Today is my husband Richard’s birthday. Always a special day, but particularly interesting this year. First off, he’s a twin. But his twin brother’s birthday was yesterday. Yes, Ron was born before midnight, and Richard after midnight. People are always surprised about this, and the guys always get a big laugh about it. Additionally, they look much younger than they actually are – so they always get a big laugh out of showing people their driver’s licenses.
Yesterday morning we met Ron and Becky at the Dairy Bar for breakfast to celebrate Ron’s birthday. Nothing like an omelet followed by blackberry cobbler and ice cream with a candle for the birthday boy! Unplanned, the four of us were back there today at lunchtime to celebrate Richard’s birthday – again with blackberry cobbler and ice cream with a candle for #2. It turns out our waitress is also a twin. As is Bill the owner, and the kitchen staff includes a set of identical twins. Who knew?!?
While we were eating breakfast yesterday, Becky pointed out that although the twins are 66 this year, if they stood on their heads they’d be 99! We all thought that was hysterical (especially imagining either of them trying to do a headstand). But I also thought it was a brilliant insight – why didn’t I think of that? I’m supposed to be the creative one (although now that I think about it, she is the one who handmade Richard’s birthday present. I bought him some bookends).
In addition to the planned breakfast with Ron and Becky yesterday, and the unplanned lunch with them today, Richard had dinner with them last night – Becky was sweet enough to invite us to join them for the meal she was making for Ron. I had plans but Richard quickly accepted. He didn’t make it home until 11:30 last night! And was stuffed! We really enjoyed our time with them yesterday and today – but even though we only live about 10 blocks from them, we’ll go months without seeing each other until a family event or holiday. Why is that?
So, what do these have to do with perspective? What are my takeaways?
1) Never assume – just because they’re twins doesn’t mean they have the exact same birthday. Never assume. Anything.
2) There’s always more than what’s on the surface – all these years we’ve been regulars at the Dairy Bar, and we never knew there were so many twins there, and they never knew Richard was a twin. And just last week I had a very personal conversation with Bill about someone in his family who has similar personal issues to someone who’s very dear to me — all these years and I never knew.
3) Turn things upside down to gain a new perspective: 66 is the new 99! Maybe 66 isn’t that old after all! What would I see if I stood on my head more often?
And finally,
4) Spend more time with people you enjoy, even if they are family! Life’s too short.
Happy Birthday Day to Richard – his gift to me this year is some new perspective…
- Maggi
