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Park in the Fall

Life Should Be More about the Dance

I love music and have always been around music all my life. I take music with me when I’m walking, and even if I happen to stumble in the middle of the sidewalk, I don’t stop… I simply smile keep going and make it part of the dance.


One sunny afternoon when I least expected it, I was fortunate enough to see how life CAN be part of a dance!


Although many of my family members and readers are avid country music lovers, I am more for the oldies, and always have been. However, that said, I still truly love all kinds of music, and I’m always open to adding new songs to my playlist at any given time.


While I am out, I just listen to whatever comes on while I’m walking or writing. If the melody is catchy and lyrics are good, it makes my list.


While I was sitting on my favourite bench alongside the scenic path of the bay, tunes from my playlist were serenading. I glanced up and saw an elderly gentleman pause in front of me. I realized he was listening to the song for a moment, and then he sat down on the built-in seat of his walker until the song ended. I smiled taking that as a friendly gesture for more conversation.


He asked me what song was playing. I answered: “I Just Want To Dance With You.” His face lit up, and he chuckled as he stood on his feet again . “Sounds good to me young lady. Let’s go!”


I believe he made me blush …’Young Lady?’


“Sir, that is the name of the song I’m listening to. It’s a popular country song and I love the melody and the lyrics,” I replied.


He sat down and patted his chest and grinned at me. “For a minute there you gave my ole’ ticker a flutter!”


I could tell he was enjoying this conversation and our interaction, so I set my pen and journal aside and gave him my complete attention, while he reminisced about the good old days with his Mrs.


I took this as a cue that she had passed away.


He had a beautiful and interesting way of describing dancing every dance, not necessarily with each other, until the last dance of the evening. That was theirs alone.


I watched the years melt away from his face, as he recalled in detail the ‘sparkle’ in her eyes, and the ‘swish’ of her dress as he twirled her around the dance floor.


I had heard similar stories from my mom and dad, and it really hit home.


I thanked him for sharing his story. I also mentioned that I was writing life stories, and I would love to add his because it brought such wonderful memories of my parents and grandparents back.


He smiled, nodded and squeezed my hands tightly. “Thank you my dear. It has been a long time since I voiced these memories to anyone, and they are gold to me.”


After he walked on, I sat there with tears rolling down my cheeks, knowing that I would certainly remember him. And the new country song that is permanently on my 'Favorites' list will always be a reminder. I truly wish I could have had that one dance with him.


Everyone has a story, a piece of their life, so important that it overcomes the hard times.


This couple had worked through the tough Depression years to keep their family clothed and fed. They truly believed in God‘s promise to supply their needs. The man said they had never gone hungry. He shared how they had found the secret of how to leave their concerns at home, step out, and enjoy a few simple pleasures with family and neighbors. They had made the most of ’Their Dance.’


One of God‘s promises is about giving us the desires of our hearts. He wants us to be happy.


How delighted He must have been, watching over them raising their family, and keeping their love strong enough to carry them through the hard times.


I hope that one day when I’ve written all that I want to write, I will look back on my life and be able to say, “Yes, it may appear that I have stumbled often enough, but with the promises and help of the Lord, and always being around music and joyful singing, that has all become part of 'My Dance’.


One day we will all enter His courts with praise, joyful singing, and thankful spirits and hearts.


Every trial and tribulation of this Earth will fade away in the presence of His glory & grace.


Blessings, Marlane.


Excerpted from the book "101 Promises" by Marlane Lillian Mazur.

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