24?

You were born on a crisp day in March. You were greeted by two excited people who were fully expecting you to be another boy--and due to an odd placement of the umbilical cord, your dad thought at first you were a boy! (Your name would have been Tyler to complete the whole y-as-second-letter theme.) That you weren't a boy still amazes me somewhat. We named you Rachel Erin.

Also, to greet you were two brothers, four-and-a-half and two-and-a-half (still a baby I now realize--sorry Ryan!) They couldn't have been more excited about your birth. The picture of them holding you in those first few days still brings tears to my eyes--they are glowing with love! From the moment we brought you home, those two boys began a campaign to see whom you would love the most. They were protective of you and did everything in their power to make you laugh--which you did, of course, to their endless delight. And when you screamed that special blend of high-pitched screech and hyena, they begged me to give you whatever is was you wanted--while holding their ears! Their devotion quickly turned into teasing that they continue to this day--and there were many tears shed over what "the boys" did to make you stomp your feet up the stairs to your room--while they laughed. You always forgave them. I think they are still in awe of such a beautiful sister--and you would fight to the death for them I think.

Your dad was stricken from the first moment he looked at you. He knew how to handle boys--He never quite figured out how to handle you. He said he couldn't bring himself to spank you--something just stopped his hand. You had a way of saying, "Daaaaddd," that just melted his heart. And you did not hesitate to stand right up to him and say, "No!" He couldn't believe it! He tried so hard to do the right things--but he was at a loss many times. There was one night that he drove through the night to you because he knew you needed him to be strong for you--I'll never forget the love and determination on his face. He WOULD save his baby girl! And then another picture of him at your wedding--and breaking down during his speech at your reception.........pure love.

What a difference you made in our home. Your mix of humor, intelligence, compassion, laid-back banter, artistic flair, and quick-witted take on life was just what we needed to balance out our life. You somehow handled your life and people with your easy manner. You are one of the kindest people I have ever met--your heart ached for anyone not treated fairly. You wanted the world to be a good place, and you were sorely disappointed when people didn't live up to that. You found out how cruel other girls can be--but you had a hard time believing it! We were always amazed at the loyalty you could bring out in your friends--at such a young age. You were someone others were drawn to. It was not your outward beauty that drew them, either; although that would have been what the world might think. You have an inner beauty that shines out from your love of Jesus.

You accpected Jesus as your Savior at age four. From that time, you genuinely wanted to please Him in our life. You always showed a sensitivity to spiritual things--what a joy to Christian parents. As you reached your teen years, you eagerly sought a relationship with Him. You wanted His leading, and He did lead you. He led you to a camp in Colorado where you met Eddy and started on a path that would lead you to marriage and living far, far away from your famiily--which you have done without complaint (no comments on getting away from your crazy mother!). Actually, I know it hasn't been an easy thing to do, but you have handled a new culture and a new life with the same ease you have handled everything else in your life--with such grace.

Now you are an amazing mother. I know you are worn out at times with what it takes to be a good mom. Mya will be just as delightful to you and Eddy and as have been to your dad and me. This time of having her at home with you will be so short--hard to believe as you approach her first birthday--but it's true. Just enjoy her!

Happy birthday, Rachel Erin McLawhon Roper. We love you with all our hearts! (I wish I could play your "Hey Rachel, It's Your Birthday" tape for you!)

We love who you are!