Where it all began

Today is my birthday. For the first 21 or 22 years of my life it was "our birthday." But today, family and friends sang "Happy Birthday" just to Amber. I got the little birthday bear "You are Special" plate trinket all to myself. And there weren't 2 sets of presents. Funny, I almost forgot it was Erin's birthday today, too (sorry Erin!). I guess I have learned to be more independent. In fact, it doesn't really seem like I am a twin anymore. Sad. What a weird paradigm shift--my entire reality for two decades depended on my twinhood.

I love my sister. We have always been the best of friends. People have often asked if I like being a twin. Yes, I love it, but I also don't know any different. I think being a twin is a lot harder as a child, or even more, as a teenager. It can be really hard to navigate the whole "find out who I am/gain independence" stage when no one can tell or care that you are one person instead of another. But, since growing up, I have come to miss the old days. Having someone at my side that understood my whole world. We came from the same parents (at the same stage of parenting), dealt with the same friends and teachers in the exact same contexts, and were at the exact same stage of development. Hard to beat that. Plus, Erin is great. Always lots of positive energy, optimism, and confidence. I have much to learn from her vibrancy and ability to manage time and stress so well. For nearly my entire life she helped keep me balanced, entertained, and challenged. We never fight. We never judge. We are similar, not the same. We are twins. We are Erin and Amber.

Happy Birthday Erin and Amber!


Caitlyn says this is where twins come from!

Erin left, Amber right

See how much I have always loved my sister. Amber with the Jabba the Hut smile.

Amber, again smiling. I have been told I was the "serious" and "boring" twin--but look at the evidence!