The Twins

In case you haven't heard, it's been a great year for our Minnesota Twins ball team. We have a good chance of seeing them play the World Series this year.

But the twins I speak of here are my sisters. Formally, Edith and Judith. To us, Edie and Judy.


Like many twins, they were competitive as they were growing up. Vying for each others' friends and their own popularity, they would sometimes deny that they were twins; and if it could be believed, even sisters.

Edie was outgoing and assertive; Judy introverted and passive. Edie, the leader. Judy, the follower.

In this photo, Judy (right) had been crying while Edie (left) had been smiling.

My mother says by the time they got Judy settled and got a smile out of her, Edie got bored and quit smiling. Guess you can't win.

But you should see them today.

Bonded like glue. Joined at the hip. Sharing the same heart and spirit. Sharing love as I think only twins can. It is really amazing and touching to see.

Judy has had many health problems over the past year. Colon resections, blood clots, the loss of a foot and leg below the kneecap. Colonoscopies, dilations of the colon, blood thinners, blood tests, mesh inserted in her neck to filter the blood, physical therapy, prosthetic fittings, wheelchairs and walkers.

Edie has been with her every step of the way.

A registered nurse, living in Ohio, she has been by Judy's side, taking family medical leave without pay, taking a second job to pay for airline tickets. Holding Judy's hand; making her laugh like nobody else can. She is Judy's best medicine and most effective therapy.

Edie arrived home today, in time for Judy's colon repair and colostomy surgery tomorrow. She is with her now, keeping her upbeat, not allowing her to feel discouraged or frightened. Playing Scrabble; telling jokes and funny stories.

Of course, we are all praying for a successful outcome for Judy. And as we pray our petition, we add a prayer of thanks that Edie is home. Judy will be okay because Edie is here.

My twin sisters. Love, strength and blessings to both.

An ordinary day

Learn to appreciate an ordinary day.

When it is anything but ordinary, you find yourself wishing for one of those hum-drum days when nothing unusual happens, and your routine is safely intact and uninterrupted.

That was the case up to a few days ago when the phone rang and my sister, Joan, informed me Mom had been taken to the hospital with heart attack symptoms: shortness of breath, sweating, but no chest pain (which is typical for women).

I rushed out the door and met my sister at the local hospital emergency room. Mom was given an electrocardiogram, blood work and a chest x-ray. All looked good.

Then towards midnight, after a heart scan and even more blood work, one of the tests was repeated and came back positive. So she was admitted with a possible heart attack.

After a few hours of sleep, I was back at the hospital, only to find out she was being transferred to a larger hospital in St. Paul where more advanced cardiac care was available. So I drove to that hospital, following the ambulance that was transporting her. More blood work, more tests, this time an echocardiogram that showed some chest wall abnormality.

This morning my sister, Edie, came from Ohio, a real angel of mercy as she is a cardiac nurse. She also speaks Greek, which is what medical terminology is to me. So she was a great comfort to Mom, a good translator and a great advisor.

This afternoon Mom had an angiogram with great results! There is no blockage and only a minor weakness that can be easily treated with medication. It appears she can go home tomorrow.

So after one more trip to the hospital, I hope we can take her home.

And look forward to an ordinary day.