Dear Daughters,
Do you have an Aretha in your life?
Oh my goodness, I hope so.
You cannot travel through life without a voice, a song, or a beat that grabs you so fiercely whenever you hear it (regardless of your age), you have to move.
It is that soundtrack playing in the background, while growing up, that will play in your heart forever.
Somehow that sound connects us to our younger fearless, independent self.
Some day when you are my age, and you hear that special song, please dance- no matter where you are.
As Dad said to me during a recent grocery shopping trip,
"Boy, you really like to dance in the grocery store."
Why yes.
Yes I do.
My next favorite place to dance? In Hauler II (my Tahoe), of course, while driving.
Aretha and a whole host of Motown singers and groups were my soundtrack, as I watched American Bandstand faithfully every Saturday.
As soon as the program was over, I ran down the hall at the ranch, locked myself into my lavender bedroom with the lavender carpet, put a 45 or an album on the stereo and danced in front of the mirror.
I can still picture those Saturday mornings as if they were yesterday.
It makes me smile as I write this to imagine what Nonnie was saying to Papa as he asked, "Where's Sister?"
"Oh, she's locked up in her bedroom practicing her dancing."
That practicing goes with you as you travel through life.
It is tied to your own special imagination and creativity and that singular ability to entertain yourself- oh and practicing.
That is the touchstone I hope you have:)
Now go find a mirror and dance.
Love , Mom
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