Finally the end . . .

In the Moment

When I was a young mom . . . ok, this was when I lived in Rocky Mountain House around 1986 . . I went to a cabin fever event for women. At the end of the weekend event, we had a "visualization" exercise where we were to picture where we would be in 5, 10, 20 years from then. Strangely enough I had a shockingly clear picture of being retired in a small, comfortable home with over stuffed sofa and chair where I sat surrounded by cluttered side tables with pictures of children/grandchildren. Tom was in the kitchen just off the living room, making tea for us. There was a fireplace. Family pictures adorned walls, mantel and tables. There were doilies on tables and even the arms of the sofa and chair.

I have held on to this vision, because I have always "known" that Tom would be with me in my "old" age, and making tea in a loving and nurturing environment. I am loved and cared for.

Now - picture, April. 28, 2012. I am 59 and Tom is 64. I am sitting in my living room with the gas fireplace running. Sirius radio is playing love songs in the background and I am sitting in my glider rocker. Tom is sitting on the sofa beside me. He is reading his Kobo (not invented yet in 1986). We have apple martinis to sip on. I am at peace. Life is good and I am so fortunate to be loved and cared for.

Please let this "visualization" and "reality" be forever in my memory. This is who I am and where I belong.

Remember the day . . .

Purple velvet jumpsuit . . .
Pink blousy satin long sleeved blouse . . .
Heeled boots . . .
Long straight hair . . .
"Endless Love" music by Diana Ross and Lionel Ritchie at the school dance . . .
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo2anocfyVw&feature=fvst
Varnished wood slat floor of the gym . . .
Funky lighting . . .

Yup, I am there!  Just heard this song on Sirius Radio and it took me back to a dance when I was in grade 12 and met a guy that could DANCE! We danced song after song! It wasn't until the following school day (Monday of course) that I discovered he was in grade 10! Oh, the humiliation! I fraternized with a kid!

It was ok with my girlfriends, but my class felt I had somehow betrayed them. I was a senior. How could I have lowered myself to dance with a young punk?

Because he DANCED! He didn't just grope or hold you so close you couldn't breathe so he could cop a feel. He had style and panache! And I loved the artist in him . . .

Peer pressure - do I give in and never dance with him again? Thankfully, NO! I enjoyed every dance that senior year.  Thanks to Gary Smith! Wherever you are Gary - thank you!