Let’s begin Caitlin’s story with her own words. In the eighth grade [September 2002], Caitlin wrote the following short autobigraphy:

“I was born on March 9, 1989. I was born in the evening. I was 7lbs and 8oz.

“When I was six, my parents went to China and adopted my sister Kelsey. I stayed at my godparent’s house in Rehoboth, for two weeks.

“In 3rd grade I went to Thailand and Vietnam to adopt my youngest sister, Kristy. I was in Thailand for one week, and in Vietnam for two weeks.

“In 5th grade I changed schools and went to Fulton. Before I had gone to a private school, Sandy Spring Friends School.

“The summer after 5th, I went to Hawaii for two weeks. I went to the islands of Hawaii, Kauai, and Oahu. I had lots of fun. I went to a black sand beach.”

One of Caitlin’s assignments at the start of tenth grade [August 2004] was to write a biographical sketch of herself. Here is what she wrote:

“My name is Caitlin Dunbar, and I am in 10th grade. I am 15 years old. I have 2 younger sisters, named Kelsey and Kristy. Kelsey is turning 10, and she is adopted from China. Kristy is 7 and is adopted from Vietnam. I went to Vietnam, with my dad to adopt Kristy when I was 9. I love to travel, and have been to Canada, Thailand, Vietnam, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Mexico. I also plan on traveling to Europe this summer [2005], specifically to England, Scotland, Finland, and possibly France.

“I don’t play any sports, although I do go to gymnastics, and I play the piano in my spare time. I collect stickers, and little odds and ends, such as miniature houses. I love to listen to music, and go on the computer. I also love to go to YF [Young Friends] conferences, which are Quaker youth conferences.”

Caitlin’s mom, Marty, had this to say about her eldest daughter:

“When I think of Caitlin, I think of a friendly, smiling, happy daughter. She lived a very full life; she was full of life. She was independent and had a strong self-concept. She was considerate and kind. She could talk to all ages - children (she babysat), teens (her friends), as well as adults. She was a night-owl; she and her dad would stay up late many nights watching a movie or just talking. She always had at least one of her parents, usually her dad, still tuck her in every night. Caitlin had a very special relationship with her dad, who was her full-time, at-home parent from age 2 years to the present (he is still at home with Caitlin's sisters).

“Caitlin loved the Girl Scouts. She was an active member since kindergarten. She volunteered to help many of the younger Girl Scouts. She and her dad volunteered during the summer at Camp Ilchester, a day camp. She attended Camp Conowingo residential camp for 10 years in a row. It is the same summer camp that I attended when I was a child. Caitlin wanted to become a Camp Counselor there. During her summers there, Caitlin became a certified scuba diver, she went caving and kayaking, in addition to the other traditional camp activities.

“Caitlin was an avid reader. She especially enjoyed fantasy books, such as the Harry Potter series.

“Caitlin was an honor student.

“Caitlin enjoyed writing poetry. Both River Hill High School and Fulton Elementary School are holding annual poetry contests in Caitlin's memory.

“Caitlin loved gymnastics. She attended a trampoline and tumbling gym program. She enjoyed it tremendously. She had been participating in gymnastics since she was 2 years old. We have a trampoline in our yard which she spent many hours on. At her memorial service, many of her friends remarked on her love for the trampoline.

“Caitlin also loved to dance. She was taking 'Intro to Dance' at school. She planned on auditioning for a more advanced dance class her next school year. Her last dance recital was on December 17, 2004. Her journal entry ... ‘so yesterday was my dance performance at school. it was soo much fun! i can’t wait till the next one, which is in the spring. i did really well, and wish i could do it again. and my aunt sylvia and her friend came, as well as my family. aunt sylvia gave me a bouquet of pink roses at the end, which was really sweet. especially since roses are my favorite ...’

“Caitlin also enjoyed her social life. She liked 'hanging out' with her friends. She enjoyed walks in the woods and walks in the rain. She liked talking with her friends via 'IM' on the computer.

“When I arrived home from work, there were many days when there were freshly baked chocolate chip cookies awaiting me. She and her friends would make them after school. I tried to keep the ingredients stocked. Caitlin enjoyed cooking with her dad.

“Caitlin wanted to be a pilot. We were just starting to explore the college alternatives in order for her to become a pilot. 'Top Gun' was one of her favorite movies.

“Caitlin loved to travel. She has been to Canada, Mexico, Thailand, Vietnam, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Hawaii, LA, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Boston, Baltimore and DC, although her favorite destination was Disney World. Her favorite characters were Tinker Bell, Dale and Eeyore. Caitlin had planned on traveling to England and Scotland over spring break with her family. She was to visit Finland over the summer with one of her friends.

“Caitlin was a talker, hugger, and nature lover. She loved Maryland crabs, amusement parks, the beach, and Toby’s dinner theater.

“If I had to sum up Caitlin’s philosophy on life, it would be ‘Live, Love, Laugh’.”