My sister and I grew up practically twins. We look alike. My parents could never tell us apart on the phone. “Therese, Cat, no Therese?” We’re less than two years apart in age.
People would stop us on the street, “You know, there’s this big twin conference every year in Florida.” We’d shake our heads no. We’re not twins.
But even though we looked alike and had similar mannerisms, we’ve always been so different. Now we definitely have the same values and core ethics. But completely different. Night and day. My sister cared about saving the world even if it meant huge sacrifices. I cared about saving myself, making enough financially to be on my own at an early age. Therese cared about doing well. I cared about being the best and if I couldn’t be at the top, then I tore myself up and considered myself a failure. I think these things continue to play out today. The most important thing to my sister is her husband, her family. It’s the only thing that matters. For me, all that matters is my career and the life I’ve built for myself. I’m clearly a lot more self-centered; my sister–much more selfless.
It’s just so weird to see the same kind of opposition play out in her own two boys. Dominic who’s almost three is very much like me. He’s head-strong, sensitive. Gets very upset and quiet if he does something wrong. He gets flustered easily, thinking he can do something, but can’t seem to make it work because he’s still too young. I can see him about to go ballistic trying to put something back in order. He cries a lot, too–just like me, poor kid.
Benicio at only four months is the exact opposite. I have never seen a kid so smiley and giggly. He’s always gurgling and smiling no matter what. He’s so happy. Maybe that’s why I can’t get enough of him. I take more pictures of him than Dominic. I love them both, but I love Benicio’s smile. He makes me happy. He makes everyone happy. “Let me hold him. Aww, look at his hair. I want him!”
I can’t take it; he’s so cute 🙂
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