Rachel and Rachel - Gone, but Never Forgotten

The bodies of Rachel Smith (16) and Rachel Crites (18), teenagers missing from Maryland since January 19, 2007, have been found in a rural location on the VA/WV border.

The Rachels were known as best friends - inseparable. This picture of the two is from the prom.

There has been much speculation about the exact nature of their friendship, as if that should be the most important question on everyone's minds. For the record, Rachel Crites describes her orientation as straight on her myspace page.

There has been much speculation that the two had some kind of "Romeo & Juliet" suicide pact because their relationship was frowned upon my someone or many ones. For the record, Rachel Smith's sister has publically said the two did not run away because of their sexuality.

The story of the missing and particularly the deceased Rachels has shaken me to my core. I've suffered with depression for much of my life. I understand what it is like to believe that death will bring the comfort that life cannot.

I wish I could meet all the teenaged Rachel & Rachels out there, as well as all the teenaged Joe & Joes.

This tragedy offers a further pull to my calling to a ministry for the young who self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning.

If you know teenaged Rachel & Rachels, or Joe & Joes, or Rachel & Joes who are suffering from depression, you must not downplay it as teenaged angst.

Goodbye sweet Rachel & Rachel. I never knew you, but I will never forget you.