Today, is Baby Rachel’s 20th birthday. Before she was born and for a good while after, she was referred to by our closest friends as Baby Rachel. On this her 20th birthday, that may change to “Just Rachel.” Twenty years has gone by so fast. Everyone tells you that and when you live it, you learn how true it is. Here’s my letter to Rachel on her 20th birthday.
Dear Sweet Rachel,
I cannot believe you are 20 today. Time has truly flown by. Over the past few weeks, you have reminded us quite often that you will be 20. You keep saying you will be an adult, but you are already an adult.
This has been a big year for you. Once again, you’ve been out there breaking down stereotypes by living, loving and learning and just being a young woman who is passionate about her dreams.
Over these past twelve months, you have made major steps in pursuit of your dreams. Some highlights-
- You were selected to be part of the first cohort of the Missouri State University Bear POWER program. Your reaction was worth a million dollars.
- You applied for and won a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship. Again, your reaction was worth a million dollars.
- Since your school started in January, so last fall you applied, interviewed and were hired to work at the Olive Garden. You are back there working again this summer. You are definitely the hostess with the mostess.
- You moved into a dorm on a college campus three hours from home. In our opinion, you managed to navigate pretty well. Like all college freshman, you learned a few things. Because you are human, you made some mistakes, but you learned from those. You exhibited great courage and resolve and you are stronger because of all of that.
Recently, you changed the ending of your “I Love My Life” presentation to reflect more of the “20-year-old” Rachel. Last night, I overheard your sweet prayer. You thanked God for many of your friends, by name, and for the opportunity to help at Vacation Bible School, and for your job and all the people at the Olive Garden, and for your family. Then, you said something in your prayer that was almost straight from the new ending to your presentation. You said, “God, I want true friends. I am Rachel. I have Down syndrome, but I am not Down syndrome. I am just Rachel, and my birthday is tomorrow.”
In your speech, you do not say, “I am just Rachel.” You say, “I am Rachel.” You know what though precious daughter? The most important thing you are is just Rachel. Yes, you have many achievement. Yes, you are a role model to many people. Yes, sometimes the expectations of others for perfection is too high, and it can be exhausting to carry the torch. But most importantly, you are just Rachel. And being Just Rachel is enough.
The other day you reminded me that you are an adult and that you were almost 20. I reminded you that you will always be my baby, Rachel. I will remind you again, that I am soooooo glad God chose me to be your mom and chose your dad, #BestDadEver, to be your dad.
And, I will ALWAYS love you Most.
Love you forever,
Mom
