Sister Sister

As today is my sister’s birthday, I thought I’d dedicate this week’s blog post to her.

Growing up, I wanted to do everything that Jacquie did, to be just like her in every way. Perhaps that’s why people have long thought we were twins or are the same person. Yes, the same person. Relatives, neighbors, family friends have no idea which one of us is which. I have been known to get thank you notes for something my sister did and vice versa. Growing up we lived almost identical lives. From being on similar academic tracks to being in the same music programs, it’s no wonder people have always thought we’re the same person!

In high school I finally found something that made me different. I joined a sport. Cross Country. While I wasn’t a star athlete by any means, I loved it. I loved that it made me push myself in a whole new way. I loved that it gave me friends in a new circle, not just in my music circle. I loved that it made me different than my sister. It literally was the only thing that made me feel unique. Silly, but that’s a teenage brain for ya.

My sister left for college and grew apart a bit. This was before the dawn of cell phones, so we only got a weekly phone call. But as soon as cell phones became main stream and texting wasn’t an added charge, we began texting and talking nearly everyday (and still do). We may not have lived under the same roof for almost 20 years, but our relationship hasn’t changed much, and mostly likely the strongest it’s ever been.

A few years ago my sister started running, with her first race being a half marathon. I’ve never asked her why she started running, but am thrilled she has discovered its magic. After doing a few races alone, we had the brilliant idea of doing a “Sisters’ Weekend” and travelling to do a race together. Jacquie would do a half marathon and I a full marathon. Our first adventure was to Fargo, North Dakota. We drove the entire way in one day. Now that’s some bonding! This year we met in St. Louis and both did the half marathon there. But 2018 is going to be epic. Jacquie is doing her first marathon and I’m doing my first back-to-back marathon in January. Her training is only a few weeks in, but I love her daily text updates on her training and her not so glamorous post-run selfies. She’s doing far better than I have ever done following her training plan, and is going to rock in her marathon debut and I’m honored to be able to witness the culmination of her hard work. We don’t get to spend many holidays, birthdays, or time together, but I’m so excited that we have these runs, these road trips, these weekends together.

Happy birthday, Twin!