Thank you Barbara and Kay for putting such beautiful thoughts into writing and sharing them with us.  I too feel as if I have lost a "dance playmate." 

When he first came to Milwaukee as a faculty member in the UWM Art History Department, Larry joined the Milwaukee Folk Dance scene, becoming a regular at our UWM group.  Even tho' my opportunities to dance with him these past 15 years were limited to the eight times I made it back for Folk Fair and a few Tuesday night folk dance sessions, he was one of the reasons I looked forward to Folk Fair throughout the rest of the year. 

Up until I received the sad news (also via email, 9:00 AM at work on a Friday), my eager anticipation of this year's Folk Fair was especially high, given our hopes to reunite our "old" UWM group this year.  That anticipation is now dampened by the realization that we on Earth will never again experience the joy of dancing with Larry in some fancy swing moves or intricate balkan steps.

However, it is also a reminder that we should not put off that which is most important to us. Following is something I received some time ago, but I think it's worth reading again.   I hope to see all of you at Folk Fair this year-both to celebrate the memory of Larry and our friendship and unity in dance over these past (20+?) years! 

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER
by Erma Bombeck

I would have talked less and listened more. 

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. 

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day. 

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love yous".. more "I'm sorrys"... but mostly, given another shot at life,  I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it... live it...and never give it back.

--In memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer. 

Patricia Alexander - Cerritos, California
PALEXAND@arinc.com