In October 2001, my mom gave me a special gift for my birthday.
The 9/11 Attacks had just happened, and the Nation, even the World, was “Out Of Sorts.” People were Scared.
Many Young Adults said 09/11/2001 was the day they lost their innocence.
I had already lost my innocence but could relate to them.
Before giving me the Gift, though, Mom sat me down and told me of all the Hopes and Dreams she had for me.
I also remember her saying, “Don’t Limit yourself to what you ‘think’ you can do or what your doctor—or the World— says you can do. If someone hates your Writing, Write more.” And she handed me the Gift.
I looked at the Gift I was now holding in my Left Hand.
It was a Lightweight, Flat, and Square Gift: much like a Record for a Record Player but much smaller.
I knew right away that it was a Music CD.—If you get anything from this story, It’s that Music comes on many different Formats—The best is a Record playing through a Record Player.
I stare at the Gift and wonder which Song in this World reminds Mom of me, and I begin unwrapping.
I see immediately it’s a Single.
Then, I see the name: “Lee Ann Womack.” And I immediately knew which song and what Mom wanted for me. I didn’t even have to look at the CD’s name.
It’s exactly what I’ve always tried to do.
It’s what I Pray for you as well.
What Song? “I Hope You Dance” by “Lee Ann Womack.”
Now, get out there on the Worlds Dance Floor and Dance.
Lyrics:
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 (Dance)
I hope you dance (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 hell bent 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 (time is a wheel in constant motion)
I hope you dance (always rolling us along)
I hope you dance (tell me who wants to look back on their years)
I hope you dance (and wonder where those years have gone)
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
Dance, I hope you dance (Dance)
I hope you dance (time is a wheel in constant motion)
I hope you dance (always rolling us along)
I hope you dance (tell me who wants to look back on their years)
I hope you dance (and wonder where those years have gone)
Tell me who wants to look back on their years (Dance)
And wonder where those years have gone (Dance)
PS — Now, get out there and Dance.
Love you,
–Lynn
