Monday, May 25, 2009

Caitlin

Since she was 17 we seem to be always saying goodbye to Caitlin.  She has spent 2 summers at camp working, 2 years at college, 2 seasons in Jasper and 1 winter living at her grandmother's.  This time she is determined to stay in Jasper or at least that area when her current contract at Jasper Park Lodge is done in October.  I hope it works out.  I have been thinking about what it will be like without her here.

She is great at caring for the dogs.  They will really, really miss her taking them to the beach and the forest for runs.  Now I have to walk them - usually just around the neighbourhood.

She is a very good big sister to Tori.  Caitlin drives her a lot of places and loans her car to her a lot (even after she ran into a curb and destroyed a rim).  They go to the gym together and do lots of other stuff together.

Less complaints about cooking and food.

Less complaints about turning lights on when we are trying to navigate the house in the dark (this from a child who couldn't sleep without a night light - now she can't stand the hall light on for 10 seconds!)

Caitlin has worked with me on and off for the last 3 years.  Even though gardening is not something she is interested in, she has always worked hard and done the job well.  She needed less instruction than some of the adults I have trained and gets along well with the rest of the team.  I have been lucky to work beside both Caitlin and Alec.  Working with your child allows you a whole different perspective.

It will be a lot quieter.  For now I know I will relish the peace but there will always be an empty place in our home only she can fill.

Follow the rest of her adventures at Country Girl

3 comments:

Fiddling Granny said...

Sounds like you did your job with her well.

It's kind of bittersweet when they grow up. It's great seeing them become successful, happy adults. It's sad thinking about the time that's passed (when it's gone, it's gone).

Life is always changing.

Cherylinn said...

You are both starting a new chapter in your lives.....

SusanE said...

Funny how slowly the time seemed to go when they were living at home, but when they move out and you look back, it sure seemed to go by fast.

I just had a very good visit with Caitlin and Tori. They were both easy guests.