By Sierra R.

I came here almost six months ago intending to leave right after Labor Day. It’s not that I didn’t like Lupin – I love Lupin. I have been coming here since I was quite literally in the womb. My parents had their first date here. I have spent countless summer weekend days playing water volleyball in the pool and pruning in the hot tub. I have met friends and mentors here, some of whom are now gone, but others whom I still see. I have walked the hills, laughed, played, and grown up within these acres. When I came here at the beginning of June for work, I wanted a therapeutic retreat from the town and home from which I had come, but with every intention of returning. What I hadn’t planned was finding a home here.

But everyone here rudely disregarded my aversion to putting down roots and made me a part of the family almost right away. I have made good friends here, I have grown to love here, bonded with both residents and guests, worked for and with great people, and I feel more at home here than I have anywhere else in a very long time.

So, thank you to those of you who have had faith and trust in me and given me the opportunity to prove myself. And thank you to those of you who bullied me with affection until I had no choice but to stay here.