Spanish Pond

 

True Friends

Jenny Sloan had no idea she would be the 2nd guest blogger in the almost 10 year history of Kellisa's Path when she posted the following heartfelt words on her Facebook status tonight. The timing couldn't be better as we approach Kellisa's birthday. There was a time when I wondered "Why?" Kellisa survived when two of her siblings didn't. I eventually came to the conclusion Kellisa survived to make a difference! To make an impact! To inspire! To change the world! 

We couldn't be prouder of Jenny who is also making the world a better place and we consider her an honorary daughter. 

  Appreciation post today for Kellisa. I got to talk to my best friend in the world today on facetime after an emergency plumbing accident and after calling everyone in my contacts, her dad, Chris Kain, was the only one to respond. 😂

When I tell you my heart could not possibly be fuller during that call, I mean it! I love this girl with all my f*cking heart. She is the one who motivates me to keep pushing on. She is the one that keeps me kind, keeps me inspired, keeps me loving and myself. I wouldn't be alive without her. Middle school is around the time you develop yourself. I met Kellisa in the 7th grade. We are 22 now. I would not be who I am without her massive impact on my person. I will be FOREVER grateful for that. I am the person I am today because of her. I missed her laugh so dearly, I was so ecstatic to hear it after so long. I missed her blowing kisses, and I heard her speak my name for the first time in a year. Tears. Kellisa, you mean the entire world to me. I can't imagine life without you and you just reminded me tonight how beautiful, special, and lovely you and your family are to me and everyone else in this world. I love you.  

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Memories of Jenny's Visit (Summer 2018)

Photo Session at 7,000ft.

Summit Lake

Lassen Volcanic National Park

July 2018

Kellisa's friend Jenny, is also professional photographer Jenny Sloan. Our mountain lake swim turned into a photo session in a breathtaking natural studio. Look at these amazing pictures and if interested (especially our friends and family in NE Florida), Jenny's work can be viewed on Instagram at @julyfifth1957.

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Summit Lake

Lassen Volcanic National Park

July 2018

We were hoping to get the chance to go for a swim in a natural body of water during our visit to Lassen National Park. As we were sightseeing through the park, we passed by Summit Lake at 7,000 feet above sea level. It was a small lake, so we were hoping the water wouldn't be ice cold.

Jenny was the first one in and Laurel was right behind her. I felt the water and it was freezing which killed my interest in going in the lake. Usually I'm up for an ice cold dip, but wasn't feeling it for some reason. I pushed Kellisa to the edge of the lake and she splashed around with her hand.

I was hoping the water would be too cold for her, but I was wrong again. She desperately wanted to join her best friend and sister IN the water. I wasn't thrilled because I would have to change her into her swimwear and carry her in the water. How could I say no to Kellisa's smile and bossy finger pointing to the water? I couldn't and after a few minutes of getting ready, we were both in the water. 

Devastated Area Interpretive Trail

Lassen Volcanic National Park

July 2019

Kellisa's "best buddy" from Jacksonville, Jenny visited for a few days and going to a national park was high on her list of adventures. Yosemite was closed due to forest fires, so we headed north to spend an afternoon in Lassen Volcanic National Park. We visited the park and this trail back in July 2014 on our vacation to northern California, 18 months before we would move across the country. This would be Lisa and Jenny's first visit to this beautiful and surprisingly little visited gem in the national park system.

Jenny was more than happy to push Kellisa along the trail. It was nice to watch Kellisa have so much fun with her friend. This opportunity to see Kellisa as strangers see her on the trail confirmed everything I always believed, it's beyond obvious that she is having the time of her life with the non-stop smiles and giggles that resonate through the deep forest.

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