BY PAMELA JO BOWMAN, MESA, ARIZONA – “Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music.” – Angela Monet

This month of May began in New York City. I was walking down Broadway when I received a call from my husband telling me of the unexpected passing of a good man, his father. I do not know if his death, our 25th wedding anniversary, our daughter’s graduating, Mother’s day, some unexpected business issues, the heat of Arizona or some combination of all of those things that have contributed to my state of mind — I am feeling a little sad. In all the eulogies and speeches this month one idea keeps surfacing. The idea of leaving a mark in society. The idea of not being forgotten.

Certainly in studying history we admire the contributions of good men and women. We study the lives of great leaders. We read the works of great writers. We look at the great works of artists.

Their lives and work should elevate us to a greater understanding of others and of ourselves. It should not make us feel inadequate or unworthy or unequal. What I know today is that making a mark is not my goal. Leaving a legacy is not my intent. Living is.

What I know today is that we all can hear the music. We all could dance. We all could, but we get in our own should.

What I know today is that the ways we stop ourselves is insanity.

“Without music, life would be a mistake … I would only believe in a God who knew how to dance.” – Fredrich Nietzche

God dances.