Girl's heart-felt lullaby to her soldier

In a way, the story began a year ago last Christmas, when an anonymous local family sent a package containing 100 Beanie Babies to Orcas' Deputy Sheriff Scott Taylor, then a Major in Iraq, to distribute to local children. A few days later a little Iraqi girl, holding a Beanie Baby to her chest, saved a Hum-V filled with U.S. Marines by pointing to a road-side bomb.

But in another way, the story goes back a lot further, to the time when Scott's daughter Rachel, now age 15, was a very little girl. Even during her earliest years, Rachel knew in her heart that she was destined to become a musician, and that she had the determination to make it happen.

Ever since she came to that realization, Rachel has been spending a portion of every day teaching herself to sing and play the guitar, and writing her own songs. When asked how many songs she has written to date, Rachel couldn't come up with an answer, explaining that they fill many journals.

Orcas islanders became aware of her extraordinary talents last winter when she sang "The Star Spangled Banner" at Viking basketball games, including the one against Coupeville at Key Arena in Seattle. The positive response from the community made Rachel more determined than ever to pursue her dream.

One of the songs she wrote is entitled "Soldier's Lullaby." It's about a girl who is singing her little soldier to sleep. Rachel describes it as "heart-felt and comforting, but with harsh lyrics." Although the song never mentions her or her dad, the connection is obvious. "If dad hadn't gone (to Iraq)," she said, "I wouldn't have written it."

Today, the word is out that Orcas Island has a talented singer in its midst, as well as a song that needs to be recorded. But how? Rachel discovered during her inquiries that it would cost her $150 per song.

Enter Susan Osborn, the internationally-renowned local vocalist who knows all the ins and outs of recording. Susan not only offered to help the young girl, she also agreed to record her as a gift. Susan said it was her pleasure. "She's such a talented young person," she said of Rachel, then added, "I have appreciated what people have done for me, and I want to pass it on."

In the meantime, the Orcas islanders who ask to remain anonymous have now volunteered to sponsor a concert by Rachel at the Living Room. It will take place Friday, Dec. 30, at 7 p.m. Admission is by donation. Rachel can't wait. "I want to put on a good show," she said.

The proceeds will send Beanie Babies and other Care packages to the platoon of Orcas islander Aaron Capdeville in Iraq. Aaron is the son of Carl and Juliana Capdeville.