Happy Groundhog's Day...Rachael! {wink}

I need some help today. Don't worry; it's really something simple for you to do, but will make a big impact. Here's the gig for today...I'm looking for 21 people to leave a comment here for one of my greatest friends in the world, Rachael.
Happy Birthday, Rachael! She turns 21 today...and I remember when I was 21. Some of you probably remember that year too. SO, if you have a minute, I'm looking for 21 people to wish Rachael a Happy Birthday, and leave a word or two of advice for her as she ventures into her 'new life'...one of maturity and big expectations. You're not a "kid" anymore, Rachael!!
Truth is, Rachael probably doesn't need much advice. I have to gush for a moment myself, about how great this girl really is. She's already blushing at this post, I'm sure, because she is one of those people who just 'shines' in the sidelines. {Remember the movie, 'Beaches'? Sorry, Andy...that's a bit 'chicky' for you, I'm sure.} But it's so true about Rachael.
She has been a part of the Ferlaak's lives for a long time now...but only in the past couple of years has our relationship really been 'involved'- to say the least. Rachael has seen and lived "the good, the bad and the ugly" reality of my life and the rest of my family's lives for almost two years. Do you know what? She hasn't run away from it, but instead always comes back for more. She has been there for Chip and I at a moment's notice more times than I can count. She gives more than she gets...and is happy about that. I know God sent her into our lives at the precise moment we 'needed her'.
Maybe you'd be surprised to read that I am not the 'best kind of friend' to others. I can be difficult to understand, and I've said it before, I have a dry sense of humor and am a fairly 'closed person'. Trust me. I keep getting better about this, and I have tried to be more open and accepting of others in life too. My kids have demanded that I change in many ways. But, Rachael is one person who I have learned to be myself around. We have lived together, laughed and cried and cleaned sick kids and carpets, dragged screaming kids from malls, shared Starbuck's and Cold Stone ice cream. We've had the best time at Cake Class, ridden the ferry across Lake Michigan, sunbathed at the beach, grocery shopped late at night, swapped emails, encouraged each other to do things we might otherwise not try on our own, and we share lots of little inside jokes. [Tie dye.]
That kind of friendship takes time and effort. Today, I just have to say, Rachael, you are one of the most compassionate, caring people that I know. One day {soon!} I hope you realize how amazing you are. Down the road, if life takes you further away from me, I know we will always be 'best friends' at heart! Thank you doesn't begin to say what you deserve from me and my family. Happy, happy birthday, from all of the whole Nitty.Gritty. gang...Chip, myself, Brock, Wyndham, Isabella and Ava. I know that there are a couple of people smiling down from Heaven today too. May you feel their love and warmth...and if you're really lucky, you'll top off today with a bit of Buttercream too. Love ya! =)