Happy Birthday Rachel!  Rachel and I first met in Mr. Sanderson’s homeroom / history class in 9^th grade. She was my first new high school friend that I didn’t go to elementary school or junior high with.  We came up with nicknames for each other (Kelli and Kandi).  Her name stuck – and fortunately mine didn’t.    We also had a notebook that we would write each other notes in every day and pass it to each other between classes that discussed our high school crushes and gossip.  Once we got our driver’s license, we would meet at Brightbill park to just chat and swing. 

I knew right away how special Rachel was and what a good friend I have found.   During our high school days when we would watch our favorite shows together, Rachel would always bring over some type of baked good.   I was spoiled by her love for baking.   She didn’t have to bring anything over—we were just hanging out like usual.  But that was her; always taking the time to think about others or how to make someone smile.   Her thoughtfulness, caring nature, and selflessness was one of kind.  Before I went on Semester at Sea, Rachel made a special journal not only for me to keep my thoughts in but she put gossip magazine articles of our favorite celebrities, her own crossword puzzle using our inside jokes, Sudoku, our favorite sayings, an encouraging poem, and a CD of some of our favorite songs to get me through the long days away from home. 

During her summer in Virginia Beach for school, I went down to visit her for the weekend.  I left after work and it was quite a long drive.  I ate a few snacks on the way but didn’t eat dinner.  Rachel said we can go grab pizza when I got there.   As soon as I walked in the door, she had my favorites sitting on the coffee table; Pizza Hut pizza and milk.  I was thrilled – but not surprised because that is who she was. 

When David and I moved in together, she brought over a beautiful tulip to plant in our yard as a housewarming present.  We planted the flower and it blooms every year.  It sits right outside our gate and it warms my heart every year when it blooms.  It is again, a reminder of Rachel – her thoughtfulness, kindness, and warm heart.

Rachel has inspired me to be a better person.  To be more thoughtful and caring towards others.  To go the extra mile or make the extra effort   – even though to her it just came natural.  Thinking about her strength and courage reminds me that no challenge is too tough and to dig deep in yourself and your faith for support.

She was thee best friend anyone could ever ask for.   I love you Kell!  Happy Birthday. Miss you. Xoxo Britt

There are so many funny memories I have of Rachel but the ones that stand out are how she and Kelsey used to dress up Colin (Kelsey\'s younger brother) in girls clothing and take pictures. We also had lots of fun on the drive to basketball games, singing and dancing in the car.  Swimming at Mountainview Pool, Kelsey and Rachel would swim under water and sneak up on me and pinch my ankles and swim away.  They thought it was the funniest thing since I usually pretended I didn\'t know who did it!

Rachel, you are always in our thoughts and will forever be in our hearts.  Happy Birthday to Heaven\'s sweetest angel.
 

I met Rachel my freshman year of high school, and from there we became very close friends.  When I think of Rachel, many adjectives come to mind.  But above all, I will always remember her for her kindness and selflessness.  I have a picture in my cube at work of Rachel and all our girlfriends before Rachel moved to Virginia one summer.  Whenever I am having a bad day or think that things are going poorly, I always take a moment to look at Rachel\'s vibrant smile.  It helps me to remember to smile, and it reminds me that I have Rachel watching from above.  Rachel has inspired me to be the best person I can be and always try to be kind and good hearted.  Happy Birthday! 

As Rachel would know all too well I\'m not the greatest story teller but here\'s a few things I recall when thinking of Rachel..

1) I always described her to friends, meeting her for the first time, as Miss Congeniality, and still do.  As much as an inspiration she is each day in my life, those are big shoes to try and live up too.

