Make Up a Story
Stories from Around the World
“The Dance”
Cornell Hall Rehabilitation Center, Union NJ TimeSlips Session #4 Story by residents in program "Seniors on Stage"
Facilitated and recorded by Lillian Ribeiro
9/14/12
They are dancing. It’s a celebration of a crime scene. The war is over. The fighting is over. It’s a holiday or somebodies birthday. There is a parade and children. There is music and a band. Grandson and grandma are dancing together. They don’t always dance together. They both like dancing together. They are dancing to the waltz, the cha cha, to the fox trot, or to Sammy Davis Jr.
There are people gathered by the fire dancing. There is slow music. The people are clapping and laughing. They are talking loud, and laughing with their grandchildren on the stage. It’s grandma’s birthday, and they are happy because she’s still alive! She’s old! Grandma is smiling. She’s happy. She loves dancing. She loves her grandson. She loves music. She loves to be able to dance.
It’s a get together for young and old. The people on stage are chanting, “Go grandma! It’s your birthday! Don’t worry! Be Happy! Live a little, laugh a little, dance your heart out!” The other grandchildren are saying, “Grandma sit down! Don’t push it. Don’t tire yourself out.” They want her to live longer. She got sick before, last time she was dancing. She was cutting the rug up! She’s enjoying herself. Grandma says, “Don’t worry about it. Everything will be alright. Shut up and go and go to hell. It’s my birthday. I’ll do what I want to do. I’m happy.” Grandma finally sits down. She’s tired. She says, “Get me a beer. Anything cold.” The grandson gets grandma a beer and says, “Drink up and be hardy! And don’t get drunk.” Grandma kisses him and they hug. They love each other. He says, “I told you you would have a good time. Enjoy Yourself. It’s later than you think.” THE END.
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