RANDONNÉE | Mont Larose

I spent the day with my sister. We went for a hike at mont Larose. Both she and I love music, just like my dad and my son do. But we drove an hour and a half up North getting stucked in traffic often now and then chatting - no music. On the way back? Same. 

This young woman runs now. We're a big family, and almost all of us run - at least a little. But my sibbling and my father don't. We'll, now Juliette does. And I'm getting from her performances that she's a pretty decent runner. 

Ju was not bad at hiking, too... I liked it. 

We spoke of many things. I enjoy sharing thoughts with her and having her opinion on challenges that I am facing. She's the youngest of us 6, and she might just be the more profound as well. She's smart and sensitive. And since there's almost a 20 years gap between us, she usually sees things from a different angle - I love it. She does bring something to the table. 

Mont Larose is a fine place. My stepbro would love it, with its climbing walls and so. And I would be thrilled to try it out with him someday. 

I love my steps dearly. They're the best outcome to my parents' divorce. 

Many hikers had their dog with them - both my sister and I "aaawed" all of the beasts. Ha! Ha! Something else we have in common. Actually, we share a lot of traits. And now more than ever, I'm truly getting to know her. 

We do not organize family reunions much anymore. As a core 8 member family, we exceed the 10 person limit allowed for social gatherings. And Virginie is a physician, so she's working her ass off saving lives in Gatineau. Elise was the only sibbling left at home with Juliette, but she recently moved out to spread her wings. 

So my baby sister is home alone with our elderly father and her mom. At 18 years old, one must admit how much of a crappy turn of events this is - no offense intended to our excellent parents. 

Getting Ju out of the house was a no-brainer. COVID or not, this young lady needed a break from her cruel lack of social life. As we drove past the Saint-Sauveur outlets to get coffee and snacks at Tim Hortons, she said under her breath while noticing teenagers hanging out:  Do you think these people can attend their classes in person?

Wow, isn't a cry of despair? To go to school, ladies and gentlemen. My child does experience similar feelings. He's 6, and very much looking forward to getting to school on Monday mornings. 

Anyway... Today was an almost out-law day. But this was right, soooooo right. And I feel blessed that my sist' and I can get together and chit chat forever like we do. I moved out of the house she was only 3. Actually, she does not even recall that we once lived together - although she was ALWAYS in my room. I took it on me to be actively part of her life, so I'm very much thankful for our talkative hike together today. 

I hope you get to enjoy what matters most, too.