Many times at this time of year I have commented that I'm an Irish twin. That means that my mother had 2 children within one year. So my brother was born 11 months and 2 weeks after I was born. Also my sister was born a year and three months after my brother. So my mom had three children and the oldest was two years and three months old.
So today is my brother' 84th birthday and I am still 84 but turning 85 in a couple of weeks.
It's my opinion, that Irish twins are more active and twin like than actual twins. We were very active and full of mischief. Since there were three of us , I think my brother and I had to learn to take care of ourselves and each other when we were very young.
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When my brother was young he was commonly called Merce. There are still a couple of people today who call him Merce . Where did that name come from? His brother (me) couldn't say Myrven. The closest I got was Merce and Merce stuck.
Our house was very small. The bedroom we had wasn't much bigger than the bed. We didn't have separate beds until we were 13 or 14.
Anyway this is a way to say happy brother to my Irish twin.
I love your stories about growing up. Happy birthday to Merce.
ReplyDeleteOur farm and family were a little on the rough side.
DeleteHappy Birthday to your Irish Twin Brother! We have grands that are Irish Twins...born 11 months and 22 days apart.
ReplyDeleteBeing so close together we had instant play mates.
DeleteNever heard of that term. So, it seems maybe Irish couples are more frequently romantic than the rest of us? Or, it's just awfully cold in Canada. That's a really cute upbringing and cute photos. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to find that the term is ancient and of unknown origin.
DeleteHappy Birthday to you and your (tTwin Brother)
ReplyDeleteThanks. We don't live in the same area but we still have contact.
DeleteHappy birthday to your brother! I remember you using the phrase "Irish twins" before. I'd never heard it, but now you've taught it to me!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know the term until a few years ago. My brother knew the term before I did.
DeleteI hadn't heard that expression. Those were three births in quick succession.
ReplyDeleteOur Mother was a very busy woman. She had no conveniences and no help.
DeleteSmall shared bedrooms were so common back then. Now people shudder at the thought of not having individual rooms for all their children plus a guest room.
ReplyDeleteYes, we had small houses and lots of kids in those long ago days.
DeleteYou got a good friend for life when your brother was born. Happy Birthday to Merce!
ReplyDeleteWe certainly were playmates.
DeleteHappy birthday to your brother! Great story,as always!
ReplyDeleteI called my brother right after I posted the piece. He was reading it and couldn't finish because I called him.
DeleteHappy birthday to your brother and thanks for sharing this story.
ReplyDeleteWe were playmates and full of mischief.
DeleteI am not familiar with that term either, but once again I learn something new from your post.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, brothers!
We were playmates for sure.
DeleteHappy birthday(s) to all three of you, in your turn. Irish triplets, even.
ReplyDeleteAn early happy birthday, then, Red. My 85th isn't until next April.
ReplyDeleteMy two boys were 19 months apart so not exactly Irish Twins but pretty close. I hope they are both still well and enjoying each other's company at 84 and 85
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I just missed the mark, 13 months younger than my older brother. I understand the closeness for sure.
ReplyDeleteSweet.
ReplyDeleteI've heard that term Irish twins when we lived in Illinois. Gosh! Your mom must have been strong. I can't imagine caring for more than one kid in diapers at a time. But how wonderful to have a brother like a twin for a friend for life. I'm always grateful for my brother though we're 3 years apart.
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