Crib mates in a Romanian orphanage, today they're college roommates

Karen Herzog:

Eighteen years ago, they were crib mates in a Romanian orphanage.

Today, Elena Heimark and Rachel Murphy are roommates at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Taking their first steps into adulthood side-by-side as college freshmen is as natural to them as taking their first steps together as toddlers, even though they didn't see each other for years in between while they were busy growing up.

They were 2 years old when their parents traveled halfway around the world to adopt them and bring them home to Wisconsin -- Elena to West Bend and Rachel to South Milwaukee.

There's a picture of the girls sitting on the steps of the orphanage the day they left. Each is wearing brand new sneakers and adorable outfits their parents picked out for them when they were still imagining what it would be like to be their parents.

Once in Wisconsin, their moms arranged occasional play dates to keep the girls connected. There's a picture of them giggling and spinning together in a tire swing. Elena, who is one month and two days older, is a whole head taller than Rachel. You can see their bond. But nothing foretells just how much alike they will be as 18-year-olds.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at November 1, 2013 12:51 AM
Subscribe to this site via RSS/Atom: Newsletter signup | Send us your ideas