twin life.

Dearest Chelsea,

We were born together 22 years ago. Of those 22 years, we were separated for only few short days. [SERIOUSLY, A FEW DAYS.] Can you believe it? Not many people can say they have lived their entire life with their best friend. We did everything together: we learned to walk together, talk together, eat bugs together, run together (from triathlons to a marathon to competing in the same final heats @ state), play sports together, date together, experience heartache together, serve together, move together (nearly a dozen times growing up), graduate HS together, travel together, live in college together, and really became strong individuals--together.  We did it all, together. Words will never adequately articulate the depth and uniqueness of our bond, nor do they have to b/c we will always know.

Fact: I would not be where I am today without you. 

Nearly three months ago, I took a different step.  It was one of the greatest steps I have ever taken, and will ever take. I feel so much joy and happiness. Marriage has already changed my life in the best possible way. However, believe it or not, one of the hardest parts about transitioning into marriage was that you were not experiencing it with me.  It is one of the greatest steps and I could not share the joy with you like we have done on previous steps. I understand that is the way it should be, we both have different lives and different plans. [Yay for that, it makes life so exciting.] But because of it, we have had to make some adjustments and figure out a different balance. You have been an unshakable companion my whole life, so when I got married, it certainly shook things up a bit.  It is hard, as we both are unsure of our place and roles to each other. This is an experience no one else will ever truly understand. (Yes, other twins may relate but even then, each set of twins have different relationships.)  Good News! We are doing it!

 (oh the life of marrying a twin. ha.)

 I know many people (subconsciously?) pressure you or expect you to get married because of me but don't let it negatively influence you.  People comparing us is not new. (Soap Box: be careful, no one wants to be labeled and put into a box, let people grow.) You are strong and smart and you have the ability to make great decisions. I know you will do what is best for you and your life.  I want you to be happy! I am so unbelievably excited for you to go to NY this spring. I can barely contain my excitement for you thinking of all of the things you can/will do in your two month stay! (But be safe, okay?!) If we have a girls trip, you can show us some of your newly discovered highlights of NYC! ;) 

***

The best thing is, we will always be twins and we will always be tight. Yes, our paths are diverging to different places, events, and people BUT you know what?!  Whether we are married, single, have children, internships/work, or whatever the situation may be, we will always have each other. We can still have our long phone calls (speed dial, baby). Grab our running shoes to go on our long, therapeutic runs in nature. Plan activities and get-togethers. We are still experiencing life together, we are just aren't sleeping under the same roof! 

Having you as my identical best friend and twin is one of the greatest blessings of my life. It always will be. 

Love, Rach

Here's to a living life together even when we are apart!

(thank you for tolerating my randomness. this post is for me.)