Grateful For Music Challenge Day 9

Song: The Dance

Artist(s): Garth Brooks & Kelly Clarkson

I'm sorry everyone, but I can't seem to just post one song or at least one version of one song this year! I'm doubling up once again to give you a beautiful song originally by Garth Brooks and gorgeously covered by the incredible Kelly Clarkson! Two absolute legends!

This song has brought tears to my eyes several times. The message about how life is full of ups and downs and that we need the good with the bad. The "dance" of life. We couldn't appreciate the happiness and joys life can bring without the sadness and the trials. Opposition in all things. There's a reason for it. It makes me think about my sweet dog and all the heartache and anguish I have (and still am) going through on a daily basis after his passing. It makes me never want to get another dog because I don't want to go through all of this again (and because he could never be replaced and the thought of it makes me weep). It's something that, even when he was still here, I would sometimes think about the day he'd be gone and I would immediately start tearing up (like I'm doing right now!) because I couldn't bare the idea of life without him. But, the reason why this is so hard, living my life without him, is because of all the beautiful, wonderful, joyous, loving moments I had with him. The years leading up to before I even got him were very difficult. I know my parents got my dog for me. Technically he was the family dog but I know they did it because they knew I needed him. I struggled with the same mental struggles that I do today. The joy and companionship my sweet little puppy brought to my life will never be forgotten. He was worth every challenge I had to endure before I had him and all the pain I'm enduring now. I would never know true joy, friendship and unconditional love if it hadn't been for him. I am forever grateful I had the best dog to ever live for 17 years. For the life lessons he taught me and the experiences I shared with him. He lives forever in my heart and even though I miss him every single day, and will continue to miss him every day for the rest of my life, I am grateful for the "dance" he shared with me. I am grateful I didn't miss it. It was the best 17 years of my life. 

Looking back on the memory of

The dance we shared 'neath the stars above

For a moment all the world was right

How could I have known that you'd ever say goodbye

And now I'm glad I didn't know

The way it all would end the way it all would go

Our lives are better left to chance

I could have missed the pain

But I'd have had to miss the dance

Holding you I held everything

For a moment wasn't I a king

But if I'd only known how the king would fall

Hey who's to say you know I might have changed it all

And now I'm glad I didn't know

The way it all would end the way it all would go

Our lives are better left to chance

I could have missed the pain

But I'd have had to miss the dance

Yes my life is better left to chance

I could have missed the pain

But I'd have had to miss the dance

My favorite version! Stunning!

Garth Brooks was in TEARS and then his reaction at the end is priceless!