More Letters from Las Vegas

Dear Shoes, I'm terribly sorry about how black and gross you get everytime I even think about walking outside. I guess that's what happens when you live in a city, and a city with not so much rain. I will clean you as often as possible but I'm afraid you will get more beat up than we are used to. I'm terribly sorry. Regretfully, Rachel

Dear girl walking across campus today, I don't know you. Didn't even see your face. But when you turned and said "You look nice" it made my day. You have no idea how much that simple compliment meant to me. Thanks for taking two seconds to say something nice to a complete stranger. Hoping it comes back to you, Rachel

Dear Little Green Car, We are going to be spending A LOT of time together in the next two years. I promise to service you regularly and drive as kindly as possible if you promise to not break down [especially A/C breakdowns] or get in any accidents. Is it a deal? Yours, Commuter Rachel

Dear Body, Guess what? It's time. We were lazy all summer and starting Monday it's back to the gym. Every day. Get ready! Love, Healthy Rachel

Dear East Coast friends and strangers, Be safe. Be careful. Hurricanes are crazy business. Love, Rachel

Dear Provo, Who knew I'd miss you? But oh I do. Life was easier. I wish I hadn't taken you so much for granted. A touch regretfully but mostly nostalgically, Rachel

Dear Heather and Sarah, I'm starting school in a new town and it makes me think of starting our freshman year together. We had such a wonderful year didn't we? So many new adventures. So much growing and changing. Learning and laughing and loving. Was it hard at the beginning? It was, wasn't it? But it worked out in the end didn't it? Maybe that will happen here too? Missing you terribly, Rach

Dear Lyss [and Dan], Thanks for calling the other night. It meant the world. I'm so grateful for your friendship. You two have so much faith and diligence and are so obedient. I really look up to you, admire you. Happy for you and with love, Rach

Dear Eva, You won't read this. Unless I print it and send it. But I am sending all my love to you as you prepare to leave this week. You are so extraordinary. You just dove into this with no looking back and you are doing so well because of it. I'm looking to you as an example as I start school next week. I love you, Rach

Dear Slobbrey Aubrey Laubrey PJ Eggplant Sweetcup, I. miss. you. I need you to make me laugh. To help me put things back into perspective. To remind me that life is what I make it. I can't believe it's only been a year since we met. You are one of my best friends. Love you, Rachie Smachie Pudding and Pie Bob Dylan

Dear Christine, You always always always say the right thing or give me the right talk or offer a hug at exactly the perfect moment. You are an angel and I admire you so much. I already miss our time together, talking, watching a chick flick, baking cookies, being silly. I wasn't joking. Labor day weekend I need a night with you. All my love, Rach

Dear Annie, You won't read this either. But I'll send it so you can. Because I'm thinking about you. The last few days have been hard and so I've been holding onto our plans like a life raft so I won't drown. Who knows what will happen. But in the meantime I'm using them to buoy me up. I am so proud of everything you are doing any. You are exceptional. My prayers are very much with you. Love, Rachel

Dear LJ, I wish you were closer to me so I could get a hug. You give the best ones. Love, Rachel

Dear Lauren, Thank you for always being just a phone call away. You are one of the most loyal friends I have ever had and I am so grateful for your influence in my life. I love you. So much. Yours, Rach

Dear Jessica, Thank you for your text yesterday. You don't know how much just a simple I love you means to me right now when life is so crazy and hard. Literally made the difference between another cry and not. You are the best. And I love you for it. Forever, Rach

Dear Allie [and John],  Thanks for always being there. You are a constant source of encouragement and advice and I'm so glad you are always willing to share. Also I'm sorry for your heartbreak. I pray for you. Often. I love you SO much, Rachel

Dear Jord and Sam, Can we PLEASE go back to London? I'll win some money down here and it'll be my treat. You can even bring your husbands. What's that? Right. I don't gamble. Well. Maybe we can start saving pennies? Missing you and Missing Ben, Rachel

Dear Carly, I love hearing about your new town and all but every time I see a new post I want it to say you have a baby! Can you PLEASE hurry up. I want to see pictures of Baby Richardson! Anxiously, Rachel

Dear friends not listed by name, You are VERY important to me. I just don't have anything specific to tell you right now. Except that I appreciate whatever influence you have had and are having on my life. So much of who I am is made up of the experiences I have from people like you. Write to me? An email, a facebook message, a blog comment. Or maybe even a real letter with a stamp! I promise I will write back. Best wishes and love, Rachel

Dear Caldwell Friends, Second Moms, etc..., I'm homesick already. Thanks for keeping up with me on another adventure. Your love and encouragement mean a lot. Watch out for my family will you? Love, Rachel

Dear Sister, I love you. I miss you. I think you are stellar. Hope you are having fun hunting this weekend. Love, Rach

Dear Luke, Thanks for always asking what happened and listening to me patiently when I call crying. You are growing up into such a good brother becoming responsible and kind. So glad you are mine, Rach

Dear Karl Bug, I miss you. Can you please just come live with me? I have room under my bed for a cute boy who gives great hugs. Guess what?, Rach

Dear Anyone Reading This, You make me happy. Thanks for taking a few minutes to read all the way to the end of this. It makes me glad inside to think that people care about what I have to say. Or need something to do. Either way. You are awesome. Love, A happy girl