"The Y Dance"

I have been asked by so many people if I Blog and instead of saying, “Nope” one more time, I thought, “Sure, why not?” But, to create a blog about parenting or teaching or whatever else you crazy people have asked me to write about, I must begin with the core of who I am and how I live “The Y Dance” daily.

My Grandmother is a remarkable woman who we all know as Gurnie. She was truly the first Best Friend I ever had and certainly the one who has made the biggest impression upon my heart. Among her many stories I will cherish forever, here is one that will resonate like no other…

She met a man, Clyde Benton, around the 1940s in their little Podunk town in Alabama. Through mutual friends, he was introduced to her and he quickly made up his mind to know her better. One day, home from the Navy, he wandered into where she worked and after a little coercing from his friends, he was bold enough to ask her out.  She, being a very reserved young country girl, was flattered by his request while feeling a bit perturbed by the obvious scent of alcohol on his breath. She accepted his request, gave him the day and time she would be available after work, and as he walked away she chuckled knowing the date would not happen because there was no way he would remember their conversation.

The next day, the handsome young soldier showed up to apologize and ask if she would please tell him the day and time again because he could not remember. The simple young country girl, knowing the depth of her self worth, simply replied, “I’m not telling you again.” Then, she gave him a smile and sent him on his way. The next day, he returned. Then, the next day, he returned. He returned again and again until finally, he came on the right night and the rest of their lives began.

A short time later or as Gurnie would say, “While he was courting me,” they were walking home from an evening out with friends. He was walking her down a long dirt road, barely lit, to her little home in the country. He asked her if she had ever “Y Danced”. She laughed, saying, “Why, no. You know my father would never allow me to dance.” He leaned in as they walked to softly ask if he could teach her. Being young and obviously now in love, she said yes. After walking a bit further, he stopped her under a dimly lit street light. He twirled her around and pulled her close and then froze, staring at her. She, a little overwhelmed by their closeness and the silence said, “I thought you were going to teach me to Y Dance.” He replied, “Why Dance when I can just hold you close?” Then he kissed her for the first time.

Gurnie and Gurndad married and created a wonderful legacy for the children and grandchildren to come. As I think back to the significance of the moment of their first kiss, I realize “The Y Dance” is completely about enjoying the here and now! It is about living life in the moment and loving what is right in front of you! My past has molded who I am and I am definitely planning for my future. However, I do not live in the memories of my past and I do not worry about the events of my future. I live for this very moment. I parent with passion and I make sure the man I love knows I love him every day. I trust everything else to fall in the place it is meant to fall.

I plan to enjoy “The Y Dance” every day of my life and with those who are interested, I will share some of those moments here. As you read, I hope you will comment on what you enjoy, what you may disagree with, and ask what you would like to hear my thoughts on. Mostly, I hope my blog will encourage you to find the many moments of happiness to enjoy “The Y Dance” of your life!