Dear Rachel C.

I know I said thank you a few times while I was pregnant, but I probably didn't say it enough. You really helped me out! I was all at once terrified and thrilled and had no idea what to expect. You used your calm assurance to share with me your experience and answered any questions I had. I can't tell you how much that meant to me!

You've also been a wonderful friend, watching Kayla so Jason and I could have a much-needed date night (or two or three!), inviting us over for dinner and Sabbath games, letting us watch your adorable little boy so we could have a taste for what having a son would be like, made sure our dog had food and water while we were gone for a weekend...the list goes on.

And I cannot forget to mention how much I appreciate your musical gift. You've helped me last-minute with a few special musics for church, and you let me sing with you every month, so my life is wonderful! :) God has truly blessed our church with you and your talents and willingness to share them. Thank you for letting me be a part of that. I am so blessed every time I make music with you and Charley, and I always think, "Wow. I must really be special for God to give me this unspeakable gift."

You inspire me. Your knowledge of the Bible, your faith, your disinterest in being anyone but yourself, your ability to be such a great mother - especially now that you're pregnant with number two! - your musicality...all of it makes me want to be a better person.

Thank you, my friend!

Becky