Two is better than one, double trouble, seeing double, the dynamic duo, thing one and thing two, womb-mates, two of a kind, partners in crime, mirror image, two peas in a pod; whatever phrase or description you want to use, being a twin is the single most important characteristic about me. We were born August 22, 1994. I arrived first, and my sister, Layne, followed five minutes after. Ever since then, we have never cut the cord. Although we are fraternal and are completely different in many ways we are a great pair. She is everything I am not and I have no idea what life would be without her by my side. Having a twin is like having a built-in everything. You have a best friend at your fingertips, a second closet to raid, and a partner in classes – if you have the same major and attend the same college - which we do – and many other handy accommodations.
We have done almost everything together since birth. We grew up dressing alike until I decided to be rebellious and put the kibosh to that in the fourth grade. We had separate teachers in grade school growing up, which I think was a great choice (go Mom) because that allowed us to grow into our own selves, branch out and make different friends. We’ve done almost everything together, and I wouldn’t change it for anything. Like most siblings, we bicker and argue over silly stuff, but at the end of the day we hug it out and say, “My sorry,” (childhood phrase – used to apologize). In the seventh grade, our family moved to Iowa. The circumstance behind our move was not positive, but we made the best of it while we were there. When things were not the best, Layne was always my sound board. She is more passive, whereas I am very vocal and straightforward. We balance each other out and that was exactly what we needed during our time in Iowa.
After a couple years in Iowa, we were led back home. Our move was a result of my parents’ divorce, but it was the right decision and led to many other positive things in the future. When we came back, Layne and I expected our friends from back home to welcome us back with open arms, but that wasn’t exactly what happened. They had been introduced to their first year in high school, whereas Layne and I attended junior high in Iowa and our sophomore year back home was our first rodeo in the high school setting. I would’ve already classified her as my best friend but we became closer since we were essentially each others only friend. After graduation, we both decided it would be best to acquire our general education classes in our hometown where we so, fortunately, have a community college that offered us the perfect gig. When our two years were done at junior college we had talked about the possibilities of separating and choosing different universities. We looked at different colleges but Baker snagged both of our hearts. It was meant to be. Coming in as juniors was difficult. It was almost like our move to Iowa. We knew no one and were each others only, friends, to begin. We quickly made friends and involved ourselves in activities and organizations that best fit our personalities. I believe I can speak for us both when I say our time at Baker has been one of the best experiences we have ever been immersed in.
As our time at Baker comes to a close we are revisited by a discussion of separating. We both are fully aware we cannot stay connected at the hip forever but that is a hard pill to swallow as we have been for almost twenty-two years. The summer before our last semester at Baker before we graduate in December, I decided to stay up at Baker and work on campus. This was a big decision as I am used to going back home for the summer and working at my awesome setup of a job and being around family and friends all summer break. I was thrown into a situation where I was forced to make a decision based on what I thought was right. I ended up deciding to stay up at Baker and work. I do not regret my decision but a few unexpected events took place at the beginning of the summer that really put my strength to the test. Not only did Layne move home which meant I was living alone in our apartment for three months, but all of my friends had returned home for summer break as well. I was left with what felt like such a lonely and boring summer. Friday couldn’t arrive quickly enough for me to drive home and spend the weekend with my family and friends. With the series of unfortunate events that started my summer off it felt like a flashback to the “dark Iowa days”.
This event that turned my summer upside-down surprisingly brought the power of the relationship I was having with Layne to the forefront. I had never seen her like this. She turned into “super sister” in a matter of seconds. Her unfailing support, words of encouragement from afar, random “I miss you” texts and phone calls are why I have my head screwed on halfway straight today. She was there when I needed her the most and she exceeded my expectations. I’ve always known we were extremely close but this event has solidified the strength of our sisterly bond. She is truly a blessing from God. He knew how much I would need her throughout the many challenging events in my life. He has given me an angel on Earth and I will be forever grateful that he allowed me to be her womb-mate, listening soundboard, best friend, classmate, partner in crime, roommate, classmate, and most importantly, sister forever.
