Happy 20th Rach

I struggle with the words. I say that every year and at this point it will probably be in every post where I try to convey my thoughts to you.

Twenty. I truly can't believe it; it feels just like yesterday that the nurses brought in a fancy dinner to celebrate your birth.

Matt graduates this year, which is also shocking, and I think you'd be really pleased with what he's interested in persuing. He's also gotten into working on vehicles the past few years; it's been fun watching him lean into that passion. I'm sure he'd love to take you for a ride in his car with the top down, even if he initially protested.

Corn is a treasure; I know that you know that but figured you'd like to know he's such a delightful reminder of your remarkable disposition and mirrors your friendly, compassionate and loving traits. Mom and I laugh, every night I go to cuddle with her and I say it out loud and no matter where he is he gets up and comes and lays right next to her and stares at me. It's hilarious.

We've been going camping a lot lately and we even did a fire lookout last year; the scientist in you would love these adventures. Even Corn understands the word "adventure" and we talk about how he'll get to be a wolf for a few days. He prances around like he owns the mountain even though he's about the size of a rabbit.

Mom is amazing at every turn; which should come as no surprise. If she's not designing a new innovation for her truck, helping search and rescue, digging up dinosaurs, or helping the local Rivian club that she's on the board for she's rock-hounding or helping clear trails for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. There is nothing truly that she can't do and you would be so proud of her.

Given that; it's hard not to think about what you would be doing with your life.I struggle to make any sense of what you went through; and I never will, but I will always marvel at how you handled it with such grace and love.

Not a day goes by, possibly I could even say hour, that I don't think about you. My wall behind my office chair is covered in family photos; many people mention it and when they do my eyes are always drawn to a photo of you and it brings me joy. Thank you for the wonderful memories Rach, even in the midst of the worst you showed your best.

Happy birthday, love and miss you Rach.

~ Dad