Over the past several years, I have asked a number of our classmates if they knew how I could contact Frani, and I have tried to Google her whereabouts, all efforts to reach her being unsuccessful. I wanted to thank Frani for her significant contribution to my social development and enjoyment. How did Frani contribute? In the Fall of 1962, she taught me to dance, both fast and slow. So learning of Frani’s passing, I am saddened that I will never have the chance to express to her my deep gratitude.
As always, ungifted with natural athletic grace, I did not pick up on her steps quickly, but Frani persisted with her good teaching, and finally I got it. The boon to my social life was immediate. And when it came to wooing my wife, Joanne, I’ve always thought that what won me her hand was the dancing and, I suspect, the Corvette (which, while being a used car (1964) which cost me only $2,600 in 1967, still consumed virtually all the income I received while in the service, leaving nothing to spend on her!).
The steps Frani taught me must have been easy on the eyes—Joanne and I received many compliments on our dancing, including specific comments that I was a good dancer. Perhaps I was—as long as I stuck to Frani’s steps! When I strayed, no positive comments.
For those of you who could dance without having received such instruction, you may be thinking, “What’s the big deal?” Those of you who were like me, and I’m sure there were at least a few of you who liked the idea of dancing but were afraid to try, can understand the joy of having the confidence to ask a girl to dance.
So, Frani, I'm so sorry I’m late, but I thank you oh so sincerely for your part in making my life richer.
PS: I tried to make Frani’s gift cross-generational by strongly recommending to my four sons that they learn how to dance, to learn at least what I could show them. They, of course, ignored me. I said that girls/women love guys who can dance, which in turn opens numerous social doors. They ignored me. Despite lacking this skill, they have managed to marry well and to have become good people and fathers. Still, I can’t help thinking, when it comes to this subject: Fools.
I love this tribute to Frani, she was one of my favorite friends. It does my heart good to know you learned to dance Russell and that she was the one who made it so. Truth be told I adored you both. Blessed Be The Journey
Russell Greata
Over the past several years, I have asked a number of our classmates if they knew how I could contact Frani, and I have tried to Google her whereabouts, all efforts to reach her being unsuccessful. I wanted to thank Frani for her significant contribution to my social development and enjoyment. How did Frani contribute? In the Fall of 1962, she taught me to dance, both fast and slow. So learning of Frani’s passing, I am saddened that I will never have the chance to express to her my deep gratitude.
As always, ungifted with natural athletic grace, I did not pick up on her steps quickly, but Frani persisted with her good teaching, and finally I got it. The boon to my social life was immediate. And when it came to wooing my wife, Joanne, I’ve always thought that what won me her hand was the dancing and, I suspect, the Corvette (which, while being a used car (1964) which cost me only $2,600 in 1967, still consumed virtually all the income I received while in the service, leaving nothing to spend on her!).
The steps Frani taught me must have been easy on the eyes—Joanne and I received many compliments on our dancing, including specific comments that I was a good dancer. Perhaps I was—as long as I stuck to Frani’s steps! When I strayed, no positive comments.
For those of you who could dance without having received such instruction, you may be thinking, “What’s the big deal?” Those of you who were like me, and I’m sure there were at least a few of you who liked the idea of dancing but were afraid to try, can understand the joy of having the confidence to ask a girl to dance.
So, Frani, I'm so sorry I’m late, but I thank you oh so sincerely for your part in making my life richer.
PS: I tried to make Frani’s gift cross-generational by strongly recommending to my four sons that they learn how to dance, to learn at least what I could show them. They, of course, ignored me. I said that girls/women love guys who can dance, which in turn opens numerous social doors. They ignored me. Despite lacking this skill, they have managed to marry well and to have become good people and fathers. Still, I can’t help thinking, when it comes to this subject: Fools.
Judith Abraham
I love this tribute to Frani, she was one of my favorite friends. It does my heart good to know you learned to dance Russell and that she was the one who made it so. Truth be told I adored you both. Blessed Be The Journey