Today we attended the funeral of my daughter’s best friend. Rachael Kligmann was 12 years old. She and her big sister were riding their bikes to the store when Rachael was hit by a minivan. Though her head was not hit, Rachael’s brain was shaken very badly. After 2 weeks in a coma she died on July 2nd.

At the funeral, someone described Rachael as someone who ENGAGED with life. I agree. She was a very caring person, loved babies and little children, was the capable nurse her mom relied upon when her mom had surgery, and wanted to be a midwife when she grew up. She was delighted to help deliver one baby. Rachael was also a great entrepreneur, and her vast quantities of babysitting jobs were only the beginning. I remember Rachael with a smile on her face and a lot of energy, even after a long day plus a high-energy class at AWANA club.

After a sleepover spent outside my home being eaten alive by mosquitoes, my daughter Anna was a little peaked in the morning from the rough night. Not Rachael. She was all smiles at the breakfast table. She had enjoyed the adventure.

While we understand that Rachael knew Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and we know that she’s in heaven with Him, we miss her very, very much.

This week the test drive user name and password for The Math Worksheet Site is Rachael’s user name from an internet board on which she participated. This seems to be a silly little thing to do in her memory, but it’s at least something I can do. Her favorite color was purple. So she was the Purple Princess.

We love you, Rachael.

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I’ve copied here a poem written by Rachael’s dad:

The Purple Princess
by Pete Kligmann

There was a purple princess who was her daddy’s joy.
She climbed the highest trees as fast as any boy.
Those who got to know her found her love was true.
She gave her life to Jesus, her friends, and family too.
She loved to cook, and ride, and play.
She had to read everyday.
She wanted to be just like her mama,
A midwife and mom to lots.
She learned all about childbirth and babysat many tots.
She often loved to sing out loud but rarely sang on key.
Her love and praise of Jesus Christ was plain for all to see.
Rachael, dear Rachael. I give you to your princely groom,
but always remember in your daddy’s heart,
there remains an empty room.

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