Charles and Carl are twins who celebrated their eightieth birthday recently with their extended family. When we think of twins, we think of cute little ones who seem to think and act alike. As they grow older, we commonly believe that they will marry and settle down near each other. Charles and Carl couldn’t have been more different.

Yes, while growing up they played extensively together, and had their own language by making up words that only they knew. But, as they grew into manhood, they chose different paths to follow.

Charles drove an eighteen wheeler, smoked, and had a beer or two with his buddies after work. He stayed close to his childhood home and family and married a local women.

Carl taught English--first at Southern Illinois University, then for many years at a private school in New York City where he retired. He didn’t smoke, and played the flute in the St. Louis orchestra early in his career. Carl never married.

Both twins were always fun-loving pranksters, never shy to embarrass family or friends. That never changed. Both have fond memories of their youth and growing up in a small town in southern Illinois. But one was content to remain here, and the other wanted to see the world.

Charles rarely traveled, except for hauling goods in his truck while he worked. Now he volunteers at his small town fire department, and helps his nephews race motocross bikes at local races.

Carl traveled all over the world when he wasn’t teaching. He’s been to all seven continents and usually spends his summers in Europe, even now at age 80.

Charles has a nice house in his small town in southern Illinois. Carl has a townhouse in a retirement community in upper New York. Charles always bragged that he was the older brother (by two minutes), and Carl countered that he was the better looking one. They still say this.

We are all different. Too often we tend to categorize other people based on a first impression or unreasonable bias. If you find yourself lumping people together, just remember the twins. They couldn’t have been more different even if they weren’t brothers...or twins. It’s another lesson learned.

###

Return to Lessons Learned