Thank You Rachel

At the memorial service in the lobby of the church you two attended.

I love the beautiful pictures you made for the light cases. You put his brochure together in the midst of excruciating grief. It is a treasure we hold till we see him again.

Saying your good-byes.

How did you find the strength? It was almost impossible to collect thoughts and put them into words, but you did it so beautifully and from the heart. Your character shines in the darkness, Rachel.

In his emptied bedroom.

A shell of sorrow without him and his things in it. The end of a dream you had shared and a future we had hoped for. So sad for all of us to not see that future unfold. We are so sorry for your loss, Rachel. We wanted you to be our son's wife and our daughter- and-sister-in-law/auntie/and wonderful mother of our grandchildren. You will always be that person in our hearts, dear Daughter-in-love.

With Joey in Australia.

I love that snuggly hug and the contented looks on your faces. I love how your head fit into the curve of his neck. I love the way you held him, the way you loved him.

Setting out for uncharted adventures in Gunther, your transportation and home for a year. What a daring girl you are, Rachel. And you made such a nice, cozy little home inside. Thank you for taking such good care of my son.

Where are you? The Northwest? Alaska? You have your ANWR t-shirt on. Joey's wearing his spoons shirt. That's just the way I remember you two together so often.

High mountains. Happy faces. Carefree days.

Thank you for joining him in the adventure of a lifetime.

Such a beautiful friend to our beautiful son. On his 30th birthday, we thank you for loving Joey in his life and in his death. We also thank you for loving us and sticking with us in our best and worst moments. You are a wonder. We will love you forever.

Ruth 1:16
But Ruth said, "... where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.