There’s nothing quite the same as the love of your sibling. Just ask Lori Hoots and Lois Lasher. The sisters have been inseparable since birth. Born in 1934, these identical twins have shared a unique bond that has stood the test of time. From their earliest days, they were always side-by-side, starting with sharing the same crib as babies.

Nine decades later, after years of living apart, they now sleep in the same queen-sized bed, cherishing each other’s company every night. The twins, who recently celebrated their 90th birthday, live in a four-bedroom house in McClusky, N.D. Despite having plenty of space, they prefer sleepovers, finding comfort in always having each other nearby. “It’s nice to always have company,” Hoots said, reflecting on their lifelong companionship.

Lori Hoots and Lori Hasher recently turned 90 years old. The sisters still share everything – down to their purses and jewelry. Photo courtesy of the family

Born in their family’s farmhouse during a heavy rainstorm, the twins’ early days were marked by unique circumstances. Their grandmother delivered them and kept them warm by placing them in a basket on the oven door until the doctor could arrive. “It was raining so hard. Our dad went to get a doctor and our grandmother had to deliver us,” Lasher said.

As toddlers, the twins developed a secret language that only they understood. Their mother, worried about their social development, threatened to separate them. “We had a language all of our own,” Hoots said. “Our mother told us that if we didn’t start talking normally, she was going to separate us, and we wouldn’t hear of that.”

Their identical looks and similar personalities often led to confusion. Even their teachers struggled to tell them apart. On days when they dressed differently, the twins would sometimes swap outfits at recess, delighting in the bewilderment of their classmates and teachers, Lasher said. “Teachers would say, ‘Would you dress them differently so we could tell them apart?’”

Growing up with three other siblings didn’t diminish the twins’ bond. They often went on double dates, adding an extra layer of mystery for their suitors who couldn’t always tell them apart.

We just let them guess. Sometimes they got it wrong,” Lasher recalled with a chuckle.

The first significant separation came when Hoots went to high school and college in Wessington Springs, South Dakota. Lasher stayed closer to home, marrying and moving to Chaseley, North Dakota. The 50-mile distance proved challenging, leading to frequent visits to ease the emotional strain. “My husband would know when I got depressed, and he’d say, ‘I think we’ll go down to see Lori,’” Lasher said.

Lori Hoots and Lori Hasher recently turned 90 years old. Photo courtesy of the family

In 2000, the twins reunited when Hoots moved back to McClusky after her divorce. By 2007, they were living together again after Lasher’s husband passed away. This reunion brought them immense joy and comfort, especially as they navigate the challenges of aging. “If we didn’t have each other, we wouldn’t be able to manage alone,” said Lasher, noting that she has arthritis and her sister has macular degeneration.

Lori helps me with my hands. … I help her with her eyes.”

The sisters have a daily routine. They wake up at 6 a.m., enjoy coffee and breakfast together, and spend their days sewing. Currently, they’re busy making throws for their grandchildren. Despite their lack of green thumbs, they enjoy gardening, often laughing at their shared failures with a sign in their garden that reads, “We tried but it died.”

The twins also share a love for baking, making bread and goodies to give to others. Dressing alike remains a cherished tradition, ensuring they maintain their lifelong habit of confusing everyone around them.

Their 90th birthday was a grand celebration, with over 200 guests, including family members who flew in from afar. They were treated like royalty, complete with crowns, a fitting tribute to their remarkable lives. Reflecting on the celebration, sisters expressed their gratitude for each other. “You never feel alone,” Lori said. “You always have somebody with you.”