Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam

Do not stand at my grave and weep 

I am not there. I do not sleep. 

I am a thousand winds that blow. 

I am the diamond glints on snow. 

I am the sunlight on ripened grain. 

I am the gentle autumn rain. 

When you awaken in the morning's hush 

I am the swift uplifting rush 

Of quiet birds in circled flight. 

I am the soft stars that shine at night. 

Do not stand at my grave and cry; 

I am not there. I did not die. 

Mary Elizabeth Frye

There are people who enter your lives and leave imprints that last forever. They are the people that you think are invincible. They teach you how to be a better you and believe in you every step of the way. They are the people who get mad at you when you give anything less than your best and beam with pride when they see you succeed. 

My wonderful Irish Dance teacher, who entered my life when I was only eight years old, was one of those ladies. Sure she made me frustrated at times, but only because I knew she was right. Her pride in me as I grew helped to form who I am today. I feel so very blessed to have had her in my life and am greatly saddened by her passing, but I know that her influence lives on in me and all of her dancers. We were her children almost as much as her own daughters were. Hopefully one day we will meet again and enjoy one giant Ceili up in heaven. Love you and miss you Christine, enjoy the Craic up in Heaven, you deserve it!