A couple of days ago I heard that my Dance Teacher, Vivian Davies had passed away on December 22. I hate it when people die so close to a holiday. Their families will forever remember Christmas as the time "so and so" died. How sad. Christmas should always be a joy filled time, magical, happy, and filled with wonder.
I have such a hard time not being melancholy during the holiday season as I remember my childhood and the traditions I participated in along with all the family and friends that are now gone. I try to get a holiday cheer going trying to develop new traditions and memories but most of the time that only comes at the last minute.
This year was different. I did have a reasonably good Christmas. My husband and I went to a Candle light service at a local church on Christmas Eve and that brought back some of the feelings of my youth.
Then I found out about Vivian. She was 94 when she passed away and had lead a full life. She was a big influence in my life for about 20 years. She had real gusto and lived life fearlessly. I was real fortunate to be surrounded by strong, intelligent, confident, and independent women. She was one of them. She taught me to approach life fearlessly. That I could do whatever I wanted to do as long as I was willing to work for it.
Most of all she taught me to dance. Dance is a real joy for me. To this day it is real hard for me to sit still when a good rhythm is played. So I'm gonna ask any one who reads this to dance with joy in memory of Vivian Davies. I know I'm going to.
Today I'm grateful for:
1. Dance
2. Vivian Davies and all the other mothers of the North Maywood Tribe who raised me.
3. My own mother
4. All the sisters from north Maywood who understand what I'm saying in #2.
5. Christmas Pageants and Candle Light Services.
Plus the 7 daily items I'm thankful for.
Later....
