Dear Reader,
Last Thursday and Friday, my column featured a vignette I'd written years ago, “Dancing With My Mother”. It’s a memory that comes to mind every year around Mother’s Day. My story brought back memories to many readers, too. "If you missed the Dancing with my Mother story, click here.
From my Email:
"Thanks Suzanne for sharing your dancing memories with your mom. Reminded me of my childhood in small town MN and Saturday night dances with parents, and always so many ladies dancing together. They were so fun to watch and to hear their laughter.
I had just moved [to Sarasota] years ago, when I met you at Lisa's home in Misty Creek at your book signing. I'm writing in Story Worth--a gift from my daughters and am about a year behind. Just can't get to it--I have so many memories that I don't know where to begin and guess I don't feel like a ‘Journalist’ which my daughter is. You are a role model for writing a daily column so I shall keep trying! Thanks!" -- Dar S.
"Suzanne, had to let you know how you touched me with your column today about your dancing mom. What a sweet, sweet memory. I wish I had shared that same experience with my own mother! I hope you're feeling better after your surgery." --Hugs, Nancy B.
"Okay I cheated and finished reading your story [on the first day]. What a great memory to have of you and your mother. I lost my mom almost 30 years ago and I sure do wish I would have had a memory like that. God Bless. Hope your recovery is going well." -- Candy B., Director, Delta Public Library
"Suzanne, I so enjoyed your story of you dancing with your mom. It brought tears to my eyes, maybe because my own mom is 93 and widowed. What a great memory for you to cherish!" -- Diane R.
"That was a lovely story about going to the dance with your mom and the clown picture [at the bottom] is so pretty." -- Thanks for sharing." -- Sherri G.
"Dear Suzanne, Of course, I couldn't ‘wait until tomorrow’ for the rest of the story. I clicked on the link and continued reading. What a beautiful story. How wonderful for you and your mother, that you got to share this dance. I love reading with you. Thanks again for sharing part of your life with us." -- Brenda G., East Regional Library, Destrehan, LA
"Suzanne, such a beautiful real life tale; it brought a smile and tears. I know it is something that lives deep within your heart!” Thank you," -- Merle H.
“What a wonderful memory to have and keep forever. I think the only time I danced with my father was on my wedding day when the ‘Daddy's Little Girl’ was played and everyone's eyes filled with tears. Last July my 50 year old son was married again. No mother-son dance and I guess I was surprised and relieved? Neither was there a father-daughter dance for his bride. Guess we had outgrown that tradition or possibly they requested it not be done. When our parents are gone, luckily we have memories to keep them alive in our minds and hearts." -- Barbara N.
"Suzanne, you've made my day once again. I teared up a bit, but in the end felt pure joy at the melting of your mother's sadness. May I suggest that you listen to the song, Dance with My Father Again by Luther Vandross. Your post pulled at my heartstrings the way this song does every time. Thank you so much for sharing and reading with me, my friend." --Priscilla I.
Thanks for reading with me. It’s so good to read with friends.
Warmest regards,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
* This month's Penguin Classics book is People from Bloomington by Budi Darma. I have a copy of the book to share with a lucky reader, so start reading and enter for your chance to win.
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