I Get By With A Little Help From My Sister

by Carilyn on September 24, 2012

My sister, Linda Francis Lee, wiping the sweat off my face for our “family photo” – now that’s a good sister!

My sister is my best friend. She makes me laugh so hard, I snort and/or cry. When we are together, people find us annoying. We find us amusing. We don’t always like the same things (she likes sappy romances; I like overly personal and detailed memoirs), and we don’t always agree (I won’t list all the things we have fought about), but we know that our differences make us closer, rather than tear us apart.

My sister lives in NYC, writes books, has famous friends, and lives a life ten times cooler than mine, but she still comes to visit me and tell me how much she loves my kids, my cooking, and me. Whenever we’re together, she tries everything that is thrown her way – (“Sure I’ll go kayaking over great white sharks!” “Sure I’ll take the train to the ghetto because you promise there’s a restaurant with great banana cream pie!” “Sure I’ll crew for you at Badwater, even if that means I have to be out in 120 degree heat for over 24 hours!”). She’s just a good sport like that.

During our visit this weekend, Linda and I are waiting to watch the Space Shuttle fly over JPL. Don’t ask me why I’m posed like that – clearly I’d never win America’s Next Top Model.

My sister has always been the “fun” one in our family. She invented the “humming game” for holidays, and the “spa day” for us girls, painting my nails and giving me an “up” do. She even let me go with her on dates – and I got to be her Maid of Honor when she met the man of her dreams.

My sister taught me how to drive a car, put on makeup, appreciate music, play Spades, make phenomenal oatmeal cookies, and trust my instincts. She has always been my biggest fan and let me know it was okay to be me, even when all I wanted was to be just like her.

Happy Running!

 

{ 6 comments }

olga September 24, 2012 at 12:54 pm

That’s a great writing for your sis! I wish I could see mine more than every other year:(

Marcia September 24, 2012 at 6:23 pm

What a cool relationship you two have! Sounds like she is a very cool big sis. I have two younger sisters. My youngest sis and i are most alike.

Carilyn September 24, 2012 at 6:34 pm

Yes, Olga, I remember that you and your sister are very close. I hope you get to see her more often.

Carilyn September 24, 2012 at 6:35 pm

Sisters are the best! 🙂

Char September 25, 2012 at 12:08 am

Awww. That’s so nice to read. It’s great when families are friends as well. I have four sisters and we all live in the same city and we all have dinner at my parents’ place nearly every week. We’re pretty close too.

Kent September 25, 2012 at 8:15 am

It is truly a blessing to have a sister who supports you and accepts you and any idiosyncrasies (we all have them!) you have without batting an eye lash – even though the 2 of you may extend your claws from time to time!

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