New Years Gift

I received a very precious gift tonight on New Years Eve.  We live in a retirement resort in Tucson which is also a Continuing Care Retirement Communoity. 

 Bob and I dressed up and went down to the New Years Eve dinner and dance.   Bob was in a brand new white shirt with a white tie and his navy blazer and dark pants.  I was dressed in a long black gown with rhinsestone jewelry and my long rhinestone "tie" .    We both looked spectacular.  I really didn't care if other didn't do  the black tie optional.  I assumed this was probably our last New Years Eve. 

We headed to the dining room about 5:30.  It hadn't been easy getting dressed, but I knew how important it was.  Bob wasn't really sure where we were going or why he was dressed that way.  His new meds for Parkinsons, hadn't really kicked in.  (Yes, he now has Parkinsons on top of his eight year challenge of  Alzheimers.)

We sat at a small table with 3 new residents.  There was a lot of food that was appetizers which was perfect because he enjoys eatting with his hands.  The band started about 7, the time his meds kicked in and we were first on the dance floor.  Everyone left us alone and watched us dance.  As we danced, his old dance movements came back slowly and we had a fantastic time. 

We danced and danced between eatting and he really enjoyed himself.   I kept watching my watch for the bewitching hour of 8:30.  Sure enough at about 8:15 I began to lose him.  I knew we needed to leave and we barely made it back to the apartment.  By 8:45 he was sound asleep. 

I am so very grateful that God gave us this "one last dance."  It truly WAS a gift from God.

Someday I might post the pictures we took tonight.

Always look for the gift in the experience.  I have always done that and have noticed some wonderful ones.  I keep them in a journal so that I will have them always as beautiful memories.