In early April I received a phone call that I would have never expected could be such a life changing experience. A woman by the name of Celeste Mansfield (ironic – same last name as myself, already a connection) called and asked if our studio would be willing to assist them in fulfilling a gentleman’s last wish. My first reaction was yes! Yes! Yes! Without even knowing any of the details, my instincts naturally told me that this was one of those opportunities that would be a once in a lifetime moment! I discussed with Celeste the details about their program. Care Alternatives Dreamcatchers is an organization funded strictly by contributions for the purpose of granting wishes to terminally ill adults in their final days of life. She then proceeded to tell me about Willard Jackson, a gentleman who resides at the Concord Health Care Center. His last wish was to ballroom dance! Celeste told me that Willard’s favorite song/dance was the Anniversary Waltz and his favorite singer was Patti Page. She told me he just loved dancing in general and he and his late wife were avid ballroom dancers, including foxtrot, waltz and the jitterbug. His last and final wish was to have one more memory of dancing.
I got chills just hearing Willard’s story and was thrilled that our time together was scheduled for Friday May 7th at 10 am. I was joined by my colleague, Mark. We planned to do a short performance to entertain Willard and his family after he and I had danced together.
When Willard entered the room that day equipped with his walker, my breath was taken away and there were no words to describe the feeling I had. I was a little overwhelmed that I be the one who would dance with Willard one last time. I believe that he did much more for me than I ever could have done for him. I had been told that Willard was a bit frail and probably would only be able to tolerate one dance or so, but with a couple of rest breaks, six or seven dances later Willard was to still dancing! He was the most endearing man and when he got up and heard the music boy could he move! He was a great leader and had amazing rhythm.
Mark & I danced to the Anniversary Waltz for Willard and his family. I knew this meant a lot to Willard and his daughter when their eyes welled up with tears. In all the years that I have been with Arthur Murrays this was truly a defining moment. I know that what we do has a great impact on people’s lives. This truly was a dream “caught” for Willard and also for me.
Linda
For more about our day of dancing and the Dreamcatchers program, please read the article in the Boston Globe – Click Here