My Twin Brothers

My twin brothers were born 3 1/2 years after my oldest brother. The twins are ten years older than I. Robert Charles was the oldest by about 15 minutes. I think he was probably named Robert after Mom's dad and the Charles probably after her youngest brother. He was also the dominant twin. The second twin was Richard Henry -Henry was after Daddy's dad. Where the Richard came from, I don't know. We called them Bob and Dick. They were identical but I could always tell them apart. Even on the telephone when one would insist he was the other one!

Mom always said what one didn't think of, the other one did! I cannot imagine having twins! (Thank goodness I didn't!}

One of the stories Mom told me about what happened when I was a toddler. She would wax the lineoleum floor in the kitchen. Then the twins would get an old sweatshirt, get me to sit on it - and they would buff the floor! Of course, they pulled it too fast and I would go rolling off!

When they were in high school, I can remember them filling the bathroom sink with water. Then they would stick their heads in it (at separate times, of course!) so they could comb the waves out of their hair. The waves came back as soon as their hair dried!

The picture of them in the swing is a favorite - especially because Daddy is holding on the the swing. Daddy always wore a hat like that one.

The picture of them with the same number football jersey was taken when they were in school at Ft. Hays State Teachers College after WWII. They both went out for football. Bob got more playing time than Dick. So at half time of one game, they decided to switch jerseys. When the second half started, the coach sent in #42 (who was now Dick wearing Bob's jersey) for a series of plays. After the series of plays, the coach decided that he should give the other twin some playing tine. So Dick wearing Bob's jersey came out of the game - and Bob wearing Dick's jersey played the remainder of the game! The coach discovered what they had done and had their picture taken for the college yearbook, both wearing #42!

They were athletes in high school. They played football, basketball and were pretty speedy runners in track. They thought they were pretty good so they challenged Daddy to a 100 yard dash! Daddy was also an athlete. they ran the race in the street in front of our house. And Daddy won! (He was in his mid to late 40s at that time.)

There are probably lots more I could say about them but it doesn't come to mind today. So maybe there will be another post about my twin brothers.