I Hope You Dance

Rating:
Summary: All the Things I Wish for My Daughter
Review: When I first really listened to this song and the lyrics, I remember thinking to myself "this is everything I wish for my daughter!" A few months later, I found this beautiful book, which expands on the song lyrics, and I knew I had to get it for her upcoming graduation. She graduated a week ago, and today, she has her Open House, where I intend to read the lyrics to her, and then play the song, asking her to dance with me.
This song says everything a parent wants and wishes for their child, but, as so often happens, we somehow can't find the words to say. I hope she still feels small when she stands beside the ocean. I hope she sees that living might mean taking chances, but they're worth taking. I hope she nevers loses her sense of wonder. No one has ever expressed all the things I wish for her better than these lyrics do. Wherever she goes, whatever she does, I hope she takes this book with her, and takes the words to heart. If she does, I will have done my job as her mother. I hope she dances the dance of life, and never looks back and regrets what she missed by being afraid.
This book is a wonderful gift for any parent to give their child, especially on those occasions that mark a big change in life, like graduation. I believe it's something they will cherish forever, because it reminds them of how much you love them, and all the dreams and hopes you have for them. They will know, in no uncertain terms, how very special they are to you.

Rating:
Summary: Tremendously moving & thought provoking
Review: When yoy pick up this book, you at first think it is only for children--but when you read it-you realize it is for everyone-young,old and in-betweem. I gave it to my husband for Swetest Day. We enjoyed so many sunsets on the Gulf in Florida, this past winter. We looked to the skies so often and thanked God for the beautiful earth he has given us. So often,people get to busy to see the sunset, walk along the shoreline with the waves tickling your toes and just enjoying themselves in the simplicity & complexity of nature. Children need to find this in the first place and all ages need to hold on to the wonders.