I Hope You Dance

Some moments in life are just too precious for words but I will try. 

Often at dinner we ask the kids what the best and worst parts of their day was.  We had a good day yesterday and if I had been asked the best part of my day, I could have mentioned a lot of things.  But one thing stands out that makes me smile and makes me happy: Clara’s love of life. 

We had gathered at a friend’s house.  The moms had tea and talked.  The kids played.  After a while my friend asked her son to play three piano pieces that he had been working on for a recital this weekend.  I sat my large pregnant self on a comfy couch and the kids sat opposite me, on a long bench, to listen to our friend. 

The third song was particularly upbeat and happy.  All the kids were swaying and smiling. 

Suddenly I see Clara’s eyes shine brighter and her dimple get deeper.  She turns to a little boy next to her, smiles at him sideways, and holds out her hands.  The look in her eyes says, "You know you want to."  He ducks his head and then he smiles bigger too.  Then he takes her hands and they both get up and do a jig right in the middle of the living room floor.  They swing around and around and dance their hearts out, to the laughter and delight of all the children and adults. 

Clara, I am proud of you for choosing to dance.  I am proud of you for being the one to seize the happy moment.  In good times and in hard times, I hope you always choose to 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 beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that 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
Livin' might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin'
Lovin' might be a mistake, but it's worth makin'
Don't let some Hellbent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to sellin' 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 

- Lee Ann Womack