Thoughts on Twins

I have known a few sets of twins in my life and they all have one thing in common: mischief!

In my family my grandmother’s brother and sister were twins and I have two nephews who are twins. My grandmother’s sister is still alive and still a spitfire. My nephews are certainly full of life. At age 5 they hijacked their parent’s car and mowed a few hedges down before they were stopped. We all laugh at their antics now, they are a source of great joy and laughter now, even though it was painful at the time.

So, why these thoughts on twins? Well, I now have grandsons who are twins. The Pirate and the Professor. Now, to me, the Professor looks like he should be a pirate and the Pirate looks like he should be the Professor, but that’s my own odd perspective. Perhaps it’s the beginning of their mischief, switching roles, even though they don’t look alike that much. One is mellow, the other is intense, at least so far. That could very well change as they grow older, something I am looking forward to. I just wish that I didn’t have to grow old myself, we could enjoy each other’s company so much more.

My own grandfather was one I loved to spend time with. The smell of sawdust always makes me think of him. I have plans to teach my grandsons to camp, hike and fish, to enjoy the outdoors. Maybe every time they smell a fish, they will think of me. I always was the fishy one.

So, here is my promise to Pirate. I will always try to stay as interested in life as you will be. Your focus, your love of learning, which I already see in your face will challenge me to keep up, to be interested in who you are, in what you are doing. To be there to help you understand when you need another viewpoint. To help you balance your heart and your mind and your spirit. You will see the world as no one else does, with vibrant colors and sounds above most people. You will also learn to see with your heart and these abilities will give you uncommon insight into the people around you. It will be amazing to watch.

Professor is calm and sweet (at least so far). A tow-headed boy with a good soul and a kind heart. Every bit as smart as your brother and a leader. Someone who people will follow. It’s odd, but I see you as an athlete. Football, maybe because of your strength. You will protect your brother, provide the other half of the scale and balance his intensity. I see an artist in you as well, like your mother and her brother. It runs in the family. We are deep thinkers, all of us. Some, like me, waste their minds in worry, but you never will. You will always see the good in things and will make us all the better for it.

A twin is an awesome thing to be. To have someone who you can always share with, who you have a bond from the womb with. You will lean on each other and be the yin to the other’s yang. You are blessed. I always told your parents that they would give birth to binars (see Star Trek) and they did. Like binary suns you will orbit each other and stabilize each other all your life. I can see it.

One last thought on this post. I have always been able to see my children’s lives. Perhaps that extends to my grandchildren as well. I have seen some of your cousin’s life as well as your sister’s. What I can tell you, I have. Choose wisely and learn from all your experiences, both apart and together.

So in honor of your eyes, here is Miles Davis to serenade you in Blue in Green.