2)  There’s a story I wish I could locate again but here’s my best shot… This family had to put their beloved dog down after many years.  The parents decided to let the boy watch, which he did.  Afterwards, the family told the boy it was okay to be sad, as he showed little emotion.  The boy replied he believed dogs don’t live as long as people because God put everyone, or every animal, on this earth to make others happy; be there to comfort and lift their spirits, and learn to love everyone for who they are.  He continued, well dogs greet you and say bye to you every day.  They are there with no words just love when you’re having a bad day; and even on your worst days they love and cherish you for you.  So dogs don’t live as long because they accomplish this sooner.  …I wish every day Rachel was still healthy and in each one of our lives because I know how much she made it better, however, it is what it is and she would want us to accept that.  This story reminds me that Rachel may have had a short time with us here because she had accomplished all these things throughout her life, and with such grace I still find indescribable.  Needless to say, she continues to lead us on to making these same great strides day after day.   

3) Ohh Rachel, your Freshman year in college.. this time that year, we celebrated your birthday.  And what a fine birthday it was.  I remember us going to the bathroom and locking the door to call your sisters and our cousins to share the fun times we were having and wishing they were there with us.  I remember teaching you to pee outside and you dropping your phone in it.  I remember our starry walk home as we would talk about how crazy people were and these were some of the best days of our lives.  This is one of many memories I have of the fun, outgoing, carefree but caring, and easy to talk to person you were…

I wish Heaven had a phone so I could hear your voice again.. I thought of you today, but that is nothing new.  I thought about you yesterday and days before that too.  I think of you in silence, I often speak your name.  All I have are memories and a picture in a frame.  Your memories are a keepsake, from which I’ll never part.  God has you in his arms..  I have you in my heart.  <3 

As Rachel’s mother, I have been blessed and honored to make so many memories with Rachel.  I cherish each and every one.

One of my favorite memories was of Rachel as a toddler.  I can still picture Rachel in my mind’s eye standing in front of her first and highest mountain, the sofa.   Determined to get to the top, she faced the sofa, leaned her tummy against it, and swung with all her might to land that chubby little foot on the edge of the cushion.  Slow and steady Rachel swung her heavy, little leg resulting in a sudden plop to the floor.  Finally, after minutes of pursuit her cute little rubber-tipped sneaker caught hold of the cushion.  Rachel leaned forward ever so carefully, made her way to the back of the sofa, and turned around with a smile from ear to ear.  (Determination)

Another fond memory was Rachel’s first time off the diving board.  At 4 years old, Rachel made her way to the diving board at the deep end of the pool.  Her sisters and Crawdad friends ran ahead of her giggling with excitement.  Rachel eyed the board that hung 5 feet above the water and started climbing the steps.  She stood perfectly still for a minute,  then step by step Rachel made her way to the edge of the diving board.  After what seemed forever to fellow crawdads waiting patiently behind her, Rachel threw her arms up to Heaven and plunged into the water.  Her fans cheered they were so proud of her. Quickly she bobbed to the top and with the brightest smile, doggie paddled to the ladder eager to do it all again.  (Courage)

A more recent memory of Rachel was at the Harrisburg Marathon.  At 50, I decided to run my last marathon.  Typical of my family, they went to the race to support me.  And thoughtful Rachel, made a play list of inspirational songs for me to listen to on my iPod to lighten the road before me.  Each of the Guss Girls decided to run a part of the race.   The portion of the 26.2 Harrisburg Marathon I dreaded the most, was running across the steel bridge over the Susquehanna River.  Swaying with all the runners so high above the river with her encouraging, warm, loving, and confident smile, Rachel ran by my side.  You may wonder what is so special about that.  Rachel was afraid of heights.  But there wasn’t anything Rachel wouldn’t do for those she loved. (Love)

Rachel has always been by my side and now is in my heart.  A line from a quote by E.E. Cummings “I carry your heart.  I carry your heart in my heart.  I am never without you.”  Rachel is always with me.  And the last line from Rachel’s Sisters Essay,    “ My sisters remind me of who I am and where I come from.  This line reminds me of whose we are and where our true home is.  

