#2

In this week's reading, we learn more about why Thomas and Dominick Birdsey have big problems of their own. Their mother won't tell the twins who their father is, but she married Ray Birdsey when they were young. Ray is a war veteran two times over, and almost all of his interactions with his step-sons were to "toughen them up". He took control of their mother's life, deciding what she would cook for dinner, how much money would be spent on the boys' college education, and each day would count out the money she would need for the day, never more. Ray has tried to exhibit total control over his new family in all aspects of their lives. Although a good guy at heart, he is definately a promoter of tough love. On the morning after Halloween, Dominick sneaks his candy into church. This is exceptionally rebellious because Ray is very religious, and serious about church behavior and attendance. During mass, Dominick slips Thomas a roll of Necco Wafers, and the crunch gives him away. Ray beats Thomas up in the church parking lot--just demonstrating his fatherly power. During his hours in therapy, Dominick is always wondering if the abuse from his step father is what triggered Thomas' schizophrenia and his own problems with anger management. I think Dominick also blames himself for being favored by Ray. It was almost like the anger that should have been taken out on two was taken out on just one twin, and Dominick feels responsible by not pulling his share of the weight.