Ordinary Days . . . Extraordinary Moments

In Loving Memory of Dorothy

    The phone rang late this evening and I instantly knew as Bob handed it to me that it was not good news.   It was my friend, Barbara, telling me that her mother, Dorothy,  had died last night. 

    Barbara’s and my families have been close since we all belonged to the same church in my early teen years.  So, I have known Dorothy for almost five decades.

    Dorothy worked with our youth group and was a very important and special person in my life as a young person.  She is certainly one of several persons who indirectly influenced my decision to go to seminary and be ordained.   

    Our friendship has continued even though living in different states we didn’t see each other often.  Not long after I was married to Bob and we were in Charleston, I made a point of taking him to meet Dorothy.  She gave me a picture of herself in a small frame that I still have.  I did let her know over the years how much she has meant to me, but I wish I had one more op

    It is always an extraordinary moment and breathtaking moment when you have to realize that you’ll never again be able to see or speak with a person you love.  Still, they live on in our hearts and memories.   I did let her know over the years how much she has meant to me, but even as I wish I had one more opportunity, I know that would never be enough. My evening since the phone call has been filled not only with tears, but also precious memories and gratitude for the difference she made in my life. 

   
From the Book of Common Prayer:
    “O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered:  Accept our prayers on behalf
    of your servant, Dorothy, and grant her  an entrance into the land of light and
    joy, in the fellowship of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and
    reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.”


    Thank you Dorothy and Godspeed.   Your influence will always be with me.

The Joy of a Sincere Compliment

    Tonight we attended the first dance of the season of our Four Seasons Ballroom Dance Club.   We started ballroom dancing six and a year years ago and it has become a passion for both of us.  We belong to several clubs. This one meets once a month from September through December and March through June, skipping the hotter and colder months of the year.

    We enjoy the people, the food and the music, but most especially the dancing.  Tonight,as we left the dance,  I was sitting outside the country club where Four Seasons meets waiting for Bob to get the car and pick me up.  Another couple came out and she said:  "I want to tell you that you are such a beautiful dancer."  She repeated it twice.  It was a compliment that touched my heart.

    As a child, I took dancing lessons for one year when I was four years old. I adored it, but my mother did not drive and the lady that had driven her son and myself to classes moved.  In a few years, my grandmother generously offered to pay for piano lessons.  I appreciated the piano lessons, but always longed to learn to dance.

    When we signed up for our first eight-week series of classes in 2001 we mistakenly thought it would be easy to learn to dance.  We've taken weekly group and often private lessons for the past six years and we are still learning.

    Dancing is true joy for me and to have someone tell me that I do it beautifully brought tears to my eyes.   I celebrated my 60th birthday recently.  That little girl that always wanted to dance finally has a chance.   And, unlike piano for which I had little talent, that little girl knew she could dance if given lessons.

    The sincere compliment delighted me to the depths of my soul . . . an extraordinary moment in an ordinary day.  On reflection as I write this, I am reminded of the power of words and will look for more opportunities to give compliments.

    What is it you have always wanted to do?  It's never too late!