Moving Up In Life

My grandniece, Raelynn “Rae” Masterson, has always been a little bit shy, and so stepping out of her comfort zone isn’t always easy. Raelynn is the oldest of my niece, Dustie Masterson and my nephew, Rob Masterson’s kids. (Rob also has an older daughter from his first marriage). Rae has a younger brother, Matt Masterson and a younger sister, Taylor Masterson. The three of them are very close. Rae has now reached the age that her mom was when she had Rae, and for Dustie, that is a little shocking to think about. Dustie says that she and Rae did a lot of their growing up together, and I suppose that is true. Our kids, especially that first child, teach us so much. We just think we are all grown up…until our kids show us just how much we have yet to learn.

A year ago, Rae got a job at “Let’r Buck Car Wash” on the west side of Casper. Her mom was not too sure about the job, for a number of reasons, the main one being that Rae is somewhat shy. Dustie recommended that she keep looking even after she was hired, because it just didn’t seem to Dustie like it would be a good fit for Rae. Nevertheless, before long, Rae told her mom that she loved the job and was going to go full-time. They really like her too and have started having Rae train the new hires. Rae told her just the other day that now she knows what it’s like to be the “experienced” one at work. Now, her boss has her training the new people on how to close. She does so well with it that she is the one in charge at night, running the crew. Her parents couldn’t be more proud of her. Rae’s sister, Taylor mentioned that helping new people with training and helping with what they were struggling with isn’t easy, but Rae does it all without complaining or questions. Dustie tells me that she really thought she wouldn’t like her job, so it is really shocking to her that Rae is perfectly happy there. Rae says, “It’s hard work but at the end of the day I feels like I have worked hard, and I come home feeling accomplished.” Last night at dinner Rae told the family that she dealt with her first difficult customer. The customer wanted to be let through the wash after everything had been shut down and cleaned up. She kept her cool and didn’t let the woman go through. Dustie thinks that “with Rae’s sweet voice the lady couldn’t have possibly stayed mad.” Nevertheless, Rae had to stand up to the lady, because it wouldn’t be fair to make the crew re-clean the place for one person. Rae’s sister, Taylor, is so proud of her sister too, because she knows that handling rude people and the challenges that come along at her job is not easy, but Rae takes it all in stride. She is a very calm person, and that shows in difficult situations. Rae is really moving up in life.

Rae has also been getting out more with her friends and Dustie is really happy about that. Dustie says, “She needs it, to get out of the house and just hang with people outside of the family. At her age I think it’s important to forge those friendships.” Taylor agrees, as her sister works hard and needs time out with friends. Dustie says, “The happy, little beautiful baby I had 22 years ago has turned into the most beautiful, wonderful, happy woman. I don’t know what this year will bring for Rae, but I do know that it will be amazing! She’s been going out with friends more and getting more social interactions these past few months and I am proud of her for getting out there more.” It’s a big step, and I’m proud of Rae too.

Taylor says, “Rae is one of my favorite people, she’s always ready to help people when they need it. She’s one of my biggest supporters and I don’t think there will ever be enough words to express just how much she means to me. I love my sister more than anything can describe and my best laughs are with her. Happy birthday Rae!! I hope you have the best day!” Today is Rae’s 22nd birthday. Happy birthday Rae!! Have a great day!! We love you!!