Auntie Dely-Gracious Ballerina

When you were born to a family of artists not to mention their beauteous ladies and dashing gentlemen,both maternal and paternal,expectations were high.Visual,Literary and Performing Arts,name it they had it.Conversations during family gatherings were about..who wrote this,who painted this,who performed this and who won the latest beauty pageant.Both academic and artistic achievements were recognized as if they were having a roll call.As a little girl,who loved to tag along with my mom Minini and my mama lola Esther,most often than not,I was always present on numerous family reunions and gatherings,with or without special occasions.
I was a big eyed little girl,ordinary looking so I thought,'cause my younger sister was the pretty one,in fact she still is.So I just watched and listened attentively,fascinated by their never ending talks about arts.
Auntie Dely was the celebrated ballerina of the Napay-Grageda clan,she used to have wonderful Cultural shows,in which we were always invited.Little did they know that I was observing Auntie Dely in every graceful moves she took,the way she talked and even her facial expressions whether she was performing or simply chatting with my mom.Her soft voice lingered in my memory,she had that kind stare,as if looking deeply into your soul.I thought then,how I would love to dance like her,to talk like her and most especially to look like her.But knowing I wasn't the pretty one and without talents (did I mention I sing horribly?) so I thought from my mom's brood,I just contented myself watching from the sides.
But lo and behold,in one of our numerous visits to her home in Albay,one most unforgettable amazing day,she suddenly turned her face towards me,really looked at me and said in a soft voice..."Minini,look at Dreamrose's eyes!She has beautiful,very expressive eyes!"Those words were imprinted in my young mind.Finally I thought I have an asset too!I am beautiful too!Well it came from one of the most talented and beautiful ladies of the Gragedas so she should be right I supposed!From then on...little by little I believed in myself,I began to dance,expressed myself through dancing,with all my heart and soul.I may not have become a professional ballerina like her,but her loving recognition of me,made a big role in building my confidence silently.
Yes Auntie Dely,you never knew until now,that is...if you read this somehow,that I am your most avid fan!You are my mentor,my gracious and lovely ballerina Auntie Dely!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!