My Favorite Miracle


The birth of my twin sons, Tom and Jim, October 1, 1967.


I may not ever write a best seller, paint a masterpiece, or compose a symphony however I was given the privilege, the pleasure, the true blessing to be their mom. Hurray! They are each making their own unique, special, positive impact in the world.


I have witnessed many miracles in my life. To be Jim and Tom’s Mom is my most favorite.


According to a myriad of tests at birth, they are identical twins. A bonus for me to have the opportunity to see two people, biologically the same grow and react to circumstances sometimes alike and often very differently (smile).


There is no doubt that they have not always had the easiest journey. They moved approximately 11 times before they entered high school. Each time they did their best to be understanding and embrace it as an adventure. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for them to keep being the new kids on the block. In addition, unfortunately, due to a variety of reasons their dad and I did not “live happily ever after” and eventually divorced.


Over the years I have enjoyed watching Tom and Jim’s interests change and expand. They are each great readers and that served them well both in school and in life. Each loves sports and it has been fun to see the competitive nature develop in them. They have chosen to be fans of different teams and I enjoy listening and watching them give each other a hard time when one team surpasses the other.


I have so many assorted memories of them growing from babies into fantastic men.


Very young they would help each other get into mischief. They gave each other rides in the clothes dryer.


Growing up Tom’s hero was Thomas Jefferson. It was amazing how much he learned about him. One summer when they were only about seven or eight years old we visited Monticello in Virginia, Thomas Jefferson’s home. Tom knew more than the guide. It was such fun watching people in the tour group as they turned their attention and listened to him share his expertise and stories.


Jim wanted to be Fonzi from Happy Days when he grew up. I wasn't able to get him the official jacket but did find a genuine imitation leather type jacket that he wore and he even slicked his hair. Such a fun memory.


We went on lots of trips. Each one turned into an adventure, whether it was camping in the rain, or spending hours and hours at South Of The Border, or coming out of a hotel and thinking everything has been stolen from the car, to adopting a large car sick dog, to cruises, and flying to Grand Cayman, we even rode bikes from Erwin to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for the bicentennial.


They have always had a variety of interests….they were in band, played soccer, were in the debate club, ran track and in races, they always paid attention to current events, could win at chess when they were young, taught me video games, were terrific swimmers and seemed just as comfortable in a formal restaurant or setting as they were in their Fraternity house or even camping.


I love that they have always had an eclectic group of friends. They were never the sort to be a member of just one cliché. It was like they had a visa that let them move comfortably from the members of the band to the jocks and everyone in between.


It was so much fun when they came to Florida for Spring Break with their friends. Sometimes though they were a little ornery....I remember when we all went to the Magic Kingdom at Disney and Jim and Tom conspired. They bought a fake cast and Tom wore it on the Merry-Go-Round, scaring me when I first saw them. Definitely ornery.


As adults they each still have friends that come from a wide variety of backgrounds and are employed in many different occupations.


Jim and Tom are each married now and parents themselves. I am sure they consider their wives and children their favorite miracles. That is as it should be. Some of the crazy traditions we had they continue such as celebrating Ground Hog's Day while others like Vegetable Week will remain in the past (smile).


I am thrilled that they still let me be an active participant in their lives. Jim and I have met in DC and walked for miles while exploring the city and we even met for a one day adventure in Cleveland to watch our beloved Cavaliers lose in the playoffs to the dreaded New York Knicks. When Tom and his family moved to Japan as part of his job, I harnessed my fear of flying and went for a visit.


On this their birthday, I am celebrating the blessing of being their Mom. LUCKY ME.


Happy Birthday Tom and Jim. I hope you have a fun-filled happy day! You are my favorite miracle. I love you now and always.