Best Dance Ever
Recipient of the “Best Dancer” award in the seventh grade, I wasn’t surprised that all the boys wanted to dance with me at the year-end dance. What did surprise me is how they stood in a line and waited for their turn. Looking around the school auditorium, I felt unworthy as I saw so many girls patiently awaiting any invitation to dance. Then I noticed someone sitting in the dark on the bleachers across the room. I walked over to find Andy, a boy who was born with hands but no arms. His shirts and jackets all were hand mended for his use. He wore braces on both of his legs and walked with a lean from side to side as his legs did not bend at the knees. He probably would have welcomed the standard teasing an acne-faced adolescent typically endured, as he never made it though a single day without being continuously harassed one way or another. I asked him if he would like to dance. I was thrilled to see his face light up. He had the most beautiful smile ever! We made our way over to the center of the dance floor and fast danced. Although he could only move from side to side and wave his hands a bit, he smiled and laughed and had a wonderful time. He wasn’t afraid he would be teased at all. I was so happy to see him smile, something I had never seen him do before. When the song ended, everyone cheered his name with encouragement. It was the best dance of my life.
By: Debra Huffstickler
Submitted by Anonymous
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