Weeks after the euphoria of celebrating Kristin’s graduation, we received news that no parent should have to suffer. From that day we’ve been on a path we feel we need to follow. Our guiding lights are prayer and the help and encouragement we receive from family and friends. It’s always difficult to relive what happened, but when we’re uncertain, we ask ourselves, “What would Kristin want us to do?” That question has always led to useful answers.

Kristin was a great person and a great friend. If someone needed help, she’d be there so they received what they needed and were okay. She loved to write poetry. She was introspective and questioned the meaning of life.

She had an avid interest in animals, with a special emphasis on cats and horses. She was a trained equestrian rider and wanted to get back into riding in the summer of 2005. She was also an accomplished flute player.

In college, Kristin pursued a business degree in food marketing and was hired for a position with a nationally known company. She would have started as a sales associate in July 2005.

What made her special? She cared so much about people. She would have made a great psychologist. For Kristin, and others who could suffer as she did, we give our time and talents because we feel it’s what Kristin would want us to do.