Gemini

Two.

Dizygotic.

Different.

My brother.

My twin.

We grew up close, but far apart. He and I were nothing alike. He picked on me like any brother would, and I couldn’t stand the fact that he’d make me late for the bus from time to time because of the damn bump in his sock. He couldn’t stand me in middle school and he barely talked to me in high school, but we had something special. I knew he had my back and he knew I had his. Any time either of us went through a bad time, we were there for each other. He’s been a constant in my life since…well, before we were even born.  We don’t share the same DNA, and science says that, aside from being born on the same day, we’re just like any other set of siblings. Identical twins, who share the same DNA, are known to have a bond like you would never imagine.  But I can tell you this, I can tell you how my brother feels without hearing his voice or seeing his face. He knows exactly when to send me an “I love you” text and he supports me unlike anyone else ever will.  When I’m with him, all is right in the world, and one of the best things about being me is him. It’s the fact that I get to be a twin. It’s that I get to share my life with one of the best people I know.

I spent the last few days searching for some photos of us to make a Facebook about our birthday, and when I couldn’t find what I was looking for, I nearly cried. As you know, photos mean more to me than they may mean to others. These snapshots are part of our story. They’re part of my family’s history. I couldn’t imaging not having them. It’s become somewhat of a yearly tradition that Brandon and I take a photo together on our birthday too. Looking back and reminiscing as the years go by is important to me.

I can’t remember there ever being a birthday that we spent apart. But yesterday got away from us and we weren’t able to see each other. My heart hurt. It didn’t feel right. I couldn’t fall asleep last night, because all I wanted to do was drive to his house and give him a hug. Our lives have changed drastically since we were young. We spend days apart instead of hours. We have our own families and our own set of friends. He doesn’t annoy me nearly as much and he doesn’t mind being around me these days.  All I know is, my life is better because of him. So, happy belated birthday, Brandon. I’m so blessed to call you mine.