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The Old Soft Shoe

I had the privilege to be Grace's tap dance teacher in Polson.  We tap danced to a lot of Irish songs such as "If You're Irish, Come Into the Parlor" and of course "When Irish Eyes are Smiling".  Grace was in her element.  She was a delight to have in class.  We didn't perform often but when we did, Grace stole the show.  Everyone could tell she was having FUN.  

My favorite memory of Grace was the day in class when we were practicing a sort of complicated step called the "Soft Shoe".   Grace asked me if I knew the song "The Old Soft Shoe".  I said, "Sorry, but no, I've not heard of it."  Grace went on, "You know.  The one that goes: "Dah Doot, Dah Doot , Dah Doodle-dy Doodle-y Doo."  So I went home and searched itunes for it.  The next week in tap class, I played it on my ipod with speakers turned up.  Grace almost wept.  "That's it!"  She exclaimed.  I haven't heard that song in 50 years."  She was thrilled.  And I was thrilled to have a song that so perfectly fit teaching the Soft Shoe step for my classes.  It has been a favorite ever since.  Every time I teach or practice the Soft Shoe step with my classes, I will tell that story of Grace.  

My only regret is that I didn't get Grace to Butte for St. Patrick's Day.  You know she would have LOVED it.  I only hope some of her family can, if you haven't already, make it to Butte for St. Patrick's Day and see what I mean, about Grace loving it there on that day.

Sending prayers, sympathy and love to all her dear family with a contribution to Alzheimer's under separate cover,

Jeri O'Neil and Megan O'Neil (My daughter Megan came over to Polson occasionally from Butte and tapped with us.  She remembers Gracie fondly.)

Posted by Jeri O'Neil
Wednesday April 5, 2017 at 9:24 pm
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