Still Dancing

Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Proud Mary” blared through speakers on a nearby table and, as I held the hand of my grandmother while we danced and twirled to her favorite song, I marveled at how much spirit she still has in her at the sprightly age of 90. A crowd surrounded us, hooting and taking pictures. The room was filled with people, laughter, and love. Indeed, her birthday party was a huge success and a wonderful celebration of life and family; a happy reminder that we aren’t merely bound together by blood and circumstance, but rather love and devotion.

This past weekend family members from far and wide came to pay tribute to this remarkable woman I fondly refer to as, Granny. We had quite a turnout. I got to visit with relatives I don’t usually get to see unless someone either passes away or gets married. I have always had the disadvantage of living far away so I enjoyed catching up with everyone immensely. Stories were told, pictures were shared, drinks were had, and a great deal of food was consumed. Some of Granny’s friends came as well, and it made me smile to see that they were drinking and having a good time along with the rest of my crazy family.

It was an unforgettable weekend and I’m thankful I was able to spend it with Granny, partake in the festivities, and visit with loved ones. To do so, I hopped on a plane last Friday evening and flew solo to Missouri, leaving my husband and daughter at home for three nights. And although I was excited about the trip, I found myself having a great deal of trepidation over leaving them for so long and at such a great distance. I hadn’t expected it to be difficult. They were of course fine, and it wasn’t in fact all that long, but it was akin to leaving part of my identity at home.

As I traveled through airports, sat on planes, fervently prayed for safe flights, and anxiously looked forward to seeing my family (both coming and going), I couldn’t help but to reflect upon life just a bit. Even by plane, traveling cross country takes quite a lot of time and I found myself alone with my thoughts while surrounded by thousands of other individuals. All around me people rushed in every direction and I found myself wondering where they were all headed to, what their story was… I struck up some interesting conversations with a few travelers, but most were oblivious to the world around them, their attention focused primarily on digital devices, phones, and books. An occasional airport TV could be found broadcasting the news of the latest heartbreaking tragedies that plague our world, but such sad events are becoming less and less scarce and the frightening reports fell upon jaded ears and dry eyes.

I pondered the phrase, “going to hell in a hand-basket.” It seems that we take our days for granted far too often and seldom think about our own mortality or appreciate our loved ones as we should. I was on my way to celebrate my grandmother’s 90th birthday, which to me is a miraculous thing to have lived such a long and full life. As I traveled I was more acutely aware that it is never a guarantee that I (or anyone) will make it to see tomorrow. I suppose my point is the proverbial, “live for today.” Not all of us will be blessed to witness the passing of 90 years. Once spent, time is not something we can get back so we should invest it wisely. In Granny’s lifetime things used to be simpler and less chaotic. It was a time when family always came first, morals and faith were practiced daily, and hard work was a requirement. Today is fast passed and full of distractions. Our family and friends deserve our time and undivided attention.

In the end, we are all just people, each of us with our own story and strife simply trying to make it from one day to the next. However, we should try to enjoy each moment along the way and be genuine with one another. After all, the act of killing time is merely slow suicide. We need to constantly remind ourselves to adjust our focus to what’s important and stop going around on auto pilot. We deserve better than that and so do those around us. Life is something to celebrate whether we are nine or 90. …I recommend starting now; breathe, smile, and go hug your family!