Twin Sisters

My twin sister Dorothy is finally here with me and I’m overjoyed. She flew into town yesterday evening. Marion drove me to the airport to meet up with her and welcome her to Hobart. Even though I could not see her come through that gate and it was noisy, I knew she was approaching me. We were locked in a hug and crying for what Marion says was at least six minutes if not longer. That’s the way twins can be. That’s the way we are when we come together after a long time apart; and the last time we were together I still had my sight. After I introduced her to Marion, we talked non-stop the whole drive back to the house. Joseph was happy Dorothy was here also because he bumped and kicked up a storm the whole time. She was excited to see Cleo at eight months even though she saw resent pictures of him. Dorothy has a special bond with Cleo because she helped bring him into this world. Dorothy is a Midwife by profession which every family should have if they are planning on having a lot of children.  My sister wasn't going to miss out on Joseph’s birth so she is back to take charge. I welcome all the help I can get when it comes to my children.

We are like little kids again back in Vancouver. A harmony of laughing, crying, and loud talking barely stopping to take a breath. A lot has happened in the last eight months for us to catch up on. After about a half a day of this she fell silent and I knew why. I broke the silent tension first when I asked her if she wanted to know what happened that caused all my health problems. She answered that she knew the details of what happened and has seen the pictures. She wanted to know how it felt to live through it. I think only someone as close as a twin sister would want to share that kind of experience. She wrapped her arms around me and said it’s going to be okay now sis. I let down my guard and we cried together. Additional words were not needed. Being strong about myself is one thing. Being okay with it all is a lot harder. I can’t hide anything from my sister. I wonder why I keep trying.

Dorothy's reunion with 8 month old Baby Cleo

Dorothy is here not just to help with my babies. She is here to be with me. I may think that I have it all together and have plenty of help already but I would just be lying to myself. I need my twin to be with me to help me feel more whole. Strength in numbers is the way to go. I know she has a life of her own and she made the choice to be here for the next six months. I need to be honest with her and myself about how guilty I feel about her being here away from her family for that amount of time. we talked about that and I feel better. She asked me if there was anything more I was stressing about. We laughed about that question when I said the rest will come out when it’s ready I’m sure. After all, I just can’t hide anything from my sister and for that I am truly grateful. Besides, she can’t hide anything from me either. I will know by how she talks and how she breaths ifshe isn't telling me everything. I always have. I don’t need eyes to see that.

Now don’t get the impression that all is happy and wonderful between us. We have fought some good fights before. The last big battle was, at least in part, why I moved to Australia. We didn't speak to each other for almost five months after I left home. It was only when Dad almost died in a car crash that we started talking to each other again. These kind of things happen for a reason. We have learned to love each other on a deeper level despite what happens between us or around us. We are deeply invested in each other’s happiness and well-being. We will always fight over something because we care. We will always look out for each other’s best interest and not be afraid to share an opinion. Plenty of stuff will find its way out of the closet I’m sure. A cleansing of secrets for the both of us.  I am blessed to have Dorothy here and I’m not afraid to admit feeling a little selfish she came to be with me. Cleo & his brother will love her as much as I do because they have the best Aunt ever.

So now begins the last days of this crazy pregnancy. Time for us to further define our relationship with each other before Joseph Bump Goldstein makes his entrance into this world. Everything is pretty much in place now and waiting for him. Being a mother of two boys is not going to be easy but I am willing to learn how it’s done. I have plenty of supporting friends ready and now my sister is here to.  My co-Captain Dorothy and the rest of the team are now set and ready to go.

Love the children of this world. Sarah xx