I have mentioned her name frequently during the time I have been writing for The Times and Democrat, referring to her as my sweetheart, my helpmate and the real wind beneath my wings.

These descriptions of my wife, Billie, take on added meaning as the time clock of my abilities ticks way. I have told you in the past that I dictate to her and she writes. For more years than I care to remember, Billie has taken a backseat for many of my activities. I suppose that’s where the saying that “behind every good man is a good woman” comes from. How close the woman is sets the stage for how good the man is.

Billie and I recently enjoyed a great supper with some 30 friends. Hosts for this affair were Elsie Folk and Helen Simmons. Even though our tummies were filled to the brim with good home cooking, we still found time for fun and laughter after the meal.

Billie had recently heard a cute joke from our friend Melvin. She had never in her life ever repeated a joke, but said to a few in the group she had a cute one. So she said, “It seems that a man was driving down a dirt road and noticed his friend Frank in a cornfield casting his rod and reel time and time again. This scene alarmed the driver, and he decided to report to his wife this strange activity. She thanked him for his interest and in walking away said, “Let me go get my boat.”

I was pleased at the excellent way she told the joke. As my ability to tell jokes fades, she can take over. (That, in itself, is a joke).

This past Saturday we drove over to Pinewood to attend my 65th class reunion. The old Pinewood school system closed down in 1967. Therefore, only about 100 students were in attendance from the classes of 1931 through 1957. J.W. Osteen, our master of ceremonies who always does a good job, informed us that the group had lost 14 former students by death over the last three years. As in all such gatherings, there were tears and laughter.

There were perhaps three or four former students who shared some special memories with the group. The group is dwindling due to the fact that many are in their 80s. I was especially pleased at how well the girls looked, and most of the fellows were hanging on like I was.

The week before the reunion we went to Columbia to be with two of our daughters as well as some grands and great-grands who were in a dance recital. We also attended a homecoming at Midway Methodist Church, where one of our grands attends. These friendly folks were enjoying a hat contest (all homemade). Having been raised in a country church, I know these folks really know how to have a good time as we did in our little church when I was growing up.

Billie recently read to me from the third chapter of Ecclesiastes, where the Bible tells us there’s a time for everything. This reminds me that in a few more days it will be time for our family gathering at Garden City Beach. This will be our 26th year. This is the highlight of our times together. Keep us in your prayers.

Lest we forget ...

T&D Columnist Rinehart Chewning is a longtime Holly Hill resident.

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