Dance, dance, dance

I met her a few years ago in the lobby of the Denver Convention Center, the morning after I heard her speak at the Snow Sports Industry opening ceremony. Her name is Amy Purdy and she can be five foot four or six feet tall on any given day, depending on what she feels like. She won fame on Dancing With the Stars season 16 with Derek Hough, and she was the first contestant to dance her way into people's hearts as a bilateral amputee.

As I stepped up to meet her at the book signing table, she had a beautiful smile and a warm personality. I was there to purchase her book, “On My Own Two Feet: From Losing My Legs To Learning The Dance of Life.” As she was signing my book, I told her she was an inspiration to me and my work as a physical therapist and she told me about the role of her physical therapists and prosthetists in her journey. I thanked her for her willingness and openness to tell her story so other people could know the hope of her renewed life.

These last few months have been quite challenging for me as some very special people to me, family and dear friends, have been struggling with cancer reoccurrences. The feeling never changes when I hear their news. My heart feels heavy and my soul gets quiet. Then the stories of people like Amy Purdy come to mind. People who could have decided to give up, stop participating in life and sit in bed and hide. Instead these people I know are grieving their losses and making plans to commit to a new life, where they will learn a new dance with a new set of circumstances.

I am mesmerized by the spirit of these individuals. I am struck by their courage and determination to live life to the fullest. I am also encouraged and humbled by the people who are their support system, their caregivers. These loved ones deserve a medal as well. They are so strong and brave as they assist in the journey of the people they love. They go on the roller coaster ride just as their loved one does but they feel so out of control as they have to wait for their loved ones to decide what they want to do and how they want to live.

As you look at your life today with all its ups and downs, frustrations and challenges I ask you to stop and count your blessings. Think of the gifts you have right now today. Maybe it's the fact that you are healthy and well and face no medical challenges. Maybe you have a job you love and a commute that's short. Maybe it's the sweet smile on your children's face when you go for ice cream or the twinkle in their eyes when they sing in the car on the way to school. I know everything seems insurmountable, but is your life or death at stake? Learn to live in the moment, bask in the craziness and make your life worth the dance.

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Sheree DiBiase, PT, is the owner of Lake City Physical Therapy and she and her staff want to make sure you can dance. I dedicate this article to all of you who are facing cancer obstacles right now, my hearts with you and to my family and friends with cancer, my prayer for you is for peace on the journey and the will to fight. Live well! Come see us in Coeur d'Alene office at (208) 667-1988, Hayden (208) 762-2100 and in our Spokane Valley office at (509) 891-2623. Follow us on Facebook or check us out at www.lakecitypt.com.