Morgan, Emma, Jack. These three names may not have any significance to you, but to me, those names belong to three of the most important people in my life. My three siblings have each given me different memories from spring break trips, imaginary games as kids, and late night Papa John’s runs. Each sibling plays an important part in my family and each brings something unique to my life.

No spring break would be the same without them. My family needs Jack making us late to the airport and Morgan keeping us from fighting. I can’t imagine not waiting in line while Emma has to move all her clothes to my suitcase to be under the weight limit. By the time we finally make it to Florida, at least 17 fights have occurred, 22 bathroom breaks, and someone has realized they left their favorite swimsuit at home. Every year  we grow closer while swimming in the ocean and fishing off the dock.

Looking back at my childhood, it wouldn’t have been the same without the hours we spent watching Spongebob, swimming at Grandma Jan’s pool, and playing American Girl dolls with each other. Without all the times I got locked out of Morgan’s room, I wouldn’t be able to appreciate the time I get to spend with her. I never would have learned the importance of enjoying the little and insignificant moments if it hadn’t been for the time spent with my siblings.

Roughly hundreds of dollars have been spent at the Delaney household on late night pizza delivery, obviously from Papa John’s. Our usual, large cheese with a side of breadsticks, is delivered around 11:30 P.M., when we should be sleeping. Without these late nights, I would have missed out on sibling bonding, deep talks, and sneaking around the house so my mom and dad wouldn’t catch us still up.

Without my siblings to make crazy and weird memories from Disney marathons, choreographing dance routines, and playing house, I wouldn’t have learned how to have fun and become my own person. In a family with four kids, you have to stand out, and I took the role of the dramatic kid. I was the kid who sat at the dinner table for hours,  refusing to eat when I didn’t like what was for dinner. I was so over the top dramatic, I used to make them play my game show, Claire’s Hotseat, which was the worst game but they were nice enough to play.

My siblings taught me to stand out and that it’s okay to be my own person. Thanks to my siblings for being there through it all. So this holiday season, take a little extra time to  appreciate your siblings.

Claire Delaney 

A&E Assistant Editor