Womb twin story: my twin sister was born dead

I was born at six months, a fraternal twin female. My sister was born dead. The doctors assumed she died from the cord around her neck a few days before birth.  I was born second, rife with toxemia and labelled a fighter at three pounds four ounces in weight.


 I didn't walk until age two but when I talked I went from nothing to full sentences and went on to become gifted and accelerated in schooling and very strong physically.

All my life I felt different from others, and could identify with sadness easily. I realized I was always empathetic towards others to a great degree, and sensitive to others distress. I used to save the little kid on the playground, then get depressed when the big kids went after me instead after the "rescue" and then not understand why I was so sad.

Years later,  aged 16, I was applying for my social security card and I noticed I was a "multiple birth" category on my birth certificate in writing. When my mother told me I was a lone twin, I burst out into tears immediately in the office, because that explained so many feelings that I had had all my life.

My mother was embarrassed in that public office by my reaction, but I felt delivered for finally having an answer to everything deep inside that I had been experiencing up to that point.  The sense of not fully belonging, of missing something, a vague sadness, a need to cling, very nostalgic for what was, when very small, etc.

Now I work as an EMT, in helping others and I still feel I'm not living well unless I help others in that way. I am very content. My sister is buried in an unmarked box with a number. One day I will try to research exactly where and then visit her to pay a visit in her memory.