a NOLA girl in a Big world

If you would have asked 15 year old Lindsey, if she wanted to go on a vacation with her older sister for a week, ALONE, she would have laughed then immediately have said hell no.

But 23 years ago, my relationship with Alyce was like most sister relationships. We were close enough in age to be kind of alike, but far enough apart that we didn’t really do things together. I was also the 2nd child, to a sister who was ungodly good at everything she did. She never got into trouble. She was incredibly smart and naturally gifted at sports. I was more of a ‘free spirit’ if you will. I was smart but rather succeed in the social aspects of life. I was good at sports. But I didn’t “care.” I was there for the social aspect. I did get into trouble, but mostly due to being in the social aspects. We didn’t really enjoy each other. Our relationship was just different then.

Then I got to college, she entered the real world, then went back to school for post grab. My grandma died, then Katrina happened and that’s when I started to notice the shift in our relationship. I began to see her as a friend and not my sister.

She graduated 2 more times – eye roll. Got married and had kids. At each new milestone she reached, I was proud. There was no envy in her accomplishments. It was just love and admiration for all the hard work she had put into her life.

I did some things and Alyce was my biggest fan through all of it. And still is and so much more. She’s my person. To be so lucky, to have someone in my corner – no matter what. To support, encourage and also challenge and inspire – is a pretty incredible relationship to have.

So when the time came to go on a sabbatical, I knew just who I wanted to spend a week with … ALYCE.

We have never gone on a vacation alone together. It was going to be new and fun for us, but also incredibly easy. Life can’t be bad on a beach in paradise. And the beach was intentional.

The Dominican Republic was spectacular. picture perfect. No notes. 10 out of 10.

Choosing to go to DR, was on purpose. Alyce deserved a week to recharge and take care of herself. She does and does for everyone, so why not eat good food, enjoy great weather and relax on a beach for 6 days?!? I’m just glad I was able to be there to witness her sleep until 8am, read 3 books, master archery and enjoy a glass of wine every night.

There is a quote she and I have used to describe our relationship over the years, “our relationship is fiercely competitive but with deep loyalty.” I think we’ve shifted into just the “deep loyalty” part.

So when you ask me in a year, 5 years or in 23 years from now, if I want to go on a vacation with my sister, the answer will always be HELL YES.