In 2014, my wife and I moved to the Culpeper/Orange area. Not to long after, we found this gem of a winery, Old House, where we met Karen. She was vibrant, welcoming and loved not just the Old House wine, but the family behind the wine. Over the years that followed we would see Karen working at Old House during events, her welcoming smile and laughter in her greeting always present. Often, after Old House closed, several would stay afterwards - those who worked that day, along with Pat and Allyson - to laugh, share life and connect. Not many saw this side of weekends at the winery, but the memories are cherished. It was during those moments I remember Karen talking about her health struggles, but she never let it define her. She was strong, she endured, and she lived and loved. She saw the value in a life not given in to inward grief, but chose to be an outward embodiment of love, through kindness. So to her, we will offer this toast...to those who aren't here, never forgotten...we will see you again. Oh - and tell Ron he's still got a seat at the chili judge's table...he's not getting out of it that easy.
