For years, they’ve been basketball’s most beloved couple. And their social media proves they’re two peas in a pod. That’s why it was slightly surprising to see Ayesha Curry enjoying a “date night” without her husband, Stephen Curry. The reality is, everyone needs a break—especially when navigating a high-profile life. But for Ayesha’s sister-in-law, Sydel Curry-Lee, the circumstances are far more significant. She’s navigating a massive family shift that highlights a different, and much more difficult, side of life in a basketball family.

Ayesha herself shared a glimpse of her moment on Instagram, playfully captioning: “Date night lol,” as she and her friend, Lisette Pettis, enjoyed one of the delicacies of an exotic restaurant in Tuscany. That’s right. The entrepreneur visited Italy along with Mia Wright, Madara Biedrina, Cowboy Tears founder Sabina Gadecki, Pettis, and Michele Lise, soaking in everything Italy has to offer.

The group previously spent time at Villa Monteoriolo, one of the best properties in Tuscany. They learned how to make traditional pasta, drank the best wines, and appeared to be having a blast as they roamed the streets of the city. It’s a perfect getaway for the summer, and Ayesha Curry is making sure to savor every moment it has to offer.

But this trip has been about so much more. It appeared to be a well-earned break for a busy entrepreneur, given her recent string of business ventures. In recent months, she’s launched a new line of lip treatments and opened the second location of her successful Sweet July Cafe. Her trip seemed to be a brief escape from a demanding schedule that includes her roles at International Smoke and as the Chief Gardening Officer for Back to the Roots.

For her part, on the other side of the family, Sydel Curry-Lee is experiencing a much more challenging transition.

Sydel Curry-Lee’s major transition

For Stephen Curry and his wife, Ayesha, a date night is a luxury they can enjoy when they choose. But for Sydel and Damion Lee, that luxury is about to become a rarity. She recently had to say a heartfelt goodbye to her husband, who has taken his basketball career to Israel.

Lee signed a one-year deal with Ironi Ness Ziona in the Israeli Basketball Premier League after he was not re-signed by the Phoenix Suns following a season-ending meniscus injury. This move is a testament to the sacrifices a professional athlete and their family sometimes have to make to continue a career.

Sydel acknowledged this difficult transition in an emotional Instagram post, writing, “The hardest see you later. Grateful for your sacrifice & providing for our family. thankful for passions to follow while we can. We are gonna miss you so much, but will hold it down here! Love you so much, honey,” she said in her promise to the former Phoenix Suns guard. Lee replied with a sweet message of his own.

The two events show two very different realities of the same coin. And yet, Ayesha’s temporary escape and Sydel’s long-term separation highlight the dedication and strength required to navigate life in a professional sports family. It’s a reality where even with all the success, the demands of a career can lead to difficult, and very real, life changes.