Well, hubby and I just finished a limited tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway as a commemoration of our 25th wedding anniversary.  The weather was beautiful - sunshine and balmy breezes.  The Parkway was abosolutely breath taking!  We enjoyed views at the Peaks of Otter, Knob Ridge and Mabry Mills.  Without question, our short stay in Floyd, VA was the best.

We stayed at a new B&B, Bella la Vita Inn and Lisal, our innkeeper, was so sweet - the food was delicious.  The town of Floyd hosts street bluegrass jam sessions every Friday night where locals and travelers from all over the world descend to share musical talents.  While we missed the Friday night jams, we were priviledged to attend a small jam session In the quaint Floyd Country Store on Sunday afternoon.  There, local musicians sang old time hymns and mountain favorites. 

It was so comforting to sit and listen to songs that I remembered from childhood.  As I watched older folk smile and mouth along to the lyrics, I drifted in my mind to how it must have been many years ago.  Neighbors and families making music together on the front lawns and porches all through these beautiful Appalachian Mountains.

The fiddle softly pierced the room with a mountain waltz as a singer began to voice the story of enduring love for "my sweetheart."  Suddenly, a couple who appeared to be in their 80's floated onto the tiny dance floor.  The burly gentleman deftly guided his "bride" to the gently flowing music.  Their eyes shined as bright as diamonds and he looked at her as though that was the first dance they had ever had together. He, missing the ring finger of his left hand, wore the symbol of this undying love on the third digit. 

I stared at them with tears welling in my eyes.  I wondered if my own love story would reach such paramount moments as dancing on a little wooden floor on a Sunday afternoon with my husband.  These two will never know how touched our lives were as we watched them glide - paying no mind to the people, wrinkles and old bones.  We only had a glimpse of their "book" and the heart was so curious to open the cover and read the pages.  Watching them certainly brought new meaning to the song "I Hope You Dance."

We had a wonderful celebration and if you ever have the chance to visit Floyd, VA on a Sunday afternoon, be sure to visit the Country Store.  I'm sure you'll be as blessed as we were......

Valeri