Blog

The wedding we attended in North Carolina recently was utterly dreamy. There was joy and laughter and singing and Scripture and dancing... our favorite kind of dancing, and again, here's the part that stood out... I wasn't the caller. As the day progressed, I occasionally found my mind wandering to the upcoming reception. Would there be dancing? What kind? Would I get a quick slow dance with my husband or perhaps even a swing with one of my kids? It never dawned on me there might be OUR kind of dancing. So when the announcement suddenly rang out over the speakers that we should line up for the Virginia Reel, my eyes caught fire. "DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS?!" I half-yelled at Ron. It means "I get to DAAAAANNNNCCCEEEE!!! COME ON!!!" Not waiting to be asked properly, I grabbed Ron's hand and half ran, half floated to the top of the set, not even considering that it might not be proper. I was in a delirium. The Virginia Reel, The Boston Tea Party, a few line dances, some swing dances with my kids, and even POSTIE'S JIG!!! WHAT JOY! WHAT BLISS! I was transported to the 6th grade gymnasium where I first loved dance. It has been so long since I was on the receiving end of this merriment that I had almost forgotten. I knew it was fun. I had forgotten HOW fun. I knew it brought joy. I had forgotten HOW MUCH joy. I knew it was bonding. I had forgotten HOW bonding. I knew it was memory-making. I had forgotten HOW memory-making. I knew it was community-forming. I had forgotten HOW community-forming. Now, I remember why people come. As I recall the grateful faces through the years, thanking us for what we do, pleading with their eyes for more opportunities. I remember and am inspired. "Lori, why do you spend your time calling dances and planning events?" I do it because I can't not do it.

Happy Tears and Hope for the Future

Community dance and weddings