"STOP IT, NICK! I don’t care if you want to play with my GameBoy just because yours died.”
“JUST GIVE IT TO ME!” Nick yelled.
That was a pretty typical car ride soundtrack for me and my brother growing up.
Nick is my older brother, and he was (and still is) obsessed with Pokémon. But even on days that were supposed to be fun, like our annual trip to Dougherty’s Orchard, we usually found something to argue about.
Despite the bickering, the orchard was always a place of joy. I have so many memories of visiting—petting the animals, grabbing a warm apple donut, and picking up apples and cider for our grandma. As we got older, life got busier and those trips became harder to plan, but somehow we always made it happen.
This year is different. It is the first time both Nick and I have officially moved out of the house. And as much as I never thought I would say it, especially not on a public platform, I miss him.
Even though we still made it to Dougherty’s, it took planning and calendars and text reminders. But when we got there, we did all the same things. Visiting the petting zoo, eating apple donuts, and picking apples for grandma. And yet, what I enjoyed most was not the food or the animals, but simply spending time with my brother.
We had 13 years under the same roof, and I never truly appreciated it until now. I cannot go back and change the past, but I can choose how I value my time with him moving forward.
Today, we are closer than ever. I text him updates about my life as a state officer, what I am cooking for my teammates, and which schools I have visited. We still joke and still annoy each other, but now, I treasure the moments more than ever.
Quality time is one of life’s greatest gifts. Do not take it for granted.
Even if your siblings drive you nuts, enjoy your time with them. Because someday, as wild as it sounds, you will miss them, even the bickering.
Embrace the moment,
Jenna Lawler
2025-2026 Indiana FFA State Reporter
Love you kid!
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