I am sad that I won't see Kaetlyn competing this season. But am I sad for her taking a year-long break? Absolutely not.
I think that the fact that so many people express disappointment/sadness over Kaetlyn skipping a season shows how profound her presence became in the past two seasons when she went back after serious injury - she was able to maintain technical solidity with performance ability, develop both in her own stride at the same time. She may even not expect that return to competitive skating will cause such effect and be as successful as we saw it - due to that I am not surprised that she decided to take more time with herself, not necessarily pushing the decision of continous competing. Forcefulness and pushing herself against her own feelings could be the worst thing to do. I think that stepping aside in the moment she is now could give her a good perspective to look at the field and see if she's still hungry for that; also - this time taken and thought put into some other activities, chances may help her decide where to push herself further - and if it won't be competitive skating, I believe that this decision will be conscious and taken out of her own will, not caused by another injury for example. In a year time, she still will know how to skate and how to perform, it won't get away - the thing is if she will want to do it and push herself physically and mentally in that area.
I just hope that she will be happy and satisfied in whatever she will pursue - she is still young and earned this 'luxury' of taking her time to decide on future as an athlete (as already accomplished one); for me, this is not problematic crossroads (like it could be after her injury, debating on return, having doubt etc.), but taking a bit of a break on the road - she really went on full speed for past two seasons and I cannot blame her wanting to slow things down.
after the 5 minute devastation, i thought this about the Osmond break : 
