Dancers, Actors and Gymnasts

I love the dreams of little girls. They know they can do anything and pursue all they do with the passion of innocence. This cannot be seen more clearly than in the pursuits of our precious granddaughters.

The oldest is an actress. She has an inborn talent for the dramatic, easily seen when she does not get her way. Her voice is natural, clear and lovely when she sings. She has taken part in community theater and excels in the roles she has been given. The second is a gymnast. She twists, springs and bounces effortlessly from one position to the next. Her petite body fearlessly attacks each task with breathtaking confidence. All four girls are dancers, their differences shown in their favorites, ballet, jazz, tap. The grace in little arms, strength in little legs, and leadership skills emerging in all of them are exciting to see. For one dance is the venue for overcoming years of neglect before she was adopted into our family. She is gaining poise and confidence, her body no longer a stumbling block to running and playing as other children.

"I want to be a Hollywood actress, Grandma. But I don't want to be in any movies that are violent or inappropriate." "I am going to be in the Olympics, Grandma. Will you come to see me?" "Grandma, it's time for my dance recital, will you be there?" These questions and comments are dear to my heart. I long to see each desire attained. I will be there, barring dread disease or death.

The dreams of little girls are dreams of life unbounded. They know they can accomplish the impossible. They do not know the evils of life yet. They know what perfect love and a little hard work can bring them. They know that smiles and hugs can be healing and fulfilling. Even a little one with a past as dreadful as any horror movie, can see herself blossoming into a star.

The dreams may change. Little girls will grow up to discover what they are meant to be. These little girls will have the safety, security and love of a close-knit, caring family. They will be encouraged to pursue their dreams, and if those dreams change, they will be encouraged to remember them with pleasure and reach for new heights.

I love the dreams of little girls. I am Grandma, a militant defender of those dreams. I cannot wait to see what the next recital, play or gymnastics meet will bring. "Grandma, you're going to just LOVE the ending of our dance." I already know I will!