Beginning this week and carrying through the rest of the month, The Blue & Gold is covering student siblings. Going to school with a sibling can prove to be a bonding time for friendship, and highlighting those relationships is important. The Abbott siblings, Matthew and Elizabeth, are a perfect representation of a deep sibling bond at Carmel. 

The Abbott siblings are only two years apart in age, and that has helped them grow closer over the years. Elizabeth and Matthew are the younger two of four siblings; their older brothers Michael and Daniel are out of high school. Their bond blossomed from a young age starting with them playing dress-up games. Elizabeth would force Matthew to put on dresses for him to model in front of their parents. She did this because she always wanted a little sister, and Matthew was willing to do it. Their bond has become more competitive over the years. With the recent rise of popularity in pickleball, the Abbotts caught on to the trend quickly. They now frequently play pickleball, and Matthew claims, “I beat her all the time because I am better.” Elizabeth has a different opinion about this claim.

Beyond their love of pickleball, they both enjoy getting fast food and spending time in at their house with their mom, “The Amazing Amy Abbott.” They constantly make fun of and cherish the memories of their homeschooling days when they were all at the house together. They would take trips to Discovery Place and the White Water Center with their older brothers. They also have a shared love for summer camp. They go every single year and spend weeks at these camps. They both claim that camp has been a huge part of their lives and childhood.

Although Elizabeth and Matthew have very different hobbies, they nevertheless spend a good deal of time together. Elizabeth explains, “Matthew is not just my brother, he’s my best friend. He listens when I talk, and he’s an amazing friend to others, too. I’m so thankful he grew up to be like that.” Matthew feels the same way about Elizabeth. He explains, “She gives the best advice and makes sure I’m okay in tough situations. If I ever have a question about something, I go to her because she’s just a very real person and cares about what happens in my life.”

Looking ahead, Elizabeth plans to attend Samford University and major in accounting. Abbott loves the city of Birmingham, and having their older brother, Daniel, there makes the time seem that much sweeter. As for Matthew, he sees baseball as a big part of his future. He also sees himself following in his siblings’ footsteps by going to Samford. However, Matthew is only a sophomore, and he isn’t set on any plans for the future yet. With his mom’s departure from Carmel Christian next year, he still plans to attend the school and finish his education there.

 Elizabeth shares, “I have three brothers with very different personalities, but what I love about Matthew is that I stopped wanting a sister as our relationship formed. He has been such a great younger brother.” Matthew agrees, cherishing the bond with his sister as well. From childhood games to lifelong support, Elizabeth and Matthew show that siblings can be the best of friends despite their differences.

Amy Abbott stated, “Lizzy and Matthew’s relationship has strengthened over the past 2 years. I enjoy watching how they trust each other and appreciate each other’s insights and encouragement. Having a sibling who blesses rather that torments is a blessing. I am so thankful for the relationship God has built in Lizzy and Matthew’s lives.”