People often comment on how interesting it must be to be a twin. By definition a 'twin' (n.) is "one of two identical or similar people, animals, or things; a counterpart." I like the last part of this definition the best, "a counterpart"... A 'counterpart' is defined as "either of two parts that fit together, or complement one another." There is something idealistic or romantic about this notion to me, the idea that Zoe and Silas complement one another. It's also interesting that their astrological sign is Libra. The scales are the symbol of Libra, and to me this embodies balance with another person or thing. "For a Libra, everything is better if it's done as a pair. Libras are good when paired up, too, since they epitomize balance, harmony and a sense of fair play." It sounds like S&Z chose the right astrological sun sign to be born in!
I am always excited when I meet an adult twin, because I want to hear that their brother or sister is their best friend, their other half; their counterpart I guess. I realize there will be sibling fights and rivalry for Zoe and Silas in the years to come, but at the end of it all I want them to be friends.
I read a fascinating transcript of a recent "Fresh Air" interview on my commute this morning. Terry Gross interviewed Allen Shawn, author of "Twin: A Memoir". You can listen to the interview in its entirety here. In some ways it is the story of a heartbreaking sibling relationship; Allen's sister, Mary, was diagnosed with mental retardation and autism as a young child. Ultimately, Mary was institutionalized at age 8.
There is one part of the interview that has stuck with me all day: "I literally feel like a bookend, as if there were a set of books next to me and at the other end of those books, there was another bookend. I have a sense of being part of a pair of things."
S&Z were playing with a toy tonight and watching them reminded me of the bookend quote. I took pictures so I would remember this moment. The pictures show their near constant physical closeness. With time, I hope that they find psychological closeness as well.
I am always excited when I meet an adult twin, because I want to hear that their brother or sister is their best friend, their other half; their counterpart I guess. I realize there will be sibling fights and rivalry for Zoe and Silas in the years to come, but at the end of it all I want them to be friends.
I read a fascinating transcript of a recent "Fresh Air" interview on my commute this morning. Terry Gross interviewed Allen Shawn, author of "Twin: A Memoir". You can listen to the interview in its entirety here. In some ways it is the story of a heartbreaking sibling relationship; Allen's sister, Mary, was diagnosed with mental retardation and autism as a young child. Ultimately, Mary was institutionalized at age 8.
There is one part of the interview that has stuck with me all day: "I literally feel like a bookend, as if there were a set of books next to me and at the other end of those books, there was another bookend. I have a sense of being part of a pair of things."
S&Z were playing with a toy tonight and watching them reminded me of the bookend quote. I took pictures so I would remember this moment. The pictures show their near constant physical closeness. With time, I hope that they find psychological closeness as well.
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