When I reflect back on fond childhood memories, the first one that usually pops up is playing in Cadie Sztuba's yard. Cadie had the best imagination- together, often with Brunon, we would create extravagant worlds and exist in them together. We would be princesses, but the kind that were also in charge of the army. We would climb trees and create forts amongst the boulders outside. One day after we had both read Matilda, we pretended that we could also move things with our minds. It never worked, but we took that to mean our true powers just weren't ready to be unleashed yet. 

When we were a little older, probably 10 or 11, I remember going on family vacation with the Sztubas. There was one day where Cadie and I decided to take out a huge float and cover the entire thing in snacks (lots of cheez-its) and then paddlie it as far into the lake as we could muster. We ended up getting caught in a current and had to have a little make shift rescue squad come out and save us. I remember being horrified that Cadie's parents would be so mad at us (sorry John and Sue!!), but Cadie wasn't all that worried. We stayed up really late at night giggling about the whole thing. 

Sending love, light and peace to all of Cadie's family. Sending gratitude to Cadie for teaching me about childhood wonder and the power behind a vibrant imagination. <3