“Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.” –Confucius
Meet Abigail and Brittany Hensel, two twin sisters who could not be any closer. Now as a twin myself, I know from personal experience the intensely intimate and special bond my brother and I share. To be born with a best friend, a constant mirror buddy, a yin to your every yang… is a blessing that I appreciate and relish every single day. But what happens when you have to share more than just the same bed as kids, the same friends, the same interests? What if you had to share the same body?
Abigail and Brittany were born conjoined. From the waist up they are completely separate people: two stomach, two lungs, two hearts, two heads. But from the waist down they are melded into one: one liver, one bladder, one pelvis, one person. Now I know that the first thought that comes to mind are the Carnavelesque exploitation images of Siamese twins. And the initial reaction is one of fascination, disbelief, and perhaps even morbid curiosity. But let me assure you that this is not a freak show, and to watch these two happy, smiling, and completely normal teenage girls is something beyond inspirational. To me, it is miraculous.
What makes their story so astounding is the level of individuality expressed by both girls, even as they synchronize the smallest and most subtle of movements in a perfect dance of harmony and coordination. Where they have two legs and two hands, Brittany controls the left hand and leg, while Abigail controls the right. Meaning, something as simple as walking requires a total balance of shared movement. Brittany first lifts her leg, then Abigail moves hers. It’s not enough to occupy the same body, they have to work together as one to use it to it’s full potential.
And here these girls are, running, riding a bike, swimming, driving. On their sixteenth birthday they both took and passed their driver’s test (they had to take it twice, as individuals). It’s truly incredible. In no way have they allowed the unique difficulties of their condition limit them. They talk on the phone, they flirt, the excel in school, they dream of future careers, of falling in love, of having a family. They are no different then your average American teenage girls.
In a constantly expanding world of 7 billion people, where we are all trying to stand up, stand out and be noticed… the Hensel twins want nothing more than to blend in. To be recognized and respected as normal and to be treated accordingly. That they exist at all is unbelievable. But that they are healthy and happy, that they clearly value their condition as a rare and beautiful bond… it is in this strength and positivity of spirit, this interwoven sister soul connection which distinguishes them as special. Not just shared torso or hips.
We take what we are given and we make the best of it. And sometimes, those flaws or seeming disabilities are exactly the distinguishing traits by which we prove ourselves special, unique… great.
And sometimes, whether conjoined or not, we need to learn to rely on those closest to us, on total strangers, or anyone and everyone, to help us take that next step and the next. Until together we are all moving forward: running, dancing, laughing, playing. Just like Abigail and Brittany. Just like the Hensel Twins.
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