Dance because you can.

[Q]

Posted: 11/9/09 at 10:46am

We have very close friends (a couple of posters here have met them,) and the wife has lived with advanced MS for over 15 years. Not only that, but the disease has affected her immune system, and she has became something of a medical experiment. She has conquered cancer twice, had some internal organs removed, and broken probably half of the bones in her four limbs because of falls. BUT, she just keeps on going without caving to her deteriorating body.

Yesterday was their 25th aniversary, and they threw a huge party. Awhile ago, she had decided that she wanted to ballroom dance at their party, so they have been taking private lessons for the last 2 years. Needless to say, this was a bit of a challenge.

But they did it, and it was one of the most beautiful and inspiring things I have ever been priveledged to see. She was radiant, and talking about how they are almost ready to start learning lifts (my heart stopped a little at that point!)

No matter who you are, everyone can - and should - dance!

[Broadwayboobs]

Posted: 11/9/09 at 10:50am

How beautiful !!! Q, please give them my love. They truly are a lovely couple.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 11/9/09 at 10:54am

Thank you Q.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 11/9/09 at 11:04am

That's beautiful. My cousin Lynne had MS and her determination was to so everything she possibly could for as long as she possibly could.

Did anyone video it, or is it something only for friends and family?

Updated On: 11/9/09 at 11:04 AM

[Bluemoon]

Posted: 11/9/09 at 11:10am

What a great story of passion - for life and for each other. Thanks for sharing!

[Reginald Tresilian]

Posted: 11/9/09 at 11:38am

That's a wonderful story!

PJ's cousin Lynne was one of my favorite people. I remember being baffled when a family member thanked me for spending so much time with her.

It's so easy to see challenges like MS as a person's defining characteristic. This story is a great reminder of how misguided that is.

[Q]

Posted: 11/9/09 at 11:42am

PJ - they did have a professional photographer there, but I'll have to check and see how they feel about posting anything.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 11/9/09 at 11:43am

Q, thanks for sharing. Inspiring.:)

[StageManager2]

Posted: 11/9/09 at 11:51am

Touching story, Q!

Not to threadjack, but Q's thread reminded me of video clip someone sent me a couple weeks ago. It features an elderly couple (married over 60 years) playing the piano together at the Mayo Clinic. It's cute and lovely and heartwarming, very much like Q's post.
Making Beautiful Music Together

[Q]

Posted: 11/9/09 at 12:01pm

Stagey - that's great! I LOVE the way he bounces when he plays