Becky’s Memories

My first memory of Kaitlyn was in elementary school, I think 3^rd or 4^th grade. Kait was standing up for another student who was being bullied on the playground. She was fierce and confident, even back then, and stood up for what she knew was right. It would be years until Kait and I became really close friends but I’ll always recall that first memory of her and how much it foreshadowed who she was going to be.

There are so many incredible memories I have with Kaitlyn. I’m so grateful for them. I don’t think I could pick just one to share so I’d like to share with the impact she has left with me.

Kait wasn’t just a friend. She was a role model to me and someone I really looked up to. She was a motivating person to be around. She was smart, hardworking, kind, stylish, funny. I attribute a lot of my own personal growth in high school to Kait. Through her own actions, she taught me how to be kind and helpful but also have a backbone and be confident in myself. She knew how to break me out of my shell when we were 15.

Kait and I did a lot of extra curriculars together. We liked thinking ahead to college and our careers. We did things like ROTC and DECA and made the most out of every moment. She knew how to take a mundane task and make it fun and worth our while. She was somewhat contagious in this way. She didn’t think twice about doing things that others would perceive as ‘uncool’. She was so much more mature than that. She saw the bigger picture. We worked together at Magic Fountain and then at aMano and A Lure. She was one of the only friends I had in high school who loved to work that much. Kait had goals, financial goals, and she knew what it took to get there. Kait never shied away from an obstacle or challenge. She looked it in the eyes and went after it. She was tenacious and dedicated.

Kait motivated me in so many ways and still continues to today. One way I keep Kait’s memory alive is by considering her outlook on life when making my own decisions. I’ve asked myself “What would Kait say to me?” many times over the years whether it was making a career decision after college or just getting myself out of a rut.

One thing that Kait’s passing has taught me is to take a real look at your friends, family, the people around you – the people who you are your most natural self around – and ask yourself what makes them remarkable. In what ways do you look up to them? In what ways does being around them make you a better person? We all have people like this. Friends, colleagues, etc. We can learn so much from the people we already know so much about. I’m so grateful to have had years of friendship and time with Kaitlyn. To have learned from her and to have these memories to hold onto forever.

Missing you always, Kait. Sending love to all.

Becky