Mx2 Cx1

There is a saying among us social workers - there is a reason why we became social workers, because we don't do math.

I was never particularly good at algebra.

So, it struck me strange when my friend Pat looked into my eyes and said, "Listen to me, my dear friend. Mx2 Cx1. Remember that."

Maybe it was lack of coffee or the fact my brain was trying to clear the cobwebs of surgery to rebuild broken bones but I didn't remember that equation in Mrs. Brewer's algebra class.

When my friend had told me to remember that phrase, I had just relocated to my extended family's home to recover for the next two months. I had not been discharged a full day when I had promptly fell after thinking I could answer the door on a modified walker with one good foot and arm.

My friend again looked into my eyes and said, "Mx2 Cx1. It's a term carpenters use. Measure twice, cut once. Every time you decide to do something, think about it twice. You'll only get one chance kiddo."

I used that advice those two months, not falling again. I continue to use that advice seven months later. Not only for the recovering ankle to prevent falls, but I've tried to remember that in my day-to-day life and its activities.

Mx2, Cx1 = good life advice.

-Pamela Simmons