Throughout our lives we meet and connect with many people, but there are only a few who stay with you throughout your entire life. These people are your forever friends. Thirteen years ago, two little girls found their forever friends. Thirteen years ago, those two little girls were Rachel Carl and Courtney Milton.
I was so blessed to have met Rachel on a hot summer day at the beach when we were seven years old. We built sand castles along the shoreline, ate peaches under our cool umbrellas, and swam in the ocean until the lifeguards pulled us in for the day. I knew that day thirteen years ago that I had met someone special that would be in my life for a long time. And indeed, Rachel has been a special part of my life.
Rachel is one of the most beautiful people I know, both on the inside and out. She has this awesome ability to see the good in every person and in every situation.
One of the greatest qualities about Rachel is her openness to life. She wants to experience life to the absolute fullest and will not let any opportunity pass her by. She is someone who is always up for a new adventure and is always open to new people. As someone who is often guarded and not always willing to take a risk, she helps me take down that guard and be open to new experiences and people.
Throughout the last thirteen years, Rachel and I have experienced so much of life together. Whether it was experiencing the rough waters of high school, going through a painful heartbreak, deciding on where to attend college, or even grieving the loss of a loved one, we have been by each other’s side throughout it all. I would not have wanted anyone else by my side to support me along the way.
Over the last thirteen years, we have become each other’s family. To me, the Carl’s are not just friends they are family. I know that my family feels the same way about Rachel. I am so grateful to not only have Rachel but to have her family in my life forever as well.
Thirteen years ago, I met my best friend and my forever friend and thirteen years ago my life was changed forever.
So here is to another thirteen plus years of friendship, laughs, smiles, and hugs. I know that you are here for the long haul Rach and I wouldn’t want it any other way. I am so proud of all that we have accomplished together over the past thirteen years and I am so excited to see what is in store for us. Love you long time. Xo