Yesterday was by far one of the best days of my life. I attended my first wedding since my new diagnosis. Everything from the wedding to the reception brought me tears of joy.
When the reception began and the DJ started the music, I was immediately brought to my feet by my dad pulling me to the dance floor. I eagerly followed his lead and we were dancing to the upbeat music. I have to admit, I felt a little awkward. I had no idea how to dance and my sense of rhythm was anything but graceful. It really didn't matter though. All I really cared about was that I was having fun with my dad. We smiled at one another and I can't help but think how happy he looked to see me up and dancing with him.
Last night I learned that I LOVE to dance. As I said earlier, I had no idea what I was doing, but I didn't care. There was just something about bopping around the dance floor with my daughters, husband, nieces, nephews, cousins, sister-in-laws, brother and my parents. We had a blast dancing to everything from Kid rock to The Chicken Dance. I even did the Conga!
I patiently waited all evening for a slow song. It was really important to me that I have the father/daughter dance that I was unable to do at my own wedding nearly eleven years ago. When American Soldier began playing, I knew I had to get my dad out on the dance floor. He gladly accepted my request. Again, I didn't know what I was doing and my dad showed me how to follow his lead, something that I was unable to learn from him years earlier. As I got the hang of slow dancing, I felt it was necessary to tell him all things that I never got to say on the dance floor at my own wedding. He reminded me that everything always works itself out in the end and he was right. By the end of the song, we both had tears in our eyes and unexpectedly I found myself giving my dad a hug and telling him that I love him.
This is clearly a wedding that I will never forget. Last night I was given the gift of dancing with my family; a gift that I will never take for granted.
That is a wonderful post! What fun for you all!
ReplyDeleteBeing one of Jean's sister-in-laws, I have to say - don't let her fool you. She was great at dancing! Her spirit really shined through and it was wonderful to see!! We have to plan a girls night out at a dance club now, Jean!
ReplyDeleteThis is only the second post and you have already left me in tears!! I cannot express how extremely happy I am for you : ) And I will never ever forget how much fun we had tubing last summer!
ReplyDeleteWow Jean Congrats on your accomplishments thus far. What a great way to share your life story.
ReplyDeleteYou can now be called the Dancing Queen
Hallmark moment!!!!
ReplyDeleteWe did have fun movin' and groovin' on the dance floor!
Looking forward to the next celebration!!!!
What a great moment to share with your family! It brought tears to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteThis made me cry reading it. My daughter Olivia is 13 and a few months ago she was confined to a wheelchair almost entirely due to HSP. My daughter's biggest fear when she was in that wheelchair was--- how could she ever get married? She sobbed crying asking how will I get down the aisle? Will one of my bridesmaids have to push me? Who would want to marry me if I am in a wheelchair? These are such hard questions to have to answer to your own child. Your blog gives people hope when Doctors don't! Thanks so much for spreading the word on Levodopa and reminding us all to count our blessings. Today you are one of mine
ReplyDeleteOlivia, you are going to make me cry! I too would cry to my mom thinking that I would be alone forever. The thought of someone being interested in me just wasn't conceivable. I put it in my head that I would just be the "best aunt ever." My mom always told me that there is someone out there for everyone and that I "would end up with the nicest one of all." And she was right! Thank you so much for your kind words. Knowing that I am giving you and others hope makes everything I went through worth it.
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