Yesterday I woke up feeling so depressed. I can't explain why, just was. I was easy to tear up, and felt ridiculous because I really have little reason to feel down. I have friends who love me, my husband who would walk through fire for me, kids who care and love me, and I made it through chemo and radiation with little side-effects, but somehow I felt so down. I headed up to the SGI Center for Soka Spirit, hoping to jump start my happiness. It helped, but still I felt it pulsing underneath my renewed spirit. I headed home wondering what it could be. I walked through the door and Ed was there ready with a cup of tea and a kiss. We watched the news and felt so happy that the Health Care Reform Bill was looking good to pass in Congress. Great news for our family and many of our friends. We then got ready to go up and watch dancers, singers, and film makers celebrate Luigi's 85th Birthday. The place was packed and pink champagne was flowing with plenty of healthy food to munch on. We entered the auditorium and readied for an afternoon of incredible talent. From beginning to end I cried. This man, Luigi, who has earned every single ounce of love he receives, showed why he is so loved on this day. It started with a short archived film that showed his body of work. The man. The dancer. The teacher. Then the dancing and singing began, that gave back to the man/teacher/mentor who has given so much over his lifetime. Performers recreated his work with perfection. Professionals and students. Young from 10 to, well let's just say, over 40. These dancers laid it all out on the floor. There were two highlights from the day; first Company D from Memphis, TN, who flew in on short notice. A company of three dancers were able to make it, and they gave their hearts and left not a dry eye in the house. Three young dancers who proved that dance is from the heart. Company D is a group of dancers with Downs Syndrome. They moved beautifully and connected with such heart. Their expressions on their faces gave away the joy they felt as they performed. Pride and Joy. There are no limitations with Luigi, only the limitations of one's own mind. There is no taking "NO" for an answer with Luigi. Anyone can dance. Doesn't matter if you aren't Tommy Tune or Pavlova, when you move with Luigi you are a dancer. He brings out the best in you and you leave feeling like a dancer, a star.
The second highlight came from Tami's School of Dance from Japan. Students and teachers from 10- over 30 flew in from Japan to dance just for Luigi. This group was sheer perfection. It stirred up excitement in the audience and moved us to our feet. The timing, the precision, the love. Finally to close the show a segment from the upcoming documentary on beyond Broadway by Rick McKay honoring Luigi. Stars like Liza, Ben Vereen, Tony Roberts, Twyla Tharpe, and so many other stars of Broadway spoke of Luigi and his gift to our industry. We all left grateful. We all left happier. We all left loved. To my dear sweet darling Luigi, You stole my heart, you gave me back myself, you inspire me each and every day, and for that, I thank you. As we left, I looked at my husband and said, "If we all have even 1/10th of the love Luigi receives, we would all be so blessed." Yes, Luigi you are the very definition of LOVE.
My depression lifted like a veil. Perhaps it was treatment related. The idea that it is over; the crisis of treatment. I had to keep it together for so long, be up, be positive, and now that I don't have to be brave, the depression snuck in. I fought all day that beast, and with the love of a husband, the support of Soka Spirit, and the blessings of Luigi and the beauty of his choreography, I pulled out of the dive.
Then the cherry on the top, Health Care Reform made it through the House. I realized as I cried tears of joy, that my tears are like the gentle showers that bring the flowers forth. So it was alright to cry now. So cry I did. Happy gentle tears.
Yes. Spring has arrived. The long dark journey through Winter is over. From here things will only improve. We have already won. Work will come, and conditions will move from bleak to bright.
Thank you Luigi. Never Stop Moving. Never Give Up. Never Take No For An Answer.
Nite!
Light and Love!
Melissa
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment