December 16, 2020 “What’s it like being a twin?” Since I wasn’t sure how to answer that question, posed to me by a colleague in the newspaper industry, I reverted to an attempt at humor. “I have built-in partner in crime, and the human equivalent of a parts car,” I said. My colleague looked confused. “If I ever need a kidney, I’m almost guaranteed to have a match. We don’t know that we’re identical, but we have a strong suspicion. It’s like having a parts car to repair your daily driver. I have a human parts car.” That colleague referred to my twin sister, Deanna, by the nickname “car parts” after that. As I mentioned in last week’s edition, my twin sister and I were classified as fraternal twins when we were born. At that time, nearly 40 years ago, all twins born in separate amniotic sacs were classified as fraternal. Science has since discovered that twins born in separate sacs can be identical. Deanna and I always assumed we were in that group. We assumed we were identical. We recently completed genetic testing. The verdict is in. We’re identical. This knowledge really hasn’t changed anything for us. It’s only provided us with new material to joke around with one another. For example: “If one of us commits a crime, even if there’s DNA left behind, we can create reasonable doubt.” “You would appear to be my kids’ mom in a DNA test. I’m dropping them off at your house.” And now, every time one of us calls the other a “weirdo” or something similar, the response is always “I share your DNA.” Learning we’re identical twins also has me reflecting about our differences. Deanna is a morning person. I’m a night owl. Deanna gravitates toward science and math. I detest math. Deanna is a nurse and can remain calm and collected through intense situations. I get sick and/or panic at the sight or smell of bodily fluids. I could list differences all day. While we’re genetically identical, and we’re similar in many ways, we’re very different. It’s a beautiful reminder that God has lovingly and uniquely created each of us. He’s given all of us unique talents, gifts, abilities and personalities to use in His service. And He’s given me a parts car. |
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