My 19-year-old sister was killed in a car accident May 16, 2007. She was driving my car to high school and it hydroplaned, causing her and her passenger to lose control, cross the median, and hit a semi truck's double-trailer. She died instantly. Her passenger, a friend and neighbor, survived with only a few minor injuries to his hand.
Rachel was a senior who was graduating in 10 days, and was going to Otterbein University in the fall to study equine studies in the hopes of becoming a veterinary technican.
Since then, my life has been pretty overwhelming. I've been at home these past few months anyways, looking for a job and finishing up the leftover credit or two from my graduate school.
School is done, but the job hunt is on hold as my parents and I try to grasp this completely devastating loss.
For those who have sent cards, emails, and other messages, I thank you. They have brought comfort and we have appreciated them.
To try to explain to those of you who didn't know her, Rachel was very much like me. Of course, the two of us saw all of our differences, but to outsiders we had similar tastes and expressions, and the same wry humor (Though Rachel had a better handle on the comic relief angle, as she got older). I loved her desperately.
If you would like to help in some way, you can contribute to her high school, Wheeling Central Catholic, 75 14th Street, Wheeling, WV 26003-3425, where we will be forming a scholarship in her name.