String of ages, birthdays makes 11-12-13-14-15 for Antioch sisters
One was born earlier than expected and the other later, but the sequential birthday coincidence shared by two Antioch sisters is bound to come up in conversation at dinner tonight.
Having the same birthday is one thing, especially so close to Christmas. But as Jessica and Jenna Lamberty celebrate this year, someone undoubtedly will mention the curiosity of the date: 12-13-14.
"I don't think I've met a person who didn't think it was awesome," said Jessica, a freshman at Antioch Community High School.
Sure, millions of people will be in the same boat on Saturday, but there is a twist that greatly narrows the field.
As Jessica turns 15, her little sister, Jenna, a fifth-grader at W.C. Petty Elementary School, will be 11 to complete the straight: 11-12-13-14-15.
"That's why it's special," says their father, Jim.
"We'll buy a lottery ticket on Saturday," adds their mom, Julie.
OK, it's not the reappearance of Halley's comet or the extension of pi to a million places. The occasion is just one of those quirky slices of life that are fun to ponder and share.
There is something to be said for that. Given there are only 12 months in a year, the next date sequence like 12-13-14 won't occur until Jan. 2, 2103. By then, the girls would be 104 and 100 respectively.
"It will happen a total of 12 times every century," said Jeff Mudrock, an assistant professor of mathematics at the College of Lake County.
And what of the Lamberty sisters' situation this year?
"That's really cool," he said. An interesting occurrence, yes, but not necessarily a mathematical revelation.
But the number 13 has meant good fortune for the family. Jenna was born a month early and weighed just under four pounds. Jessica was born a few days later than expected.
"I was too young to know. Now, I'm really happy we share birthdays," said Jessica, who considers Jenna the best present she ever received.
The sisters are like twins born four years apart and are best friends, according to their mother, Julie.
Neither has asked for much for their respective birthdays, according to Julie. Jenna wanted fuzzy socks, books, craft kits and new shells for her hermit crabs. Jessica asked for clothes, riding boots and lots of little stuff.
One would think a big birthday bash would be planned. But the family on Saturday will be in Bloomington as Jim's niece graduates from Illinois State University. They'll have a nice dinner there, but a trip to a water park some other weekend will be the special present.