A Community Was Born
Below is an email from Patty’s husband, Rick, on November 30th, 2014 that describes one of Patty’s favorite analogies of “boarding and stepping off the train of life” and her final goodby to us. Patty stepped off the train on December 2, 2014 – her 65th birthday.
Our community lost one of the most memorable, precious human beings that ever lived among us and danced with us, and she was the inspiration for this website. As line dancers we dance with our feet; but Patty Smith danced with her heart. She welcomed everyone into the line dancing community with a wonderful smile and genuine love for each of us. For those of us who were fortunate enough to know her, she deeply touched our lives and forever changed us. Through Patty’s illness and her eventual death she brought us to the realization of how precious our community is. Our goal is to carry on Patty’s vision of a line dance community that continues to care and help each other until – in Patty’s words -it is our turn to step off of the “train”.
The Train
Rick Smith
November 30th, 2014
At birth we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believe they will always travel on our side. However, at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone. As time goes by, other people will board the train; and they will be significant i.e. our siblings, friends, children, and even the love of your life. Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum. Others will go so unnoticed that we don’t realize that they vacated their seats. This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells. Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers requiring that we give the best of ourselves.
The mystery to everyone is: We do not know at which station we ourselves will step down. So, we must live in the best way, love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are. It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life.
I wish you a joyful journey on the train of life. Reap success and give lots of love. More importantly, thank God for the journey. Lastly, I thank you for being one of the passengers on my train.
Most people walk in and out of your life, but FRIENDS leave footprints in your heart.
