Two Daughters

They are as different as night and day, my two daughters. I have often wondered how two girls born to the same parents, coming from the same gene pool, raised in the same house, could be so different.

I think they were born that way. Not a blank slate as some suggest, but each with their own chemistry. One introverted, studious, and an information seeker like her mother. She came into the world quietly, barely a peep out of her, always the quiet child, entertaining herself with books and puzzles, not seeking attention, just minding her own business.

The other arrived loud and bellowing. Upset to be disturbed I think, which would explain why she was so late. It was safe in there. Always into mischief, finding new ways to outsmart. Craving attention and relishing being the center of things. We enjoyed her. She made us laugh. Such personality.

We loved them both...equally, but differently. One made us proud with her achievments, the other made us proud with her success. We worried about them both. Wanting them to have a life knowing unconditional love, a peaceful home, and a bright future.

How did they get to be so different? One explains it this way. The alone years from ages 1-5 were spent together reading and playing and teaching. It's why her vocabulary is to be admired. Her kindergarten teacher was flabbergasted one day, when she heard this voice say, "Excuse me, Ma'am. I am having some difficulty with this. Could I please have some assistance?" She turned around expecting to see a small adult and was surprised to see a little girl in pigtails. Her vocabulary still gets smiles. She delights with words.

The other one had her alone time from ages 13-19. It's when we became friends. We went to the movies together instead of going with her sister. We shared inside jokes. We went on road trips. We found mutual interests. We fought, made up, and appreciated each other. She was there to help me when I needed help, the other had her own life and her own family to take care of. They younger only had us, her parents.

So is that why they are so different. One was born first and the other second? Is it that easy? I wish I knew. Some days, I wish they were more like each other. But maybe it's best that they are so different. Each with their best of us...and each with some of the worst. But differently. Each unique and special in their own identity. It's all so confusing and amazing how this parenting thing works out in the end. All you can do is do the best you can, and hope for the best.

So today we are getting ready for company. Guests will be coming from out of town soon to celebrate the long overdue bachelor degree of the oldest. We are very proud. The youngest is coming to help with the cleaning, and is bringing Chinese food. She goes out of her way to do these things for us. We are equally as proud.

So different they are.