William Belcher, my uncle, was the twin brother of my dad, James.

I was 7 years old, back in 1956, when uncle William came to visit from Columbus, Ohio. I remember the excitement in our tiny apartment, on the south side of Chicago, as we made room for his sleeping arrangements. Sitting on pins and needles, I could hardly wait to meet William, someone whom I thought would look exactly like my dad. He was my father's twin, right?

Well, needless to say, I was immediately saddened when I laid eyes on William. He looked nothing like MY dad! To me, their looks were as different as second cousins!

I finally slid away thinking, "My daddy is handsome, William is ugly. Uncle William is fat, my daddy is slim. My dad has wavey hair, William has napps. Even my daddy's skin is lighter than William's."

It's quite funny now, that at my young age, I was already a cheerleader for my dad. (Years later, I saw daddy using water mixed with Murray's hair pomade to make his hair wavey.) It's also funny - that at my young age, I didn't know that all twins are NOT identical. Uncle William and my dad were fraternal twins.

So, may you rest in peace, Dad and William. You were both handsome men. How can I ever forget either of you? Your spirits will always be with me because we all share the same birthdate, October 10th.

Wanda Belcher