I think in the hectic of Christmas season's past I have failed to adequately recognize my sister Rachel's Birthday! THIS year, I will not let that happen. Rachel is turning 29... good grief!! Just one more year in the twenties: Here are my favorite things about my sister Rachel:
1. She was the original performer in the family (and probably the most talented). It would be unreasonable not to acknowledge that Rachel's early performances influenced me in that "hey that looks like fun... I bet I could do that" sort of way. Until a few years ago, she was non-stop, including a multi-year run at Lagoon that really showcased her talent. She is an incredible dancer and has a powerful voice. You showed us all how to do it Rach.
2. Rachel has a hard time not being real. I admire that. When she extends a genuine compliment, it is a powerful and meaningful thing.
3. She has an original and very real sense of humor. I have two siblings like this. I think most people define sense of humor too narrowly. Rachel is not a huge "act silly and goofy and get people to laugh" person. Her humor is in her subtle comments and gestures, she is funniest when it seems she is trying the least. To me it is more often the things she laughs AT that make her sense of humor unique and hilarious. When she finds the avenue to express herself humorously, it amuses me as much as anything ever has.
4. Rachel was always standing up for her beliefs. Rachel was popular in high school, but often strived very actively to avoid the pitfalls of popularity. She made a concerted effort to befreind the freindless, to date anyone who appropriately asked, and to serve whenever she could. I remember receiving a letter with a newspaper clipping while on my mission. It described how Rachel had arranged for a number of special needs kids to go a dance (or something similiar). Nothing pleases me more than those who defy the stereotype, and Rachel, was not your typical too cool, too cute too popular high school girl. I admired and respected that.
You deserve a wonderful year. I hope it is a good one.
Happy Birthday Rachel. Love ya
Jake
2 comments:
Amen to all of that! Rach is the best! those are some great pictures. Rachel has never above telling you exactly how she felt whether good or bad, and I've always admired that, especially since i am one who typically said what i knew people wanted to hear for fear of a 'scene'. it takes true courage to be up front with people, the kind of courage found in 'The Great Sheppard"
so good job Rach, we love ya and can't believe you are almost 30!! crap i am getting old.
very very nice jake. I really appreciate all that you said. thanks
Post a Comment