It's hard to avoid being compared to your siblings, but when you are a twin, it's impossible. For Mary and Ruth, the comparisons went beyond how one may have developed a mole, or have slightly different interests. When they were 11 years old, Mary started gaining weight while Ruth stayed slim. Increasingly, comments from everyone (including their mother) that Ruth was "the pretty one" took their toll. Ruth developed an unhealthy obsession with staying slim, to avoid looking like her sister. Mary, on the other hand, likely developed an increased addiction to food through emotional eating. The cycle continued.
For Mary, the effects of her weight gain were also affecting her son, who lived in constant fear that he would lose his mother. The interview they have with Oprah is simply heartbreaking. This family is living with so much pain and fear, it's hard to imagine how they could possibly begin to heal.
Oprah revisits the sisters nine years after this first interview. Where they are now is bittersweet. Mary is making huge strides towards a healthier life, but the reason couldn't be more tragic. Still, I'm glad she found a way to turn such a horrible event into inspiration to change.
What do you think of their story? If you have made a positive change in your life, what inspired you? SF Globe loves to hear from you.
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