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PrintFrom the publisher - A dynamic duo
Publisher Jim Langdon reflects on his life as a twin.
The writing of this column rotates among the magazine’s editors. Although I wrote the October column, Managing Editor Kendall Barrow asked me to write this one because of my personal connection to a special feature in this family-themed issue: a photo essay on multiples, as in multiple births.
One of the true blessings in my life is that I am a multiple. My twin sister, JoNelle Langdon Parks, is actually my older sister, by 10 minutes, and we have always shared a special relationship.
Our mother had no idea her firstborn would be a twosome until we arrived on Dec. 10, 1950, at Haynes Hospital in Henryetta, Okla. In fact, upon learning of JoNelle’s birth, my father telephoned all family members and friends to share the good news about the arrival of a daughter. When he called people back 15 minutes later to announce the addition of a son, no one believed him. I presume that not knowing you are pregnant with twins was common back in 1950, and my dad might also have been foiled by his reputation for dispensing humor.
People have asked me many times over the years, “What is it like being a twin?” My standard response has been, “I don’t know. I’ve never experienced anything different.” Truly, having a twin sister didn’t seem that much out of the norm because there were two other sets of twins in our kindergarten class, Linda and Leslie Dowler and Freddy and Mary Jane Hardin. As I think about it, it does seem remarkable that there were three sets of twins in a class of about 20 children. JoNelle and I also have three sets of twin cousins, one identical and the two others fraternal.
I readily admit that being a twin has its advantages. JoNelle and I attended school in Tonkawa, a small town, so we shared many of the same classes. She took notes in class, while I relaxed and enjoyed myself, only having to exert when studying for tests — using her notes, of course. The system worked great until college, when I headed off for Norman and Jo to Stillwater. Suffice to say, her college grades were much better than mine.
I believe her good grades, however, most likely resulted from my lifetime assertion that JoNelle received more than her biological share of brains and looks. I consider that my only compelling “Life isn’t fair” excuse, and the only “drawback” to having a twin sibling.
On the upside, I’ve never had trouble remembering JoNelle’s birthday.
They say the relationship between twins is usually very different from the one between other brothers and sisters. I know JoNelle and I have a special bond, but it’s a hard thing to define and explain. It seems our closeness stems mostly from having grown up together every step along the way, from earliest childhood through adulthood, sharing many of the same things, events, friends.
All I really know for sure about twinhood is that it has enhanced and enriched my life beyond measure. It has been a never-ending source of happiness for me, and I am lucky to have received more than my fair share.
Thank you, JoNelle.
