Dear Rachel

Dear Rachel,

It’s been just over a year now since you’ve been gone. What I hate most about this is I wasn’t there when you passed on. It suck because ever since the first day we met, you were always here for me. I remember when I first met you and Ken at church almost 9 years ago. When you found out I was an aspiring writer you couldn’t help but talk to me about it all the time. You loved telling me how you knew so many writers and that you were so sure that I would one day be a published author.

You said it so much that I started believing it, even in my lowest of moments. Sometimes I didn’t have very high expectations of myself, but you and Ken always did. Even on social media you followed all my written works that I would publish here on Vocal and tell me how you couldn’t wait to see my first book published and end up on the New York Times best seller list. I swear I never thought of that as a possibility, but you never doubted me and always gave me words of encouragement.

Your spirit is one of the warmest I’ve ever felt. When you were struggling with your health and you couldn’t make it to church you always sent Ken, your other better half to be present in your place and check on everyone who was at church or bible study, myself included. When you were feeling better and was able to join us it was nothing but unforgettable smiles and hugs. Everyone knew they were loved when we received a hug and embrace from you.

Last year you passed away just months before my first book ever was published. I hate that I wasn’t there with you in your last days and I hate it even more that you didn’t get to live to see my first book come out. I’m glad to say that you were right. I did get published, my first book did better than I could’ve imagined and opportunities found me that I never expected. I’d like to think a lot of this was because of the favor you spent years speaking into my life, Rachel. You kept telling me to hurry up and finish my book so that you could get your copy and read it. One of my biggest regrets is that I didn’t finish it sooner so you could do just that.

I’m still not used to you no longer being with us down here. It’s difficult not getting a text message from you after so long or not having you comment on a post to tell me how strong you’re being through all your health battles. You were always a true survivor and through all the fighting you always made time to show your love and support for everyone else.

I try not to be sad thinking about you. I know you’re with the Lord as you were always faithful to him. When Ken first learned about my book he told me how much he knew you’d be proud of me. You’re in a better place looking down on Ken and the rest of us who still live, cheering us on and sending us your favor. I’ll always miss you Rachel and I will always love and appreciate you for the blessings you spoke over me during our friendship over the past decade. Happy Heavenly Birthday Rach, love and miss you forever.

~Dedicated to the memory of my dear friend Rachel Slate. Thank you for the good you brought into my life.