Twins are terribly intriguing. I’m fascinated by them daily; first, that they are mine. My children. I have twins. Second, because their relationship with one another is so special.
I have read about and seen identical twins that are very touchy with each other. My friend Melissa Marteney’s twins, Micah and Mason are the same age as the boys; she often posts pictures of them practically on top of each other watching a movie. Seth and Sam are not like that. They don’t touch often (unless it’s the usual play/wrestle touching). They are, however, always in the same room or interacting. If one is playing blocks, so is the other. If one is reading, so is the other.
But usually, their play together is something imaginative—and the “story” they are currently enacting builds on one another’s vision of what they are doing. For example: Sam decides they need to pack for a train trip. So Seth grabs the keys. Sam starts to pack his basketball clothes, Seth follows suit, but decides they need their shoes as well, which Sam goes and grabs. Seth wants to pack his animal friends, Sam grabs his as well. They get in the train together, wordlessly deciding who is the driver, and who is the passenger. Every day, all day, their games, their life, their imagination is intertwined.
I think every parent wonders and worries some about their children socially. Are they too shy? Or too abrasive? Seth and Sam, too, have their quirks in social situations. They most often stand back, watching, observing, staring—shoulder to shoulder. It is rare that they interact with another child—that is unless it is their twin brother, their comfort zone. But why would they need other friends? They have their built-in play mate 24/7. And truth be told, why would they need social practice? They practice every day, 24/7. Their life consists of sharing, fighting, working it out, tattling, practicing personal space, keeping their hands to themselves, etc. Every day is one big friend play day.
Another thing that is fascinating about Seth and Sam socially is that there isn’t one of them that is in the forefront. Often with twins there are very different personalities displayed—more often than not, one is the “show boat” and the other is quieter. Not with my boys. There is never one of them trying to grab attention from the other. If one is being silly, the other joins in the fun. They are a pair. It is so wonderful, so sweet.
After three years of being a twin mom, I’m still thankful every day God entrusted us to two at once. I have a feeling that each day, each year I will be intrigued by their relationship with one another. And I pray, with my whole heart and soul, that they will always be the best buds as they are today.
Such a cute picture!
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