While many tend to view social media as a way to start drama, argue, or just hate putting themselves out there, I am notoriously saturated in the land of Facebook. In 2013, I received a friend request from Rachel Stahler. I of course have exceedingly fond memories of spending time (and drinking copious amounts of beer) with the always hilarious Uncle Mikey, and had met Rachel when I was much younger. So of course I added her. Little did I know how our relationship would bloom. 

My heart is heavy in that we did not spend time physically together. However rarely a day went by that we weren't in some sort of communication. We lived vicariously through each other's posts and photos. She was always cheering me on as I started school back up, and always encouraged me when I felt as though I wasn't doing well. We shared so many laughs as she had such an incredible way with words.

 She was terrified to go to the dentist, but after much coercing, she finally went! And it wasn't that bad! There is so much more to our story, but there is now a hole in my heart where my cousin's words often times filled. How do I begin to heal from this loss? I will do my best, and connect with her loved ones so that we may remember her and be thankful that she was in our lives. The world is a little less bright without Rachel's spark. I sent her one of my favorite books when she was feeling down, so I'm going to close with a quote from said book. 

"I can finally see that all the terrible parts of my life, the embarrassing parts, the incidents I wanted to pretend never happened, and the things that make me 'weird' and 'different,' were actually the most important parts of my life. They were the parts that made me ME." Jenny Lawson, Let's Pretend This Never Happened. 

I will love you always, Rachel. Thank you for making my world brighter. I wish you knew what an impact you had on me. You're with me. Always. 

Dreya