A wonderful story about an inspiring memorial service

I had written a long, way too detailed blog about our trip to Toronto and Cleveland for some TV shows we did, but I will save you the misery of possibly reading through it to see if something interesting happens. It doesn't -  so it's out. New blog! But part of the blog wasn't so travel related and it was interesting, so I'm including that here. I will say that without an editor or a co-author to keep you in check, this blogging can get to be addictive and self-indulgent (my Dad used to call it diarrhea of the mouth. That gives you an idea where I came from). So forgive me as I try to find the balance, now that I know how to blog!

My friend Christine DeBano recently went to a wonderful memorial service in New York City for an unusual man - Frankie Manning, and I wanted you to hear the story about her experience. His service is a great example of a memorial (or funeral) service that is all about LIFE and in his case, an incredible life. (But we truly believe everyone has an incredible life - even if you don't see it.) Here's her wonderful report - it will make you wish you had been there. (Many thanks to Christine for sharing this!! We appreciate it!)

"On May 22, 2009, I had the privilege of attending the memorial service for Frankie Manning, a 94 year old Lindy hopper who had toured the world and appeared in several films. He had died April 27th, a month before his 95th birthday. He was a prominent dancer in the 30's, but upon the demise of the Swing Era, he took a job at the post office, where he worked for 30 years. He was rediscovered in the 80's and went on to win a Tony Award of Choreography for Black and Blue. He was seventy five years old. 

 The Savoy Ballroom came alive in the church on Fifth Avenue in New York City. A jazz combo at the base of the altar played swing music and old ballads that pierced your heart. Couples got up and danced intermittently during the service; young and old in swirling polka dot skirts, spats and assorted clothes of the swing era. At one point the ministers started dancing on the altar. The air was electric with love, joy and sweet memories.

People came from all over the world to pay tribute to a man who seemed to ignite the spirit of freedom in everyone he touched. We heard tributes from friends of 75 years; people who wept and laughed, sometimes dancing while reminiscing about an era that seemed more fun and passionate than our present time. One young man from Sweden shared how he called Frankie back in the 80's and asked if he could come to New York and learn how to dance. Frankie not only taught him to dance, but he invited him to Harlem for a home cooked meal.

At the end of the three hour memorial service the jazz combo lead us to Central Park; we danced and swayed along the sidewalk to WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN. Dazed tourists took pictures of the procession, clicking away at our eccentric group: women carrying decorated umbrellas and others waving handkerchiefs in the style of  a New Orleans funeral. A twelve piece swing orchestra was waiting for us at the Naumburg Bandshell. They played all afternoon. Thousands danced and continued to share stories on a hot summer day in May. How can you thank someone for teaching you how to live with passion and celebration? Let's Dance..."