A Keeper

When Gregg got home from his mission, it quickly became apparent there was a girl in his life that took up valuable space in his heart. I knew more of her than I actually knew her - meeting her only once on prom night a couple of years before. Her name was Rachael and she had been a long time "friend" of his. I liked her from the beginning. Any time someone favors your child, they get my vote. It shows they have good taste! And now, watching more than a friendship unfold, I could only be happy for them.
Rachael was here the night Gregg got home from his mission. She had rushed home from BYU for the Christmas break. While Gregg was adjusting to reality, Rachael was proving her priorities - the first of many to come:

When April conference came along, it was easy to include Rachael in the group. Aunt Janice treated us royally.

When we all drove to Nebraska for Emmie's blessing, easily there was a seat for Rachael. While Gregg took the wheel into the night for his shift of driving, Rachael sat in the passenger seat and talked and to him endlessly to keep him awake.

Macks Inn that year was fun, because we all got to know Rachael. At the cabin one evening, we talked about the fun times, and how it was sad to leave but we'd be all be back. Then we realized Rachael really wasn't officially Gregg's. Grandma Buehner said, "Well, she'll be back, won't she?" We crossed our fingers!

At one point I cornered Gregg (something mothers are known for - "cornering") and ask if he thought he could find anyone better than Rachael. His response was negative.

When she transferred to ASU to finish her schooling, I knew she was a keeper.

Though these few memories are from my perspective, Gregg and Rachael have their own continuous story to tell. Being married now for two years, it is a sweet story with lots of fun chapters to come!

Wednesday is Rachael's birthday. I am thankful for her everyday!