We moved to Virginia nine years ago. It marked a new chapter in our journey with Autism, as we wrapped up six intensely emotional and exhausting years. I might write about those years another time, but as we were saying goodbye to friends and teachers in Ohio there was one school secretary who stopped by our house one afternoon with farewell gifts. You see, Julia has a way of wrapping herself around people’s hearts – and this school secretary was no exception. One precious gift she gave us was a children’s book entitled “I Hope You Dance.”
She had no idea.
This precious girl that God created, He created with the spirit of dance. Every morning she wakes up a chatterbox of joy, ready to fully embrace the day. Frequently part of her morning routine is some sort of heart-pumping, foot-stomping ruckus in her room. Oh, she dances. Not the gifted, talented, well-rehearsed moves type of dancing – no, this isn’t a perfected skill. This girl just knows how to let loose. As parents we are constantly needing to “reign her in,” so to speak, particularly in public places like church hallways or the grocery store aisles because she’ll frequently bust out some of her wild and crazy moves whenever and wherever she feels so compelled. ....And sometimes we have to apologize to our guests for the dancing elephant in the upstairs bedroom....
Julia fully embraces the spirit of the lyrics to LeeAnn Womack’s song, which the gift book was based upon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2SfmcNg8js
This past weekend, Julia attended her very first high school homecoming dance. To say she was excited was an understatement. My husband and I had the privilege of attending as chaperones. After observing well over 1,000 students throughout the evening, I have to admit that Autism is a gift. For most students Julia’s age, this season of life is marked by extreme self-consciousness and insecurity. Don’t we all remember being there?
But for a girl like Julia, she is free of those social trappings. Because of her Autism, she is largely unaware of social rules. This brings with it a particular freedom when combined with an already extremely outgoing personality, resulting in a girl who loves to dance!
Unfortunately, this homecoming dance exposed her to the dark side of dance. She crinkled up her nose as she told us about all the “grinding” she observed. Then with glee she announced that she chose to dance a different way – “like this!” as she bounced around with innocent delight.
I learn so much from this child. We all have a choice, whether or not to dance. And in that dancing, whether or not to blend in with the darkness, or to stand out as a light. I am thankful that she dances. She dances her heart out.
She had no idea.
This precious girl that God created, He created with the spirit of dance. Every morning she wakes up a chatterbox of joy, ready to fully embrace the day. Frequently part of her morning routine is some sort of heart-pumping, foot-stomping ruckus in her room. Oh, she dances. Not the gifted, talented, well-rehearsed moves type of dancing – no, this isn’t a perfected skill. This girl just knows how to let loose. As parents we are constantly needing to “reign her in,” so to speak, particularly in public places like church hallways or the grocery store aisles because she’ll frequently bust out some of her wild and crazy moves whenever and wherever she feels so compelled. ....And sometimes we have to apologize to our guests for the dancing elephant in the upstairs bedroom....
Julia fully embraces the spirit of the lyrics to LeeAnn Womack’s song, which the gift book was based upon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2SfmcNg8js
This past weekend, Julia attended her very first high school homecoming dance. To say she was excited was an understatement. My husband and I had the privilege of attending as chaperones. After observing well over 1,000 students throughout the evening, I have to admit that Autism is a gift. For most students Julia’s age, this season of life is marked by extreme self-consciousness and insecurity. Don’t we all remember being there?
But for a girl like Julia, she is free of those social trappings. Because of her Autism, she is largely unaware of social rules. This brings with it a particular freedom when combined with an already extremely outgoing personality, resulting in a girl who loves to dance!
Unfortunately, this homecoming dance exposed her to the dark side of dance. She crinkled up her nose as she told us about all the “grinding” she observed. Then with glee she announced that she chose to dance a different way – “like this!” as she bounced around with innocent delight.
I learn so much from this child. We all have a choice, whether or not to dance. And in that dancing, whether or not to blend in with the darkness, or to stand out as a light. I am thankful that she dances. She dances her heart out.
All dressed up for the dance
