Being Twenty

 


This last week I asked my sister Joanne, what she would do If she were twenty today.   Her answer was quite surprising, yet intriguing. Joanne said that she would want to be a budding writer, living on a South Pacific Island where everyone was kind and related to her or was her best friend. She emphasized that there would be no phones or news in any type of media. Joanne’s ideas on what to write would reflect all the wonderful people in her world.

I was fascinated by Joanne's response, and I asked her to elaborate more on her vision. Joanne told me that she would want to have time to study the many things she is interested in. However, her greatest joy is to spend time with her children and grandchildren, which limits the time she has to study. Joanne said that making choices is not easy, and sometimes, one has to prioritize their happiness over their dreams.

Joanne then told me that she would take me on her island, and I could bring whoever I want, as long as they did not disturb the love and peace on the island. The island would have lots of music and many dogs, as Joanne feels that dogs are better than most people.

One of the most striking things about Joanne's island is that people who have died can be resurrected so that everyone can be together and get to know each other. Joanne said that her parents, friends, and anyone she loves and misses could come. It was a beautiful concept, and I could feel the love and longing in her words.

However, Joanne did have some rules for her island. People can be asked to leave if they are angry, mean, or loud. Everyone has to be quiet except when they sing. It was a place without anger, a place where no one is mean, and a place where everyone can sing.

Joanne and I were not raised together, and I only met her four years ago. Yet, hearing Joanne's thoughts on being twenty felt like a reflection of my own thoughts. I couldn't help but feel connected to Joanne, even though we had different upbringings and in different  homes.

As I reflected on Joanne's vision, I couldn't help but wonder why her vision resonated with me so much. I realized that as humans, we all have a deep desire for connection and love. We all want to live in a world where people are kind to one another, where there is no hate, and where we can be with the ones we love.

Joanne's island was a representation of a world that we all desire, a world where love and peace reign supreme. Joanne's vision reminded me that even though the world may not be perfect, we can always strive to make it a better place.

In conclusion, Joanne's vision of an island was not just a fanciful idea. It was a reflection of the deep longing within us all to live in a world where we can be ourselves, where we can love and be loved, and where we can be with the ones we miss. Joanne's vision reminded me that no matter how different we may seem on the outside, we are all connected by our desire for love, peace, and happiness.

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