DownSyn Forum

jennifergg · Posted: October 18 2006, 5:00 PM Post subject: MKD: Twinship/loss

I am mother to fraternal twins, one with DS, just like Norah (mine are both boys, though). Norah's yearning, and searching, and grief, are all handled beautifully in the book.

What I am struck by is Paul, and his loss, too. I know firsthand that my boys are connected in ways that I am just beginning to understand. The notion of a twin bond is real, at least at my house.

One of the lasting memories for me, from this book, is Paul, and what his life might have been, and who he might have become, if he had been able to live his life with his family intact.

I know there are other moms of twins (and some twins!) on this forum. What are your thoughts about this relationship? (OR anyone else's thoughts on this, too?)

_________________
Jennifer Graf Groneberg

Suz · Posted: October 19 2006, 5:33 PM Post subject:

I don't have any twin experience, but I felt throughout the book that Paul was always searching. And when he was running, he was searching for his lost sister.

Stephanie · Posted: October 19 2006, 6:57 PM Post subject:

Suz wrote:

I don't have any twin experience, but I felt throughout the book that Paul was always searching. And when he was running, he was searching for his lost sister.

Took the words out of my mouth. I think I felt most sad for him. A sibling bond is so important.

_________________

Joey 3/8/97
Megan, DS 11/8/03
Olivia 7/6/05

jennifergg · Posted: October 20 2006, 9:06 AM Post subject:

You've nailed it! I think it's that image of Paul running, running. It's so poignant.

_________________
Jennifer Graf Groneberg

queenk · Posted: October 20 2006, 4:49 PM Post subject:

I ached for Paul too. I loved that the book ended with he and Phoebe standing together. To me that spoke of hope and redemption. It's as if no mere mortal can really ruin the life of another, at least not permanently. Love cannot be forever thwarted.

_________________
Kathryn Lynard Soper
Mother of Thomas (DS) 10/2005
Sam - 2003
Matt - 2001
Christine - 1999
Andrew - 1997
Ben - 1994
Elizabeth - 1993

Author of The Year My Son and I Were Born: A Story of Down Syndrome, Motherhood, and Self-Discovery

Editor of GIFTS and GIFTS 2

Suz · Posted: October 20 2006, 6:00 PM Post subject:

Wow, 'love can never be forever thwarted' is such a powerful sentiment.

It is like get your sticky fingers off the control panel, Jennifer! (A nod to Anne Lamott for that quote)...

Love is indeed more powerful than all of us.

I am glad that Paul got a chance to experience that kind of love...and I'm sad that his dad died before he gave himself that chance.