Three weeks ago was my little one’s birthday and at the teens’ suggestion we had a celebration. Her memorial was a time to reflect on who she was in our lives but this, this was different.

The teens and my mother and I met the day on the back deck to watch the sunrise as Caitlin loved to do. We had fresh blueberry scones and Earl Grey tea with a splash and quietly started her day.

What followed was hours of celebrating my beloved. We went to the ourdoor market for fresh crab and scallops and warm from the oven bread and headed to the beach to let Ben and the other critters run through the surf.

It was as if the world knew this was a special day. Throughout the morning and into the afternoon the weather was amazing. A bit of a wind and a little cool but overall an amazing day. We set candles adrift in the creek as we all said our goodbyes one more time,

As friends gathered at the house and we started up the grill, the storm began to rage. For those of you who have any doubt? Caitlin loved the storms. It was one of her most favorite parts of living here in our corner.

We gathered in the kitchen and dining nook and shared laughs and tears and soft smiles as we ate her favorite meal and just enjoyed being together.

Our teen wrote a letter for her friends and I am going to share it with you all, I just need time to treasure it for a bit first.

I wanted to let you all know we are well, one step at a time.

Luke