Rachel is 21 years old today. Like every April 6 before, my heart and mind are once again full to overflowing with memories of her life, from her very first day, so clear, so precious. Over the years, I've tried to capture many, and would love to somehow gather and preserve them all forever....
But this isn't a day to spend only remembering a wonderful past. Rather, this day is really for celebrating the beautiful woman that Rachel has become, the Rachel we get to enjoy right now. She is caring, joyful, and wise beyond her years. She is an "adoolt" who can make us laugh unexpectedly and lighten our hearts when we don't even realize we need it. Likewise, she can leave us breathless with her insightful thinking, eloquently expressed in word or print. Smart, gentle, generous, discerning, and altogether lovely to behold and to be with. Quite simply, that is Rachel.
Years ago, I wondered what it would be like when the girls grew up, left home, and started lives for themselves and on their own. For four years now, Emily has been teaching me to "fear not"-- like all the earlier stages, there are abundant unexpected pleasures that go along with parenting adult children. It's wonderful in its own special way!
Now, Rachel becomes the newest member of that club and, in a very short while, she will bring Brice along with her. Little Lamb will become Mrs. Flynn, and so another chapter will begin for all of us. Given her history, there's every reason to believe it will be a good thing, and full of wonderful surprises.
Happy Birthday, Rachel!
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