Claire and Paul

Now, I must accept responsibilities as the oldest child in the house, with the hope to follow your example by being a good role model for “Little Lisker.”

I am still sitting on your bed and I realize that the phone is still buzzing. I pick it up to see that you just texted me offering suggestions for the author’s project that you were working on just yesterday.

I retreat from your room at 8:00pm after the blink of an eye, yet with the relief that the only thing changing is our geographical distance.

~Claire Lisker

Jeffrey and Lauren

Typically, I would come home and enter my room to find my sister Lauren lying in my bed.  She would be texting, and twirling her hair–enjoying the warm blanket and comforter as if they belonged to her.

Knowing that Lauren was almost always present provided me with a sense of comfort.  If I ever needed anything, all I had to do was open my mouth.  But at the end of each school day, all I would worry about is the fact that I wouldn’t have the pleasure of being the first one to lay under my fresh covers.

I’ve spent 15 years looking up to Lauren, and plan to emulate her personality traits as long as I live.  So far, from observing her mistakes and successes, I have learned the value of modesty, willpower, perseverance and responsibility.  Without even knowing it, Lauren has shown me that even in times of doubt and despair, there is a little light at the end of the tunnel.

One specific example of this message I will never forget.  When Lauren was officially diagnosed with transverse myelitis–the inflammation of the spinal chord–my stomach dropped.

My sister, with her calming demeanor, was able to allay my worries about her illness without even having the exact intention of doing so.  It amazes me that someone could be so influential to put to rest the anxieties of others as they ache due to numerous spinal taps and spend uneventful days receiving MRI scans.

Lauren’s lightheartedness is contagious.  Even when I would come home at my angriest or saddest, she would somehow cause the pleasant feelings within me to arise.

Saying goodbye to my sister as she waited in line to check her luggage for Miami was not easy.  As we hugged each other for what seemed like the duration of a flight to Florida, I finally understood the saying “I thought the day would never come.”  After all of the valuable time we had shared together, the endless tips she had given me on studying and on social dos and don’ts–she was gone in what seemed like a blink of an eye.

Now, who will come home late on the weekends and tell me amusing stories about their night?  Who will ask me to snuggle with them day after day despite being constantly rejected?  Who will I turn to when I need advice?  My personal psychologist, adviser and closest friend suddenly went from living a hallway away to 1230 miles southeast.

But, while my sister will be missed in my everyday life, all I can do is appreciate the valuable lessons I have learned from watching her grow and apply them to the life I am living.

I wish I would have smiled and appreciated having a messed up bed to sleep in while I could have.

~Jeffrey Friedman

Peter and Jonathan

Just over four years ago, my older brother Jonathan not only started high school, but also became the oldest sibling at the Shumway house. On August 15 he left to go to college, leaving me the responsibility of being the oldest sibling. As I start this new beginning, I am not sure how my brother accomplished all that he did.

When he was the oldest and we were at the high school together we became progressively closer. He would spend precious time with me and my family while we were still awake. Then, when we had gone to bed, his light would go on, as he would practice problems sets, write essays or read the New York Times for his beloved Politics Club.

To him, a hour sleep deficit every night was worth creating the memories. Jonathan knew that this time of his life would eventually end, and it did.

He took every opportunity to create memories. They ranged from making a second dinner with me at 9:00 p.m., our 11:00 ping pong duel and our quizzing each other on world facts.

Jonathan also helped me figure out what I wanted to accomplish in high school. He led me to excellent extra-curricular activities and classes. His guidance was definitely desired, and I am only now realizing how badly I needed his advice, and still do.

Jonathan also set a wonderful example of hard work. Although I seem to only describe him as a ping-pong and eating fanatic, he was much more. Academically, he set a high standard.

He was deeply involved in extra-curricular activities. He never told me to work harder in school, sports or other activities. He knew the best way to teach someone is by example.

Now he is gone, and I am left with my one younger brother, Elias. I only hope I will be as successful of an example to Elias. And I hope that when school becomes busy and many times more difficult, I will be strong enough to sacrifice my time. As, ultimately, family is the only thing that matters.

~Peter Shumway