Day 55- My Rachel

Hey guys,

     So, I am seriously blessed to have so many amazing people and amazing friends in my life, and Rachel Gutierrez is one of the best! She started as my brothers friend, but through the process of losing him and grieving together, we have become VERY close.

      Rachel is one of those people who know exactly what to say or do when anyone needs help. So many times, she has been there for not only me, but for my family, whether it's babysitting the boys so my parents can go out, taking the boys to the pool, or celebrating birthdays with each and every one of them, she truly has left a mark on their lives, and on mine. I remember after having to say goodbye to one of my dearest friends, as I rode my bike home bawling and completely miserable, I was thinking to myself, THANK GOODNESS that Rachel is at home and the boys will be asleep so we can talk. THAT'S how much I care about her, and she cares about me.

       This summer in particular, it seemed like Rachel never really left...especially in the weeks and days before we left, which just warmed my heart. It's so good to know that while she cares about the boys and wants to spend time with them, she also cares about ME and wants to spend time with ME. When she was over, she always took the time to talk with me and see how I was doing, which means a lot because in a large family, not every kid always gets attention when they need it. She can tell from the look on my face what is going on, and she will NOT let me fall through the cracks.

     Rachel has been there for me through thick and thin, she was there when we got the call that Graham had officially passed, I was there the day she got accepted to Wheaton, and she was there the day I received a $17 thousand dollar scholarship for my first choice school.

     If anyone can understand me, it's her. She completely understands any emotion I might be going through, and she wants to help me through it. That's the cool thing about Rachel, no matter WHO it is, she is always ready and willing to serve others, or to just sit and listen as you pour out your heart.

    Over the course of my senior year, Rachel became one of my closest friends, and one of those friends who I could always go to with everything. Even though we only REALLY knew each other for a year, we have made so many memories, had so many lunch dates, had so many late nights, had so many Skype dates, that I know, no matter WHAT happens, she will always have my back.

     Rachel, words cannot express how much I miss you, or how excited it makes me that I will be visiting you soon. You mean so much to me, almost like a second sister. I will never forget the many hours we spent talking, or the time I spent the morning recording "La Bamba" for you, or the time we went to Lake Michigan together with the Menkes. You will always be a part of me, and you will always have a special place in my heart, you are MY Rachel, and that won't ever change!
<3 Always
Rose