Vitamins and

Obviously, they weren’t twins. Certainly, not Irish twins because they were born three years apart.

Both arrived in the early a.m. One on a snowy winter’s day ; the other as rockets went off to celebrate the 4th of July

However, the pair always seemed to act in tandem, equal partners in mischief, humor as well as with kindness and imagination,

One memorable morning (and I confess to an extended phone call) the elder of the pair joined his brother in the playpen (now extinct). They equally devoured an economy sized bottle of vitamins within minutes.

Immediately, upon contacting our dedicated pediatrician, I was advised to quickly ingest another bottle myself because I would need it.

Now although we three are all older, the two constantly bring almost identical words of wisdom to my shrinking world,

So perhaps I am now in the proverbial play pen.

Despite their advice arriving from different parts of the country, the messages are almost identical,

No longer loud with childish enthusiasm, but quiet suggestions, sprinkled with humor, guiding me on the winding road of life.

Subtle financial admonitions are laced with recommendations for new Netflix or Hulu arrivals as both sons remember my addiction to noir mysteries.

There are also welcome invitations to share both growing families. These are a special comfort despite time and reality making that quite improbable. It is always quite lovely to know you are welcome.

And equally important, both continue to make their Mother laugh, which was always my sons’ special gift.

Maybe it was all those vitamins.