We were sisters by chance, friends by choice

Believe it or not, Kendi and I don't have many photo's together. I'm sure if I dug I could find some. On Friday, I was going about my work, LALALA, as I always do. My cell phone rang, and to my surprise, it was my sister, Kendi. I guess not much to my surprise, because she does call me on occasion to check up on me. I answered and she told me that she wanted me to hear the news from her, and no one else... My thought... YES, she's caved in and is having another baby!! If only it was something that nice. As up beat as she could, she broke the news that her family would be moving to North Dakota in less than a month!?!?! What? Honestly, who moves to North Dakota?? I had to laugh a little, and then, like a cut, it started stinging. I tried keeping it together for her, because I know that this is the hardest thing they have ever had to do. The last thing I wanted was to make it that much harder on her. But I honestly had the hardest weekend. Friday night, I just sat in the bath and cried. The first thing I thought about when I woke up Saturday was, "they're really moving!".

Kendi is seven years older than me. Growing up, we had little in common. But I do have vivid memories of her. I remember sleeping with her when we 1st moved to Casa Grande, and sharing a room with her in Toltec. I remember her watching me when I had pneumonia. I love telling people how I was named Rachel. When Kendi found out that my mom was pregnant with me, she went around telling everyone that she was going to have a sister and her name was going to be Rachel. My sister who is 7 years older than me, named me! And honestly, I love the name. I remember Kendi teaching me how to put on make-up when I was in Jr. high. I remember her coming home for Christmas one year, and she had made Megan and I both dolls, which I loved and thought they were perfect, because she made it just for me!!

It wasn't until I got older that I truly grew closer to her. I know Kendi feels that she could have been a better sister when I was younger, but I don't think it matters, and I think we could all be better at something. But something happened to our relationship when I got out of high school. I started calling her, and needing her input, and asking for her advise. Almost every time I have had a trial in my life, Kendi is almost always the first person I've called. I know that she understands the challenges that I faced. And I admire her strength. She often times has said she feels like the odd ball in the family, being unique is not a bad thing. I hope that remembers that she is still "An important branch of the Bingham Family tree!"

Kendi - I am so excited for you and your family!! You have an amazing husband, who has been so good to you. Together you guys have 5 amazing kids. I am going to miss having them around!! I hope you truly know how much I love you, and admire the person you have become. Be strong, as I know you will, but remember that you are always wanted here. I love you Kendi, Chris, Zach, Blake, Cody, Erin and Macie!!