’ll see you tomorrow, Mom.

A long and full life lived, she holds her hand on her heart as it beats its last beat. She looks up to see him, that mischievous smile and tip of his cap.

It’s about time, Mom.