Friday, August 15, 2008

Dance

This picture of my granddaughter Kathryn reminds me of the song "I Hope You Dance". I love the inspiring words and they are what I wish for all my grandchildren as they go through life...don't let fear keep you from taking chances and trying something new.




These aren't words wasted on the young, however. No matter what age or what our physical limitations are, we should dance - be it on the dance floor or only in our mind.

My parents were both dancers. I can remember Daddy holding me gently, yet firmly, as he whirled me around the dance floor to the beat of a Polka. I danced with my daddy all my life - even when he was being cared for away from home.

Mother told me often about the time before they were married (in the Swing era) when she and Daddy crashed a party just to dance. Daddy picked Mother up to swing her and she hit a chandelier, breaking it.

Mother was in Supportive Living during her last two years. It was hard for her to walk without the use of a cane and eventually, a walker. Yet, she entertained the staff as she stopped by their offices and danced and sang for them.

To each of you - Dance!


"I HOPE YOU DANCE"


I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance

(Song by Leanne Womack)


SCHOTZY, DAWN, JEANNE, MARY and VANESSA are sharing their favorite family photos today. Visit them and see what kind of memories their photos bring to mind.

10 comments:

Schotzy said...

What a sweetheart! A real ballerina! family fotos mean so much, don't they. I posted about my mom at my blog.

Anonymous said...

Deborah, I am so touched by this sentiment and the photo. How wonderful that you have memories of dancing fulfilled with you parents.

It does our heart good, doesn't it?!

Dawn said...

That is just the sweetest picture. I love what you wrote about your parents. It was very touching and full of love for them!

take care,
Dawn

Lynn Hasty said...

What a sweet, sweet picture! I love it. I love that song too, by the way.

Lynn

Adrienne said...

What a beautiful little girl! I wish I could see her dance in person. Your memories of your parents are very touching and special. Thanks for sharing this with us. ~Adrienne~

Anonymous said...

Deborah, it took me all day to get back to you. I am busy with the shower plans and I can say at last, I'm ready. Twentyfive plus people will be here at 10:30 am.
Thank the Lord I am not doing the food. I just did the flowers and for free, they look stunning. My sister,has huge blackeyed susans, lots of them, so I cut lots of them. smile. My house looks so pretty. All the tables are set kind of formally. I'll post it later.

My gosh, your granddaughter is adorable in her little tutu. I love your story about your parents loving to dance. My parents did too. Dancing with your dad is so sweet. I also love that your mom, even though she was having trouble walking, was still trying to sing and entertain people. Crashing a party to dance is a hoot. Thanks for sharing the love of your parents. I too, had tht kind of love growing up. Deborah, think about how lucky we were.

Love Jeanne

Vanessa Greenway said...

Hi Deborah! Your little granddaughter is sooo cute!! I hope Luna becomes a ballerina too! hugs and kisses! Vanessa

Rhonda Hartis Smith said...

Your little dancer is adorable! She is so pretty, I know you're very proud of her.

What a nice story about your parents. There's a cave in Bowling Green--The Lost River Cave--that used to have Big Bands play in the 40's in it and they had a dance floor. After being closed many years, it's been reopened and they have activities there again--lots of weddings, proms, etc.

Virginia said...

I love that song. Your post was very touching. Your grandauther is a doll.
Blessing, Virginia

Mary said...

Lovely story about your parents Deborah - dancing always holds sentimental memories whether with one's daddy, one's first boyfriend, or the boyfriend who became the long time love and continues to twirl!

Kathryn looks so sweet here, and the words of the song are awesome.
Yes, I do still feel small when I stand at the ocean.
Hope you soon feel better.
Mary X.