How Lynn and Gynn Turned an Unusual Birth Into a Lifetime of Laughter
In the small town of Salisbury, Maryland, an extraordinary story unfolded nearly seven decades ago. It continues to bring laughter, curiosity, and warmth to all who hear it. Lynn and Gynn Masingo are fraternal twins. They were born 12 minutes apart yet in two separate years. They have made their mark through their rare birth story. They also share a deep connection and humor.
Born on the cusp of 1954 and 1955, Lynn arrived at 11:57 p.m. on December 31, 1954, followed by her brother Gynn at 12:09 a.m. on January 1, 1955. This rare occurrence catapulted their story to national fame. Their father proudly carried the New York Times article about their birth in his wallet for decades. But for the twins, their unique start was just the beginning. Their lives were filled with joy, adventures, and a shared sense of humor.
“We were womb mates for nine months. I finally escaped at three minutes until midnight,” Gynn jokes. He reflects on their unusual entrance into the world.
A Childhood of Contrasts and Connection
The twins grew up in a lively household. They were the youngest of seven siblings. Their mother, Hilda, often quipped that she stopped having children when they started arriving in pairs. Despite their unique bond, they had distinct personalities. Lynn, the older sibling by mere minutes, often found herself comforting Gynn. This happened especially during their school days. During that time, he struggled with separation anxiety.
Even though they were kept in separate classes to foster independence, Lynn and Gynn remained close. They shared a single class: ninth-grade algebra. They also shared their first jobs at a local grocery store. Lynn worked as a cashier, while Gynn was a bagger.
Charting Their Own Paths
As adults, both twins excelled in their respective careers. Gynn gained recognition in the grocery industry. He became the CEO of Atlas Marketing Company. This led the company to remarkable success. His career took him around the world, from hunting expeditions in Africa to business ventures across continents.
Lynn, equally driven, carved out her own professional path at General Mills after contributing to Atlas for a time. Despite their career achievements, the twins always prioritized family and each other, staying connected through frequent calls and family gatherings.
Celebrating a Lifelong Bond
Today, Lynn and Gynn live near each other in North Carolina and cherish their unique connection. Their birthdays often pass without grand joint celebrations. Still, they fondly recall milestone moments. One such moment was their 60th birthday party hosted by their children.
Their relationship, filled with humor and mutual admiration, remains a cornerstone of their lives. As Gynn puts it, “She really is one of my all-time favorite people.”
Source:
- https://youtu.be/Pki9mGFb8e4?si=GCW9_1LnCS2Je2Pf
- https://www.salisburypost.com/2022/01/08/twins-born-in-different-years-lynn-and-gynn-have-enjoyed-life-of-laughing-together/
- https://chatgpt.com/
- https://readloud.net/