Unconditional Love
Editorial By Lily Bryant, SHS Senior
“You argue so much, someday you will appreciate each other more than anything,” the stereotypical line told to bickering siblings. Unknowingly, the separation would arrive sooner rather than later. There were little gestures to apologize to each other, subconsciously knowing we would want to go back to this moment.
Running down our long blacktop driveway, my brother and I push each other to get to the door first. Trying to catch our breath from the uncontrollable laughter, knowing the first to get to the door would lock the other out. Dangling my sacred sparkly blue keys, I try to unlock the door. We push the door open, and I am greeted with the scent of our animals and mom’s wax melter.
Late afternoon talks looking over a warm frying pan inhaling the cooking smell of grilled cheese. “Always put butter on the bread or else it will burn.” I look down, the sun beaming on Drew’s imperfect freckles, crooked teeth, and dirty blonde buzzcut. We watch the bread slowly turn golden brown as we talk about our future, canceling out the silence from the rest of our house.
A bond formed between two siblings is like no other. You are able to be your truest self without any embarrassment. You share a special connection whether you grew up differently, have different lifestyles, or don’t share any similarities. The screaming, the fighting, the late-night talks, the secrets you hide from your parents, or the inside jokes, is all out of love.
Graduating can be the most heartwarming yet heartbreaking change in life, to all sides of the story. Having to leave a little sibling behind as you choose your own path feels like a piece of yourself is being left behind. Older siblings are known as the protectors, watching over their younger siblings keeping them safe.
Following the scent of grilled cheese to the kitchen on an empty stomach, “I made you food because I was bored, I hope it isn’t burnt.” Drew hands me the hot sandwich wrapped in a paper towel; it is definitely under cooked, but he knows I don’t like burnt food. Pressed against the cupboards on opposite ends of the kitchen, not recognizing the familiarity we feel. Listening carefully as Drew talks about his passions, watching his perfectly straight teeth and his flowy golden-brown hair. He giggles like a little kid knowing exactly how to make me laugh. He helps me up stepping on my toes by accident, laughing through the pain, it echoes throughout the silence of the house.
We focus on the pain the older sibling feels when leaving, but what about the younger one watching them go? Wanting to keep a hold of your older siblings is the best way to describe it. 8th Grader, Kaylee Mohr says, “I am upset because we won’t be able to bond over music while on car rides together. I won’t be able to go into Carson’s room and annoy him just as an excuse to hang out with him. The house will be much quieter without him, and I am scared for that change.” Graduating senior, Carson Mohr says, “This next step will be hard, but it will leave Kaylee with many new learning experiences when I am not there to help her.” 8th Grader, Axel Drugg, “I am so proud of who the person Alley has become, but I will miss her more than anything. I thank her for making me who I am today, and I don’t know what I am going to do without her.” Graduating senior, Alleyana Abrams says, “Graduating makes me feel excited yet nervous, especially leaving my younger brother. We have such a strong bond that took a long time to establish. It worries me because who will look out for Axel the way I do?”
The stomping footsteps to my room remain the same, knowing he is about to blast in. Wondering if he will ask to play video games, tell an unbelievably crazy story, or throw a slipper at me. Warm tears fill my eyes at the thought of leaving Drew, never hearing his laugh from across the house. Planning my next year at college is like a snap into reality. I know how it feels to love someone unconditionally, I know how motherly love feels, being an older sister to a younger brother.