Mindy Casitllio has an infectious love for God, and that beautiful caring spirit spills over onto her friends and family.
Born in Montgomery, Texas, and raised in Garland, Mindy and her brother David were taught early on to value the Lord, family and hard work. Parents Mark and Teresa Farish are a Baptist preacher and middle school teacher respectively, helping teach and instill many of the values Mindy holds near to her to this day.
Meanwhile, her aunt is a business owner with a dream to provide a healthy lifestyle option to her community. She did not realize that one day it would lead to the introduction of her niece to her now nephew-in-law.
“Mindy has these amazing blue eyes,” said Chris, remembering the first time he saw her. “She was working at her parents’ gym when we met. I started going later and later in the day so that I could have the chance to talk to her when she got off work,” he recalls.
Chris passed up more than a few workouts while immersed in conversation with Mindy. Eventually, Chris got up the nerve to ask her out on a date. Over the next few years they dated, attended church together, and fell in love.
“Mindy is so unselfish and caring. Most people are willing to help others, but Mindy goes out of her way to love people in a way that God would be proud of,” said Chis when we asked what he loved most about the women he adores.
Certainly high praise from her husband, who also spoke about just how much Mindy has sacrificed for her family. Early in the relationship, Mindy took on a second job to help put Chris through college. It was an investment in their future. It paid off when the two married and started a family.
Now blessed to be the mother of three beautiful children – 6-year-old Jesse, 5-year-old Ashton, and 19-month-old Reese – Mindy (who has a degree in Kinesiology from A&M) has put her career on hold to be a stay-at-home mom.
“She is an incredible mother and wife,” said Chris. “She is constantly finding new ways to make life fun and interesting for me and the kids. I don’t know how she juggles it all. She is a superhero when it comes to getting things done for our family.”
When she is not at the baseball field cheering on her son, Jesse, or carpooling to dance with the girls, Mindy loves to read, spend time with friends, and is an active member of her church community.
Chris holds three specific occasions close to his heart when thinking of his wife, Mindy. The moments that she met each of their children. “I have the perfect still shot of how perfect she looked with each new baby in her arms. So much love poured out of her heart, smile and amazing blue eyes.”
The look of a new mother’s love is impossible to put into words, but you can feel it. You certainly know it when you see it. Mindy and Chris know how perfectly special those moments are. A gift from the Lord, matched only by the blessing of being able to share them with one another.
As their family continues to grow and tackle new challenges in life, Chris wants Mindy to know that her hard work does not go unnoticed.
“We appreciate everything you do. You are a true blessing, and we love you very much.”