Role Model

The beginning of my niece, Raelynn Masterson’s life story is really a little funny…not because Raelynn was funny, but because her mom, Dustie Masterson was. Raelynn was Dustie’s first child, and when she went into labor on this day 21 years ago, her husband, my nephew, Rob Masterson told her that she was in labor. That made sense, because he had been through this situation once before, with his daughter, Christina from his first marriage. Anyway, Rob was certain that Dustie was in labor, but as Dustie says, “I remember it very clearly Rob said I was in labor and my whole 22-year-old wisdom argument was that I couldn’t be in labor because I hadn’t had my baby shower yet.” Well, as every parent knows, labor waits for no man, woman, or baby shower.

Still, Raelynn was six weeks early, so Dustie had no reason to expect that her baby shower wouldn’t be early enough. Nevertheless, Raelynn was perfect, and they went home 2 days later. She was a miracle all the way around. Dustie didn’t think she was able to have children, and yet here was proof that they could. God’s plans were higher than the plans of men. Rae (as he is always called), is such a beautiful person inside and out. She has a big heart, and a great sense of humor. She is funny without even trying, which is the best kind of humor according to her mom, and I agree. Dustie thinks that one of Rae’s best attributes is her courage. Raelynn puts her mind to something, and she does it. She might be nervous, but she doesn’t let fear overtake her. From a talent show at school, to running for school office (earning her the nickname Rae Rae the Rapper) she rapped her entire speech, to major back surgery she doesn’t back down. Raelynn had Scoliosis, and it took a full back surgery to correct it. Regular high school was not for Raelynn, but she is working on her GED, and from there, she will figure out where she wants to go in life. They have faith in her abilities and know she can do whatever she wants. Her parents are excited to see where life will take their girl.

Her sister, Taylor Masterson, tells me that in the past year, Rae has started spending more time with her and their brother, Matt Masterson. The siblings are growing closer and closer every day. They like to go to the movies, and in general, they have been working on getting her out of the house more than she used to. Raelyn loves animals and has grown closer to the family pets too. She tends to be shy, but lately, she has been working on being more social. Being shy myself, I know how hard that can be. Socializing on Facebook is easy, but the face-to-face stuff is harder. One of the coolest things is that for Taylor, her big sister, Rae is “one of my biggest role models and one of my biggest supporters” as well. Taylor says, “I love my older sister more than words can describe and I am so glad she is my sister!!” Today is Raelynn’s 21st birthday. Happy birthday Rae!! Have a great day!! We love you!!