My youngest sister is visiting. We’re having a blast. We’re the closest among 4 siblings (the other 2 don’t have the means to visit, and perhaps not the will to remain in close contact) and we’ve always enjoyed our time together.

She came without her husband, which means we have more time to do the things he doesn’t care for — jigsaw puzzles, bike riding, dog-walking, wine-drinking — and so far, she’s accepted every challenge we’ve thrown her way. Today she rode 21+ miles on a road bike, her longest bike ride ever. What a trooper!

I love that girl and am so proud of what she’s accomplished and how she takes every challenge, chews it up and spits it out and says, “Is that all you’ve got?” I’m so happy that despite the fact that we’re a continent apart, when we come together it’s as if we’ve never been apart.

I long for that feeling with my other siblings, as well as my siblings-in-law, and after many years of chafing that that isn’t so, or will ever be, am content that I’ve got that connection with my sister.

So tonight I celebrate that, with her and my husband, and will now go help her finish that jigsaw.

Life’s good. Real good. Enjoy!