I’m pulling out the reserves. I’ve been shot-up and laid near-dead six times. Yes, it’s over. Last one! Only this time, I can’t dance, let alone get up!
But I dream of dancing when life breathes back into me again. Remember that A-Ha song “Take On Me”? Great song. Right now, it’s running around in my head. I can always pretend to dance to it while I’m lying here in a coma.
I remember the group that Alex worked with on the trading desk at Fahnestock, and we all danced one night, probably to that very song. One of his co-workers brought a date. She was striking–not in a model kind of way. But you couldn’t take your eyes off of her.
She was a trader, too, different desk. She was insanely tall. Granted, my Dad’s 6’6 and my girl cousin’s 6’1, without her heels, so height doesn’t phase me. But this girl had me captivated.
In between songs, I had to ask, “Where are you from?”
And then the answer came that has left me marveling to this day. “I’m the last of the Babylonians.”
It was way before genetic testing; who knows if she has rekindled some lost ancestors since, but at the time, I couldn’t believe it. It was just her brother and her and no one else to carry on our ancient history.
Imagine that! And now, here I am–the last of Stephanie. Not nearly as intriguing or ancient, but letting go of all that I have to say goodbye to of the old me, waiting for a new page to emerge.
And now I know what it feels like when you’re the last of. Even if the stories don’t jive, stay with me here, I’ve made it this far.
When Alex’s friend broke up with her, I told him he was an idiot. “You let go of a relic! An icon. A black and white photo ripped out of an encyclopedia.”
I was mostly upset for myself. I had no way of keeping in touch with her, tracking her, finding out what would become of the last of the Babylonians.
I hope she’s taking on the world and dancing like crazy until I can join her. Meanwhile, I’ll be singing in my head “Take On Me” while I move into the future. My last dance with the last of the Babylonians will be my first dance with the new me.
Stephanie, you did it again. I read with eagerness laughter and interest. Your stories captivate me. I am grateful to know you better to know you more, and to understand your strength in this journey. Thank you again. Much love, Betty
See you know no not many people call me Betty and I am proud that you do.
Thank you for being here by my side through it all! It makes my journey a lot less lonely and scary—knowing you’re with me. Love you so very much!! Sending a colossal hug your way!!
Love the song and love your muse. You are inspirational!!
And love you dear Jan!! xoxo
I remember at your wedding that you two were the best dancers of all wedding I was ever too! I wonder if you have a video. I think you must have had dance lessons. It was great.
I’ll convert the video to digital and share it on one of the blogs!! Great idea!! We did have dance lessons. That’s when Alex learned the most important lesson of all, “No banana hands!” We loved that line!! xoxo
Don’t know much, but I do know you haven’t dance your last dance, you have shown me
what living life on life terms is, what courage is
and what it is to face the storm and to come through it. Keep your faith Lady You are loved Stephanie!!!
Oh, and how you are loved back! You’ve been my great teacher, friend and rock. My prayers and great love are with you!! xoxo
So love the song! You r 👏
And love you, too! xoxo
We are delighted to hear you have completed chemo and just know that you will regain your strength and dance with joy again. Wishing you all our best and looking forward to doing so in person when we return from Florida.
Richard & Ann Frankel
Thank you for your love and well wishes! Looking forward to dancing in the streets!! xoxo