LuJean greeted me with a warm smile as I arrived to work my first summer at Castle and MacGregor. That was the summer of '89. I continued to work summers (and one year) at the lodges through the summer of '95. LuJean instantly made me welcome. I came to feel like family. I cherish memories of working puzzles by the fire in the lobby, sharing meals, and long talks about family and faith and whatever happened to be going on at the moment. I spent one winter living in "Motel 6"(Castle 6). During that time, LuJean was a like 2nd mom to me. Sometimes it's small things--during that winter, I would come in as soon as she opened the lobby and we'd drink coffee and watch "Regis & Kathie Lee" as we geared up for the work day. LuJean was at the heart of a circle of people who touched my life and helped make me who I am today. Life took me to Tennessee, but every time I returned to Colorado, I looked forward to good visits catching up with LuJean.
She taught me so much about living with joy, loving others, and finding peace and contentment in doing what you love. I'm going to miss LuJean, and I know I'm not alone. She touched so many lives and shared so much love with those whose paths crossed with hers. I'm looking forward to a reunion when time won't run short.