Rachael turns 20

 December 29th

Twenty! My little tiny wispy haired baby is twenty. Her sweet face and little nose and eyes that kept track of everything, still sparkle. She brings me joy. 

All of a sudden Rachael seems older. She is silly and funny, so funny and quick witted, and an interesting conversationalist. But all of this wrapped into a more mature her. Watching her be on her own, meal plan, handle a household, and be responsible in new ways has been rewarding to see. 

Back in the Fall we were disappointed that her driver's test had been canceled because of Covid scheduling. but it wound up being a huge blessing. It meant that Jim and I got to see her regularly as we drove her to and from work. I was glad to maintain regular conversation and Rae used it as a time to verbalize her to-dos and ask questions. Online college was hard and definitely challenged any good habit she was working on. But we talked each trip to work and she refocused. I was most grateful to see her. We are used to a relationship with physical closeness and it was a blessing to be able to transition slowly. Rae will get her license soon, but for now I am loving the regular contact.  I miss her.

For her birthday I picked her up from her apartment and the whole family got together. The girls got the bow and arrows out and in the chilly backyard did some archery until it got dark. We ordered dinner from Matthew's 1600 and Rae picked a burger. Her roommate is a vegetarian so they don't eat much meat and a burger sounded really good to her. In an inspiration of nostalgia she asked to put on the Crocodile Hunter movie. Steve Irwin had been one of her childhood heroes. It was fun to share that again.

We got peach and apple pies and ice cream for dessert. We dished it up on the Happy Birthday plate and she pulled out one big candle stub from the drawer. We sang to her and then Josh came over. They have been maintaining a long distance relationship and she was so glad that he was in town. Josh came in but stayed masked and kept at a safe space. She opened presents once Josh got there. He made her this cool light up wire frame with a moon and their initials. It was really sweet and it was so wonderful to be with her to celebrate. Her roommates, Josh and a friend were getting together in her back yard for a fire and cupcakes, so she didn't stay late. She was happy.

I am so glad she is alive and that she is my daughter.