Riding in the backseat of the
station wagon from Irvine to Phoenix on one of our numerous family trips we
created an invisible line in the backseat to separate our respective sides. It
was generally around Blythe when the boundary line became less of an agreed
upon border and more of a demilitarized zone. The slightest breach of the DMZ
was grounds for a swift and oftentimes violent rebuttal against the offending
invader. The occasional slap sound delivered to the border crossing invader
would be accompanied by yelps of pain and threats of reprisal. About this time
the front seat would get sick of the bickering and declare the backseat a
silent zone. At this point stealth warfare would be initiated over the location
of the DMZ (which I still believe was around a 65/35 split in Katie’s favor).
Eventually
an all-out offensive against her much younger, kinder and sensitive brother
would involve Katie with her back against her door. She would use her
freakishly strong legs to pin her innocent brother against his door and attempt
to crush not only his rib cage, but his soul. Although they were traumatic to sweet,
young Tom, these events inevitably ended in laughter. By the time we passed
that weird old dog racing track on I-10 coming into Phoenix the backseat was
once again peaceful and the DMZ had disappeared.
Then there was the great Cartier
Family Reunion circa 1993 in Michigan. To Katie’s horror Tom had a great time
at the reunion and was being his regular awesome self, having recently
purchased most of a firework stand and a slingshot. Katie meanwhile was
suffering the perils of middle school teenage angst and was horrified at what
important details of Irvine life she was missing. I was not particularly fond
of Katie during this trip and was not overly kind to her. As I mentioned, I was
busy being awesome.
While
swimming in one of the many lakes that we visited on our trip we encountered
some kids that had a water slide on their dock into the lake. I asked if we
could use it, to which the common lake trash made a snarky and annoying reply.
After repeatedly making smart remarks to Katie and I, it became clear that the
slide would not be shared. I started to swim away when I saw Katie’s hand shoot
out of the water grab the boy by the hair and dunk his head under. She held him
under long enough to make her point, only she was permitted to pick on Tom. The
lake trash got out of the water crying and ran to their house. As we swam away
laughing I knew my big sister would always have my back.
Fast forward through the years and
my sister has been a constant in my life, through regular phone calls, visits,
and FaceTime conversations she is always there. Katie, you are always available
to listen to me vent, to provide both solicited and un-solicited advice and to
share so many memories with. I value our strong relationship and think that you
are an awesome human being. My children adore you and the relationship between
you and my wife is incredible. You are truly one of my favorite human beings in
the world and I am honored to call you my sister.
-
Tom Cartier
