By Sarah Bey
Like most brothers, Abraham and Tyler crack jokes about each other and are quick to poke fun.
“We’re both big, but Tyler is bigger,” Abraham joked. “I used to be taller than Abraham but now he’s taller than me.”
“And stronger,” Tyler quipped.
The 14-year-old Hawaiian twins were born a minute apart and have stuck by each other’s side ever since.
“When we first got to Methodist Children’s Home, Tyler always told me to ask for things he wanted or if he needed something, to ask the staff for him,” older brother Abraham said. “He’s still working on talking to more people when we go out in public.”
MCH home parent Monique Walls reflected on how both boys have grown while in her and her husband’s care.
“They have grown socially, communication-wise,” she said. “My husband and I started at MCH around the same time Abraham and Tyler came. I remember going on outings and crowds would make Tyler nervous. He would say, ‘Too many people.’ But over the last couple of years, Tyler has grown out of his shy shell.”
Tyler admits he also had an issue managing his anger when he became a resident at MCH in the summer of 2024. Since then, he has learned how to communicate his needs and channel his energy in positive ways through sports.
“I’m looking forward to getting my state track championship ring in the coming months,” Tyler said. “I was the only eighth grader who threw shotput and discus at the state meet last season.
“I have also been enjoying our team workouts this summer as we get ready for football season,” he said. “I am the second strongest student-athlete now at MCH. I can deadlift 475 pounds.”
Abraham will join Tyler on the line this fall. When they aren’t at football practice or enjoying fun trips to museums, restaurants and water parks, Abraham likes to dig into his creative side.
“I like to draw, especially magical creatures and dragons,” he said. “I created an anime that includes characters based on people here at MCH. I feel I have grown my imagination and creativity.”
Abraham and Tyler’s home parents and case manager tailor their care to each child. For Abraham, staff help him with his reading and other important life skills.
“They help me keep my room clean,” he said. “I like to have all of my stuff out though because it reminds me I’m home.”
The twins shared they have found safety, care, love, community and Jesus in their time so far at MCH.
“This is our family,” Abraham said. “Ms. Mo is like our mom, Mr. Kev (Monique’s husband) is like our dad, and our case manager, Ms. Brittanie, is like our grandma … or she could be like our sister.”
Tyler added, “The staff are our caretakers, and we are thankful for them. I know sometimes when kids are placed in Child Protective Services, they might get separated from their siblings and it can be a lot harder. Me and Abraham have always been together, and we have found more family and a safe, peaceful place.”
Case manager Brittanie Durden continues to support the boys’ efforts toward an adoption placement.
“That is my greatest hope — that they find an adoptive family and are able to accomplish their other goals like attending public school and enjoying the different activities life has to offer,” Brittanie said. “Abraham and Tyler are really friendly, kind and thoughtful. They have learned how to advocate for themselves and are outgoing.”
As for their other hopes, Abraham and Tyler have similar goals.
“We both want to go skydiving,” Tyler said. “I want to go to every country and look around, specifically to Greenland or Iceland. After high school, I think I’ll go to college and maybe pursue engineering or welding.”
For Abraham, he hopes to continue developing his anime and drawing skills and go on some adventures of his own.
“I want to go to every place where you can fish and cook those fish,” he said. “I want to learn how to cook more things I like. I want to learn how to drive.”
As the twins make their way through the school year, they know they can count on the support of their MCH staff.
“They are our family,” Abraham said. “I know we’ll be able to accomplish things because of the love, care and guidance me and my brother continue to receive from them.”
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