About Lindsay...

In a way only big brother would understand.

What can I say about Lindsay? I'm not sure there's enough space on the web to delve fully into the intricacies of Lindsay's personality and mannerisms that would do justice to my sister or our complicated relationship.

Born on July 13th, 1990 to my parents Paul and Lesley, Lindsay became my little sister just 31 years, 5 months and 6 days ago. I was just over 2 years old myself, but am told I was ecstatic. At one point in our early lives, I was caught carrying my sister downstairs for God-knows what reason. Food? A Movie? I was keen to have my sister involved in every aspect of my young life.

Unlike me, my sister was quiet, calm, healthy, and allowed my parents some much needed rest in her first few years. Over the next 30 years, these differences evolved and became more jarring. Dare I say, I'm not sure my parents could've raised more polarly opposite children if they tried.

Both Lindsay and I were raised the "right" way, attending Trinity Lutheran School and United Methodist Church in Bloomington. The attempts by our parents to instill good Christian values and provide ample opportunity for their children as first generation Americans started, but didn't end here. Following Grade School at Trinity Lutheran, we both attended University High School (U-High), a laboratory school in Normal, IL attached to and providing resource opportunities for Illinois State University, where both she and I would attend 4 short years later. Lindsay absolutely excelled both academically and extracurricularly, with her running ability earning her local and state-wide awards.

Childhood memories of my sister abound, including Ski trips to Steamboat Springs, in Colorado, where our parents eventually acquired a Condominium for our frequent travel to the area. We would always go swimming together in the indoor/outdoor pool there - something I will never forget. We spent immeasurable time in California during our early years, as our father toiled away at Hewlett-Packard - the job he originally came to the United States for. We took several trips back to England to visit family, one of which we took in first class! (Thanks Dad!) I can only assume her affection towards the finer things in life began shortly thereafter.

Throughout her life, Lindsay found solace in doing for others in ways that brought them joy. Each time I would see her, I could count on at least one fresh bag of Reese's upon my arrival. (I love those!) Every Christmas was filled with gift giving to others. She found joy in picking things out for other people and giving what she could to her friends and family.

An avid organizationalist, Lindsay excelled at every job she ever took. (Something that couldn't be said of her brother!) Of the two of us, she was far and away the "smart" sibling, and the beaming notes we've received from her former work colleagues only serve to confirm that. She had an uncanny ability to focus where I would slack off and lose interest. Lindsay was studious, driven, motivated, and incredibly capable. I envied her in ways that she would never understand, something I wish I would've told her.

Starting with her time at Trinity Lutheran School, and worsening at U-High, Lindsay battled a series of mental illnesses, social ostracization at the hands of her peers, and severe social anxiety. This manifested itself into what would become a lifelong battle with Anorexia Nervosa, the horrific disease to which she would eventually succumb on December 13th, 2021. As her big brother, it was my job to protect her. I failed to both recognize the severity of the issues and to do anything impactful about it until it was too late. For this, Lindsay, I am eternally sorry. You deserved better. I hope to see you again soon, and give you another big brother hug that you so enjoyed during our last few days together. You have touched so many people, I wish you were still here to see it.

-Lee