I have had the pleasure of knowing LuJean for the past 24 years that I've lived in Estes Park. I was VERY blessed to have learned from the best of the best in the hospitality business where she taught me what it truly meant to love ALL MANKIND unconditionally. What a blessing it was to see her and witness her in her day to day activity warmly welcoming guests to Castle Mountain Lodge. We often chuckled over the "humanness" of people, yet still, loving and caringly doing what we could do to provide and meet the need of comfortable, clean, and friendly lodging nestled in the great Rocky Mountains! Her laugh and chuckle was one I wont forget. I do remember the first time I drove over the bridge and onto the property at Castle Mountain Lodge. It was a hustle and bustle of activity, and out the door came LuJean with wide open arms to welcome me to the Lodge. Taking my hand in hers and warmly holding it, she told me how grateful she was to see me and that if there was anything I needed, be sure to just let her know. Little did I know, the years that ensued, turned out being some of my most memorable. We often visited around the table in the evening hours putting together puzzles on a cold wintry night in front of the fireplace and occasionally shared in meals. Nearly every day we'd visit on the phone as I grew up and moved out, and she often had great words of advice. But, if there is one thing I learned most from her, it was how to listen. She was just "there". And that is truly the epitomy of love. Not being too caught up in something else, but giving fully and honestly of herself. Will miss our visits, that great smile and chuckle, but know that you lived a life worth living and gave to so many! Chris After losing my own mother the end of October, this song was brought to my attention... and I've used it to grieve over the past few months, but also think that "a heart that's been broke is a heart that has been loved." So beautifully said... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIB8EWqCPrQ