Letter to the Editor: Being an inspiration
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Dancing has been a big part of my life for over 40 years. You probably remember that my husband, Charlie, and I used to teach line dancing and country couples. We also did a bit of ballroom dancing. I miss the old days when we had a lot of energy and could dance to several fast tunes in a row.
My back is twisted and I'm bent over, due to an extreme, fast onset of scoliosis. In the last 6 or 7 years I have lost 9 inches in height, three of those being in the last month. I am getting worse almost daily as my spine shifts to the side. Yes, my full height of a "tall" 5' 2" is now down to 4' 5". When I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror,, I am shocked how bad I look but thankful I am still able to stand. The fact is, I did not agree to reconstructive surgery when it was first recommended and by the time I was ready, it was too late. So now I live each day the best I can.
Last night we went out to hear a band we had never seen before. They were great. They played a good mix of dancing music, were excellent musicians, and the lead vocalist was fantastic. I couldn't resist dancing several times. Charlie helped me balance as we couple danced or I took my cane onto the dance floor with me. You know, people notice an old twisted up woman dancing. I've had singers from multiple bands come out to dance with me. (I may not be able to move even close to what I used to but I can still keep the beat. FYI, the way I feel about dancing is, you don't have to do anything fancy, just let the music move you.) Tonight several people told me I was an inspiration to them. This isn't the first time people have come up to me with the same comment. I get a lot of genuine smiles and hugs, too.
Whether I'm an inspiration when it comes to still getting out there and dancing or my attitude toward life itself, I don't know. I don't ask.
I haven't seen anyone in as bad a shape as I am out in public for a long time. I can't be alone in my deformities. Does everyone else give up on life or stay inside for fear of offending someone? I don't insist people look at me. I'm just enjoying myself by doing something I love. No matter if I'm dancing, shopping, cooking, doing crafts, or praying with others, I have to be me.
Don't be too embarrassed to do something that adds fulfillment to your life. Don't be so worried about what someone else thinks that you stay home or sit wishing you could join in. Inspiring others is an added benefit to my evenings of dancing. I'm simply being me. Be you and maybe you will inspire others, also.
Bonita (Bonnie) Eaton
Vienna