Twinless twins

Twinless twins are people who have lost a twin sibling either before or some time after birth. There are many causes for such losses and different issues facing each type of twin loss.

A twinless twin who has lost a twin brother or sister before or shortly after birth due to miscarriage, vanishing twin syndrome or some other complication, does not have memories of their twin. However, many have claimed to sense something missing from their lives even before they ever learn they once had a twin. They say they can feel a real sense of grief not only for the loss of their twin, but for the lack of memories.

A twinless twin who has lost a twin brother or sister as a child or adult goes through the same sense of loss as anyone who loses a sibling. But these feelings can be magnified depending on the closeness of the twins. They may feel as if half of themselves is missing. It does not matter whether the twins were identical or fraternal, same sex or opposite sex twins. They all feel the loss at different levels.

Some twinless twins feel guilt that they have survived when their twin did not. Others may feel the need to live for two and do the things their twin cannot. Children and sometimes even adults who lose a twin can feel displaced within their family. This is particularly so within families who have placed a great deal of emphasis on the fact that they were twins. The twinless twin may now feel like they are less than and not as important or special as they once were.

Twinless twins around the world unite through organizations and online groups to share support and the unique status they each share as a twinless twin.

Triplets, quadruplets and higher order multiples can also experience this sort of loss.

Famous Twinless Twins

 * Elvis Aaron Presley pioneering rock musician (twin brother Jesse Garon Presley was stillborn. Elvis often wrote his middle name 'Aron' instead of 'Aaron' in tribute to his twin)
 * Heather O'Rourke child actress (twin brother was miscarried)
 * Liberace classically-trained pianist and comedian known for his elaborate costumes (the entertainer was known to have counseled the young Elvis on being a twinless twin and the desire to "live for two")
 * Phillip K. Dick oft-praised American science fiction author whose twin sister, Jane, died when the twins were five weeks old. The loss of his twin is said to have profoundly affected his writing.