We’ve had a bunch of going away parties in July.  Volunteers Pat and Trish left just after the 4th of July.  Then volunteer April left to return to Minnesota on July 20th.  The rangers always spring for pizza when a volunteer leaves and Tom and I make sure we are in attendance.

Just before the end of the July, we had a going away party for Ranger Kymberlyn.  It was a joint going away party and an 11th birthday party for her son Wyatt.  Wyatt is a smart kid who likes to help out with living history from time to time.  He had been helping volunteer April with colonial games for the last month.  His enthusiasm helped other kids get into trying out new games.

Ranger Kymberlyn is accustomed to moving about.  She moved a lot when she was a kid and was in the Marines, moving frequently.  She moved to Middlesboro to be close to her dad and give Wyatt a more stable home life.  Her dad has watched Wyatt after school and during the summers during the four years they have lived here.  Kymberlyn took online college classes and got a job as a ranger through the Pathways Program.  This program hires students and gives them an opportunity to explore working for the federal government.

Ranger Kymberlyn had recently been feeling restless.  Four years is the longest she has lived in one place.  She wanted to provide a more stable environment for Wyatt, but Wyatt has recently been asking to be homeschooled.  After a lot of thought, Kymberlyn decided that they would move to Alaska where she will find another job and homeschool Wyatt.  She has a sister living there that will give her a job until she finds one on her own.

I will miss Ranger Kymberlyn.  She is the only ranger who liked to hang out with me in the textile room.  She enjoys weaving and caught on to it really quickly.  She has woven some creative and imaginative towels.  Because she doesn’t know the weaving “rules,” she makes interesting designs that are outside my narrower box.  Kymberlyn has also been fun to work with at the desk, where we get a chance to talk and share our lives.

About 20 people came to the going away party, most of them other rangers at the park.  There was pizza and a cake for Wyatt.  Because they are moving so far away, all of the gifts were gift cards.  I researched the area where she is moving and got her a Target gift card.  There is a Target in the closest town.

Kymberlyn and Wyatt seem very excited about their move and not at all nervous.  Kymberlyn says it it doesn’t work out, she will move someplace.  She has been supporting herself and Wyatt for a while and is very independent and confident.  I do feel a little sorry for her dad.  He and Wyatt have been best buds for the last four years and they will miss each other.

Goodbye and good luck, Kymberlyn and Wyatt.  Our loss is Alaska’s gain.