I Hope You Dance

Oh, gracious, I must be hormonal or something, because I have turned into the world's biggest sap.

WARNING: the following post is utterly devoid of sarcasm, ironic detachment, or postmodern sensibilities.

More than a year and a half ago, some of my friends in the computer organized a mix CD exchange. All of us were going through fertility struggles, and we all needed some inspiration. One of my favorite songs of those I received is called "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack.

Dont let some hell bent heart leave you bitter,

When you come close to sellin out reconsider,

Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance,

I hope you dance....I hope you dance

I got teary the first time I heard it, and thought, "That's what I want to tell my daughter some day." And then I thought "That's what my mom taught me. Given the choice, I've always danced, and I've never regretted doing so."

I played that song on the way to our first IUI. I played it again right before the egg retrieval in our IVF cycle.

Today, I played it for my daughter. I picked her up and we danced together in the honeyed late afternoon light in her room, and I sang to her and she beamed at me. I realized yet again that she is a dream come true.

One of Gabby's fairy godmothers has predicted that she will be a healer. In a way, she is already. I'm grateful to her and for her, and to H4F for sending me that song and to all the amazing loved ones who walked that hard road with us and shared their support, prayers, and wisdom.

May we all always choose to dance.