Vendor Writing

Saying Goodbye to 2020

BY NORMA BRACEY, CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR

As I reflect on another year gone by, I can’t help but recognize the frailty of the human condition as shown by COVID-19 wreaking havoc globally with no regard to age, race, or economic standing in our society.

Something else stands out just as vividly: the resilience of the human spirit even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Without a doubt 2020 has been a difficult one for everyone.

In spite of this, many of you have continued to support The Contributor and me and my family. You’ve not only given financial support but also food, clothing, gift cards and other things that make life easier: gloves, hats, scarves, Hot Hands, chapstick etc. It’s amazing how you always seem to always give what’s needed often even before I realize I need it — proof that someone else is ultimately in charge.

Please know it is ALL very much appreciated!

Some of you have become “regulars” and I want you to know it makes my day when I see you, because I know some of you go out of your way to come and see me. You even show concern when I’m not out, which means more than words can say.

Others are what I call, “one hit wonders” just passing through on your way to somewhere else and question what in the world I’m doing, and I’m more than willing to tell you all about The Contributor and the good that it does for our community.

Some of you have moved on and are living elsewhere, and yet your support remains unwavering, coming to visit whenever you come to town — even from as far away as Memphis, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia etc. All I can say is wow!

Others of you have died, and though you may be gone you will never be forgotten. I’m blessed that many of your family

members stop by to check on me. How amazing is that?

Then there are those who’ve remained local and continue to support me and my family and many of you have encouraged others to do the same. Awesome! Thanks!

Some of you have defended my corner even when I’m not there, explaining to those who’ve tried to take my spot, “Everyone knows this is Ms. Norma’s corner.” Or telling them, “We know who belongs here and who doesn’t. She does and you don’t!” Or, if someone is talking ugly to me many of you have been quick to set the person straight saying, “Nobody talks to Ms. Norma like that!” and then they tend to move on rather quickly, thanks to you.

You’ve made a difficult year bearable, even pleasant. I hope in some small way I’ve had a positive impact on your life as well.

It’s no wonder that during the pandemic and the stay-at-home order I missed you guys SO much!

In many aspects of my life, I’ve always felt like I didn’t fit in, I didn’t measure up, or I was too much trouble because I wasn’t “normal.” You’ve never made me feel that way at all! In fact, instead of ‘Norma that nobody’ you’ve gone out of your way to make me feel more like a hero or as one of my customers referred to me, “a she-ro”, instead of a zero! Some of you have used words like, “inspirational“ in reference to me. I don’t know about all that. I’m just surviving and doing the best I can to provide a decent life for my granddaughter.

You have no idea how much your support truly means to someone like me. It’s even better than an underwire bra! (Hey, I had to throw a little humor in there — I was getting a little emotional.)

But seriously, I thank you, even if I don’t remember your name, or everything you’ve done for me, big or small, please know you’ll have a place in my heart forever!