Memorial Service held for Kit at Camp Arnold - May 28-30, 2010

Over Memorial Day weekend 2010, eighty one (81 - our best count) of Kit’s friends and family and 9 dogs (pretty sure about that number) gathered at Camp Arnold, Ohio, Kit and Ron’s outdoor family retreat in the Hocking Hills near Logan, Ohio. Camp Arnold has been the scene of countless outdoor gatherings over the years. All who have been there know and treasure the magic that happens there. Most of us camped out that weekend, a few stayed in nearby motels. We all took part in the overwhelming, palpable fellowship around the inextinguishable fire pit, the supremely great live acoustic music and the large group meals. We came from all over the Eastern U.S., from Florida, New York, Connectiticut, from Atlanta, San Francisco, South Carolina, and of course many from central Ohio where Kit made her home. We were all ages, from suckling infants to toddlers, teeagers, young adults, parents in their 30s, 40s, 50s, grandparents and great grandparents in their 60s, 70s and 80s. It was among the most stirring gatherings of which I have ever had the priviledge of being a part. We were all there to honor Kit Austin. Words fall short as a means to describe what Kit meant to each of us. The best way for me to describe the kind of mother, spouse, sister, friend and confidant Kit was, is to repeat what I heard so many say during that Memorial Day weekend of 2010... “Kit made me feel like I was her best friend”. Rest in Peace, Kit. I love you. Your bro, Tom