My dear friend Rachel.  I have known Rachel since PBA basketball and got to know her in 7th Grade at East Jr.  From the minute we met she has inspired me. She always had a calm peaceful presence; so different than me.  Regardless of how different we were, she never judged me. She loved me for me; which is so rare these days.  September 22, 2001, we were freshmen in high school at CD.  My dad was called overseas for the 1st time after the towers fell.  Rachel went with us to the base to say goodbye to my dad. As my dad was leaving he kissed us all; told my sisters and I to take care of my mom; and kissed Rachel and told her to take care of his girls.  She kept her promise to him for years to come. After she was diagnosed, the inspirations kept on coming.  I have never met anyone so strong. I just love her.  I think of her multiple times day and am a better person because of her.  Only Rachel would keep a promise to my dad for 11 years.  I thank God everyday that Rachel is my friend.

I met Rachel when we were young girls living on the rough (yeah right) streets of West Hanover.  There weren\'t too many young girls that lived in our neighborhood and so the Guss girls were a natural fit especially because there were three of them; Erin, Lisa, and Rachel and three of us; Melissa, Julie, and Erin (me).  I think we all met through Julie and Lisa who became instant BFFs in school (I\'m sure they bonded over middle child syndrome) and we all swam on the same swim team together (Go Crawdads!).  Our moms got to know each other over carpool arrangements and managing families of such hotness as were the Guss Girls and the McKenna Sisters.  I was a little older than Rachel (I think maybe by 4 years), but we were both the youngest and so when we would go to play with the Guss Girls the older sisters would try to pawn me off on Rachel (and her onto me).  I was so insulted because she was obviously a baby and I thought I was a woman and I wanted to hang with the big girls too.  I\'m sure I wasn\'t too nice to her but she never skipped a beat and was always smiling and willing to play each time I came over or saw her at the pool.  (It must be stated that the strongest memory I have of Rachel is of her at the pool, rocking a one piece, her hair wet and matted with tufts of dry chlorine green hair sticking out all over the place, and of course, with that classic great big grin on her face.)  We later talked about my evil years when I fought tooth and nail to hang out with the older Guss Girls instead of her.  Rachel stated with a laugh, "You were so mean to me!" and I said "I know!  I\'m SO sorry.  I\'ve been carrying the guilt for years!"  She just laughed it off which I took as forgiveness and we carried on. 

Rachel and I actually crossed paths many times in life.  As mentioned, I met her as the younger sister of my older sister\'s BFF and then later as the best friend of my best friend\'s (Jenna Class) sister, Leah.  Jenna and I had so much fun trying to corrupt those little girls and we all had a blast playing together (when us cool, older girls allowed it).  One of my favorite memories of all times is of going skinny dipping in the Class\' swimming pool.  We all thought that the initial dive in caused the "coolest" feeling of cold water against dry skin.  So, to recreate this moment, we decided that we would dry off by running around Jenna\'s big backyard stark naked and then proceed to dive into the pool.  We spent a good part of the afternoon, diving into the pool, crawling out, running butt naked around the backyard, diving in again (or using the slide) and repeating the process over and over again.  I guess nudity is a theme in our friendship because I\'ll also never forgot the time that us four girls saw a naked guy for the first time in a movie.  We kept rewinding and pausing and slow-moing, all the while rolling on the floor laughing our butts off.

I have so many great memories of Rachel yet I cannot sum up her inspiration in one statement that she made, one gesture, one moment.  All I can say is that if you would ask anyone who knew her, they would all say that she carried a light, a warmth, all of her life.  This memory of Rachel is not one that came after her passing.  Like how they say we only remember the best of people once they\'re gone.  I always thought of Rachel that way because there only was the best of Rachel in my memory.  This is the inspiration that I got-that I get-from Rachel.  For me, what can be more inspiring than to hope that I might one day impress that kind of memory on others.  The kind of memory that exists in perfection because it is the only memory that ever existed.  Nothing can be more inspiring than the hope to leave a Rachel Guss kind of impression. 

I think of you often; my very best,
Zhenia

Rooting for  you girl!

I will never forget the essay you wrote for an English class in HS titled "Keep Smiling"....you
truly have lived up to that essay.  You are an inspiration to all !!!!

We love you!!!!!

Aunt Brenda and Tracy