The Ups and Downs of Long Distance: Learning to Take the Leap through Sky and Lucinda

Meet Lucinda and Sky, a couple that represent their love in such a genuine and wholesome manner that onlookers cannot help but be taken by their youthful infatuation with each other. They operate as individuals as well as a couple through a wistful romanticism, and their carefree bliss exudes through their interactions together. 

The couple met four years ago while they were in New Zealand training for ski racing, and locked eyes when they were both at dinner. This chance meeting led to circumstances that neither of them anticipated, and put them on a path that has led them to the ultimate connection. For Sky, when he first saw Lucinda, it was “love at first sight.” This view is apparent in the way he glances at Lucinda and how he attentively watches her as she speaks.It is clear the spark is just as strong today as it was that first time he laid eyes on her. Sky asked Lucinda out on a coffee date due to their shared adoration of caffeine (Lucinda playfully describes Sky as a “coffee snob”), and Lucinda admits that at the time she didn’t realize she was on a date. She also didn’t realize that she was about to take the first step towards finding the love of her life. On their first “official date,” after their coffee meetup, Lucinda realized she returned love for Sky when she saw him play guitar for the first time. Because Sky was from Alaska and Lucinda lived in the United Kingdom, initially they thought their encounter was fleeting. However, after starting to spend some time with each other, they came to realize that this moment was more than a chance meeting. Their relationship developed, and even though the two lived on opposite ends of the world, Sky knew that Lucinda was something special. The thought of separating after their time in New Zealand seemed bleak, however their connection was strong enough that they decided to embark on the task of a long term relationship.

The pair stayed apart for a month initially, and throughout their relationship they ended up staying apart from each other for a maximum of four months. Their wisdom and experience in this matter is worth sharing. Sky and Lucinda do not claim that long distance was easy by any stretch of the imagination. With Sky moving from Colorado to Alaska and Lucinda moving from France to the United Kingdom, the couple was facing a nine hour time difference. Lucinda recalls staying up until 2:00 am just to speak to Sky. This trust and resilience within each other led them to strengthen the foundation of their relationship, even to the point where they both profess that they worked just as well apart as they do together.

After their period of distance, the couple moved into a studio apartment in Colorado, taking the next step and truly committing to their journey together. With the spread of COVID-19, the two found themselves stuck in a small space together, very much the antithesis of their long distance relationship. They made friends with another couple in their building, and through their shared experience they were able to survive the storm of the virus. 

The hallmark of this couple is their unrelenting dedication through times of hardship. Sky unfortunately suffered from a skiing accident in which he had to have multiple surgeries. During this process, Lucinda drove him to and from his procedures and remained by his side to assist in his recovery. Truly a team who rolls with the punches, Lucinda even drove four hours to Sky when his car broke down on his way to Steamboat and burst into flames. When faced with so many daunting challenges, marriage must appear to be a breeze compared to the hurdles that they have already worked through together. What remains so impressive about their relationship is their unwavering trust for each other and the firm belief that the difficulties will always be worth the struggle if they come out together on the other end. 

When it comes to long distance, arguably the couples’ greatest challenge, Lucinda was candid in saying it’s, “never going to be fun.” But the advice Sky and Lucinda offer is poignant. They maintain the best way to survive long distance is always to have a plan to meet, even if it is five months in the future. This mindset reassures that one day you will be back in the arms of the person you love, even through the bitterness of separation. Their closing words remain true of any relationship, but exhibit that they share the same mindset that has contributed to their success together. They encourage people to take the leap into their relationships and trust their gut when it comes to risks. Inhibitions have only held these two back, and by truly embracing each other they have soared to new heights as a team. “You won’t know until you try,” Sky offered. Their experience is one to admire and appreciate. Their connection is proof that through effort, dedication, and a little bit of fate, love can survive any distance.