When we lived in Oakland, California, there was a Grace Temple Missionary Baptist, a church of the community which was in a walk distance from my home. Since my daughter could walk, we family togther usually went for a walk in the church yard. Though the yard was not that big, but the lawn was maintained very well and quite good for a kid lke my daughter to play on without worrying about the injury.
As usual, we went to the church yard for jogging and exercise. Because my daughter was in a high mood, we played "hide and seek" together. After several turns of hide-and seek, it was my turn to seek her. I looked for her everywhere around the church, but this time I could not find her. Where is she?
Did she go inside the church? I thought so because I noticed that one of the side door was slightly opened. So I went to check.
When I entered into the church court, I saw around 20 old and young ladies dancing there accompaned by
the anthems. And my daugher, who just could walk for 4 months, was in the middle of the ladies trying to follow the dance of these adults, twisting her body left and right, moving her little legs forward and backward, and even spinning several rounds with her skirt whirling up. It was pretty funny!!!
She saw me in, and I waved her to come out of the dancing crowd. But she seemed to really enjoy her dance and jsut ignore my hailing. She fell on the ground occasionally, but she stood up again by herself and continued her dance.
An old lady, probably the organizer of the dancing group, said loudly to me" Hi, are you her Daddy? She is so cute! We are in a rehearsal for church performance. Your daughter is welcome to join us. And if you don't mind, please just take a seat and enjoy. "
In such a case, what can I do? The only thing I could do was to take a seat, relax and watch the performance till its end.
This is the first time of my dauther's public dance which I will never forget. And from this two year old baby, I know that the curiosity can lead to perseverence spirit and inspire the potential talents inside.
----HOOKHANS |