Uncoupled

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Uncoupled

Twins

By William Smellie

From A Set of Anatomical Tables with Explanations

And an Abridgement of the Practice of Midwifery

1754

Public Domain

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Not Quite Apparent –

A Double-Cross on Sudden Loss

A nuanced rivalry perchance,

As dual pulses held their dance –

Afar, maternal longings grew,

Accommodating one, then two.

Each day, one waiting belly swelled,

Portending unplanned babes it held.

‘Cross town, another’s hope was spelled,

Until the call all promise felled.

The clanging jangle soon awoke;

Perhaps it was a reckless joke.

But heartache followed tearful soak,

For in a heartbeat, longings broke.

A lawless counselor most brash

Upset the plan with certain stash.

In desperation, feeble flash,

The twins were split to count his cash.

Soon empty arms and double cribs,

Along with many pairs of bibs

Were folded up, along with fibs

As doppleganging dreams racked ribs.

At last, the cradle had its fill,

Through shooting stars and God’s own will.

Yet mother’s lifelong spirit still

May sprint to conquer old ill will.

For somewhere isolated twins,

Now twenty-something, scratch their chins.

Is something absent deep within,

Or know they not that they once were kins?

Posted for a variety of prompts:

Easy Street Prompts (“nuanced rivalry”)

One Single Impression (“conquer”)

Simply Snickers (“shoot,” “sprint,” “still”)

Three Word Wednesday (“heartache,” “jangle” and “reckless”)

Author's Note: 

This is a true story, told through tears, to recount what happened during the final stages of a pregnancy, when an unscrupulous attorney lured a birthmother (with whom we had made an adoption plan) away by promising her profit for separating her twin babies and actually selling them to two different families. Those two children are out there somewhere, probably not ever knowing the other even exists.

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Secrets Are Scary

As an adoptive parent, should you tell your child that he or she is adopted? How and when should you reveal this secret? Should it be a secret at all?

Secrets Are Scary

Family counselors, psychologists and recovery experts of all stripes love to echo a familiar quote: "We are only as sick as our secrets."

Secrets are scary, particularly for children.

Adults may recall certain secrets that loomed in their minds, when they were young. Larger than life, these mysterious unknown keys to reality may have turned to terror. When children realize that key pieces of information are purposely withheld from them, they naturally may wonder what other facts are also hidden?

Never Not Knowing

As an adoptive parent, I can clearly state that my children have never not known that we adopted them. We have made this an absolutely natural part of our family litany. Although months may elapse without the topic even arising, my kids know that they are welcome to ask or discuss this at any time.

When my children leaf through their baby books, they are able to find the new baby announcements, which mention our excitement and joy over their adoption. They can also see copies of their adoption certificates. When we discuss their births and arrivals, I mention how grateful I am that God brought them into our family in such a wonderful and miraculous way.

Simply put, this has never been a secret. As a result, the issue contains no mystery. The children do not have to worry what other secrets their parents may be keeping from them.

Want to read more? Click here to read "Secrets Are Scary."

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