Well, she's gone and done it again.
A friend of mine Darlene has been through a mine field of trials since her battle with breast cancer began over a year ago. She has, as you would expect, had her share of ups and downs and days where I'm sure she felt less than inspired, motivated or even hopeful. But, through it all, she has never ceased to amaze me with her optimism and graceful handling of her circumstances.
This attitude has been ingrained in her kiddos as well as evidenced by a recent post on her CaringBridge journal about her daughter Riley Grace. At a recent Father/Daughter dance, she and her Dad Brandon were learning the steps to a waltz. When he seemed to lose track, Riley Grace looked up at him with wisdom beyond her years and said "if you get lost-- just spin me." In her post, Darlene declared that as their new motto... when we lose our way or seem to get not know the steps, let's just spin and enjoy the dance!
I love this more than I can say.
Regardless of what it may be, we all have struggles that we deal with in life. Sure, some may be health-related or more tragic in nature but we all have times when the road doesn't seem as smooth as we'd like it. That's where I am right now. And this morning, as those unwelcome feelings of overwhelm and doubt seeped in, I felt hopeless as if things would never smooth out again.
And that's when I read Darlene's words. And that's when the tears began to flow. I am usually such an optimist and a glass-half-full kinda gal. Why couldn't I see past my own struggles and realize just how blessed I am?
So thank you Darlene and thank you Riley Grace for words that made a huge impact on me today. I want to dance. I want to spin and sing and enjoy every note of this song as long as it's playing. Sure there will be ups and downs but the key is always looking for ways to soak each day for all it's worth.
Spin, I shall.
