She was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen, this only child of mine, born with silky curly black hair that was layered as if she had been to a hair salon. Her grandmother Martha named her Rachel Angela.
What do you say about a daughter who is an only child and who seems to have been born with a spirit of obedience, courage, perseverance, loyalty and love? She has never caused me one ounce of pain, worry, shame or heartache.
The best way I can sum up Rachel the Daughter, is to say she is:
- Dedicated to God and her loved ones and to everything she sets her heart to do.
- Always obedient to God first and to those in authority over her.
- Uses her talents and skills so others may be helped or blessed.
- Grateful for everything she has and for whatever anyone does on her behalf.
- Happy to be alive and she knows it. (Many are happy and don't know it.)
- Trustworthy among family, friends and co-workers.
- Encourager to all who need a shoulder to cry on and an ear to hear.
- Respects and loves people of diverse cultures and backgrounds.
No Mother could ask for a better daughter than Rachel Angela. Her first name Rachel means Lamb and her middle name Angela means Messenger of God. Those that love her believe that she was born to help all of us live a better life and make this world a better place.
To know Rachel, is to forever love Rachel.
I like to think of an Over Comer simply as one who is able to come OVER the circumstances and not become UNDER the circumstances. To this end I have had many things to overcome. By the grace, mercy, courage and love from God, family and friends, I have been fortunate to overcome many obstacles in my life, most of which have been medical challenges.
Life in High School and College for Nursing was great fun and everything seemed like it was “going my way”. I was working, active in Church, enjoying being alive and well when the unfortunate “Suddenlies” began to happen in my life.
Suddenly it was 1990 and as I look back on that decade during which I had 5 surgeries I am just glad it is over. My heart condition was discovered in 1996 at which time I had a pacemaker defibrillator, (ICD), implanted in my chest. It caused my life to change drastically, but I was still able to work, travel and function.
Suddenly in 2004 things began to change. I experienced heart failure in September 2004 and since then have not been able to work. Not being able to work is a painful reality that one must overcome and not let it break you down.
Being a person who has always been an adventurer, explorer, pioneer and almost fearless, it is very difficult to suddenly have to deal with a condition that would restrict your entire life.
But, thanks be unto GOD who gives us the victory and always causes us to triumph. Jesus told His disciples, “In the world, you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer…I have overcome the world.”
You and I have an opportunity to become “More than Conquerors.” By the Grace of God, I too shall be of good cheer as I endeavor to overcome.
I sincerely covet your prayers.
Rachel Angela
Rachel seemed to always come to work with a sunny disposition. You could always count on her to complete whatever tasks and orders were requested by the Physicians responsible for her patients.
She always knew the most up-to-date information concerning her patients care. Rachel performed her job without complaints or grumbles. Families always liked her. She was always professional and a pleasure to interact with. (IH)
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It takes a special person to be a Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse and Rachel is a special person. She always came to work with a smile on her face and words of encouragement for the children she cared for and their families.
Rachel would spend hour in a child's room, talking and laughing with them. She would help them forget that they were in a hospital and very sick.
Some children had chronic illnesses and frequently spent time in the pediatric intensive care unit. They would come to the hospital and ask for Rachel by name. They remembered her "special" touch and caring disposition.
A 12-hour shift in the pediatric intensive care unit can be unpredictable and change quickly. The nurses and doctors must rely on each other for support and assistance.
Rachel was always the first to volunteer to help a colleague that needed an extra set of hands. She would calm a chaotic situation with a few peaceful words. She has an uncanny way of putting situations into perspective with a special gift of humor and a beautiful laugh. Yes this one was a "Special Nurse."
(FW)
A Co-worker, a friend...that is what Rachel means to me. To be honest, my first thought of her was "Boy, she is scary." I thought this because she was intelligent and could hold her own when talking to the Physicians and she seemed so unapproachable. I was very wrong. She was very approachable.
I admired how she took care of her patients. I admired how patient she was when instructing others and for how she stood up for what she believed in. She showed initiative, care and compassion...qualities that made her an excellent Nurse. I could always count on her when I needed help or felt perplexed by the complexity of the patient assigned to me. She helped me become the Nurse I am today.
Rachel has been much more than a co-worker to me. She has also been my friend. I grew to like her, confided in her and at times share things that no one else knew. We laughed and cried. Although our life has taken us through different paths, I still consider Rachel my friend.
During this difficult time in her life, I still admire her laughter, her great smile and faith in God. I too pray that Rachel gets better. Please know Rachel that I am here for you. (DE)
Rachel, in a few words is loyal, genuine and optimistic. I also like to refer to her as "Princess". When I first met Rachel 11 years ago at Hope Children's Hospital, she had a big smile on her face. Today she still has that big warm smile.
Rachel has dedicated her life to helping other people, as a nurse. I know as my friend she has always been there for me. I hope we now can all be called upon to help our "Princess". (MK)
Rachel and I have been friends for over 20 years. The kind of friends who can go months without talking and pick up right where they left off. I've learned so much watching Rachel live her life.
Her faith in the Lord is unwavering. She has never complained about her circumstances and continues to show those around her what "True Faith" is. Rachel and I have shared many experiences, (youth group leaders, camp counselors, missionary trips, vacations etc.). She loves life and loves to have fun. She has lived her life devoted to the Lord and is a true example for others around her. Her life is a testament to God's faithfulness. (KR)
A minister is in two words, a servant. To that end Rachel has been in ministry for many years. She grew up in the environment of the Church, attending Christian schools for elementary and high school education.
Rachel was always involved in leadership activities in the Church and other Christian groups. She has taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and served in leadership positions in youth group, camp, mission trips.
Rachel has used her talent and her voice to sing in Choir, Ensemble Groups, Praise & Worship Teams and sing and act in Christian Drama Plays. She has ministered as Praise and Worship Leader, Soloist, Workshop Teacher, Retreat Speaker and Nurse. For her local church and for Para-church organizations, such as A Taste of Jesus Ministries and Aglow Int'l.
Her ministry has taken her many places such as, Illinois, Rhode Island, California, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, Portugal, Costa Rica and Jamaica..