Not quite 4 score and 7 years ago....

Nearly 3 decades ago, my resiliant momma gave birth to my brother (Linse) and me...and thank goodness - we were two weeks late! I think this occasion calls for the recounting of one of the most traumatic days of my life - birth.

As I said, we were two weeks late....call us lazy if you want, but we knew how good we had it and weren't rushin to get out. OK, really Linse was just being indesicive about leaving and blocking my path...but he doesn't like me to tell that part so pretend you didn't read that. Things were getting a little tight in the womb and we both wanted some room to stretch our legs so we decided we'd see what lay beyond our cozy amniatic sacs. We made a deal...we'd go head first and Linse would lead the way since he was closer to the exit. But once the water broke and contractions started, he panicked. In the heat of the moment, he wrapped my umbilical cord around my neck, spun me around and made a bee-line for the light. Disoriented and shocked by this assult I took a couple minutes to collect myself and then let the contractions push me out feet first, hoping for the best since it was getting harder and harder to breath with that cord around my throat. Once I finally made it out, blue and nearly unconcious, the doctors rushed me to the emergency room for some good ole O2. Not too long afterwards I was reunited with my momma and brother. I was still a little annoyed with Linse, but when I saw his pointy head and realized he'd forever be remined of this attack, although he likes to claim it never happened, I decided to forgive and forget (obviously it was too traumatic to forget, but at least I forgave).


For the past 30 years Linse has been my best friend, playmate, protector, confidant, and so much more. I can't begin to describe how lucky I feel to be a twin or how grateful I am that we have been and remain so close (although not geographically). It's certainly tough to be away from him this time of year, but the good news is that we're both doing what makes us happy and living where we need to be living right now. I'm in the barrio hanging out with jovenes and Linse is in school soaking up and dispensing knowledge.


Our b'day is a national holiday here in Paraguay (as it should be everywhere ;) - Dia de San Miguel/Victory at Boqueron. My jovenes would like to celebrate my "doble quince" (double 15) with me...I'd like to sit in a bathtub in a hotel in Asuncion and then go out dancing with my adult friends...it's a struggle. I'm figuring out a way to make everyone happy :) Life continues to go well here in Paraguay....it's getting hot again. Funny, it's not even spring yet and we're already in the 90s....can't wait for summer! ;)


Gotta run for now...but not without a special shout out to my parents who have loved me through so much - I know it wasn't always easy. And of course love to mis hermanos, amigos y extended fam. Life wouldn't mean anything without all of you...and I wouldn't be as proud of who I am if I didn't have so many wonderful people in my life. We are a reflection of those we surround ourselves with...thanks for makin me look good ;)


With a heart full of love and happiness,
Lor :)