About Twos

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Everyone I talk with agrees that the end of 2021 is welcomed. It seems to have been 365 days of up and down turmoil, and a trial to stay well while trying to keep a semblance of our former life style. Let us rejoice in 2022 and hope and pray “the tide will turn and go out rather than come in and take with it the words Covid, Pandemic and a bunch of masks.” If you believe in lucky numbers, and your number is two, this could be a lucky year for you. I would be in line for a lottery ticket. How strange it looks to write 2-22-22. If you should win the lottery on your birthdate, the tide will have turned---at least for you.

The end of an old year and beginning of a brand-new year is a reminder to celebrate all of the things that are good in the world and in our lives. Celebrate the people you love, the places that are a part of your life, memories you hold onto and those unforgettable moments when you close your eyes and breathe in life with a smile and give thanks.

One memory that I dearly hold onto is long talks with my aunt, Iris Wilson. Norristown folks remember her well. She was somewhat of a philosopher. In thinking of the truisms, she shared as we sat on her side porch watching the cars pass by on Highway 221, I also recalled Biblical quotes implanted on my heart by my church school teacher, Mrs. Mae Vann. After I overly elaborated and

embellished a project I had accomplished, Aunt Iris simply said, “The truth is good enough.” I enjoyed making up stories. Later I learned if you write these down and place in the genere of fiction, you have a novel. Many of the folks driving past in the cars were her friends and neighbors, and she smiled and waved as they greeted her through the open car window. Sometimes the cars even had out of state tags, and when they looked over at this southern lady sitting peacefully in her side porch swing, she gave them a wave and big Georgia smile. She told me, “When you give a smile, a smile will be returned to you.” “Kindness doesn’t cost a cent and is the greatest gift you will ever give or receive.” My beloved, Mrs. Mae Vann, summed up to her high schoolers as “DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU. Let us celebrate and give 2022 a fair chance. Be of good courage and good faith. From my present home in South Carolina to my forever home in Emanuel County, I send you a Happy New Year filled with many blessings. Write to Shirley at sptwiss@gmail.com.