I’ll never forget the moment I learned about Lindsay’s cancer. I had just moved, was exhausted, and was thinking finally I was set up in the perfect house that Arya, Ellis, Lily and my son Holden could tear apart as the next generation of cousin-siblings. How could life be so cruel to someone so deserving to fall fully into the love of her two amazing kids.
Growing up, Lindsay was the littlest of our cousin pack. She always wanted to play the baby and was the first to tattle that Eric and I were being mean (because we probably were). But always that huge smile and Lindsay giggle.
I moved away for college just as she was figuring out who she was. I came home just as she was setting out in the world with Chris and I was blown away by what an amazing person she had grown into. I’ve never known anyone so genuine - genuinely interested in you and genuinely authentic in being herself.
When I was the first of us cousin-siblings to get pregnant, and the least likely honestly, I was clueless. Even though she was struggling with her own pain, she was the first to show up and lead me into motherhood with wisdom, wit, hacks, and inclusivity.
My little cousin became my role model. She taught me how to love fierce and embrace motherhood even when it’s really, really hard. For me, she was the glue for our family - she held onto a lot of the traditions that I didn't pay close enough attention to when I was little. I'm so grateful that we have pieces of her in both Arya and Ellis, but our family will always feel the huge hole she has left behind.
I love you so much, forever, Lindsay.
