“A hero is a man who does what he can.”
Week 07 2-11-22
“A hero is a man who does what he can.”
Changing Lives Through Dancing
David Woodbury – Arthur Murray Santa Monica, CA
“A hero is a man who does what he can.”
– Romain Rolland (1866 – 1944)
French dramatist
My dad, Troy D. Woodbury, Sr. was my hero. When Daddy passed away, he had a standing plaque with a brass plate inscribed with “You Are My Life’s Hero”. He insisted that it was placed so he could see that at any time sitting on his bed table. He knew that he was my true hero in life.
In knew that I had given Daddy gray hairs and that I had been a pain at times. But when I awakened to my adult life at the age of 25, I realized who my parents truly were and how amazing they were. That year, 1980, I became a Catholic, bought my first home, a new car, stayed a top teacher world-wide, and I took my full Arthur Murray Judge’s test, and became the best son that I could be until they both my parents passed away years later. It was a glorious time in my life.
Daddy did so much more that just what he could, he became my living hero daily. I have been a public speaker for many years, and I would always call Daddy and go over my talk and we had a precious prayer together. I could feel over the phone him giving me a blessing.
I would always start each speech sharing about Col. Woodbury and sharing that we just spoke and prayed together. I would share that he prayed that others would be inspired by the words that came from my heart, body and soul. This blessing was always the key to success in my speaking career.
Many times, my Momma’s side came through as I spoke of her while speaking. Many times, I cried openly at the dais. I would always talk about Momma never knowing a stranger. She had a perfect way of living. She called it “Build an Empire”. She said that the moment you met someone, find what you liked about them immediately and build an empire on that initial meeting. I’m so grateful that I learned this early on and it has shaped the course of my life.
“The most important thing I have learned over the years is the difference between taking one’s work seriously and taking one’s self seriously. The first is imperative, and the second disastrous.”
– Margaret Fontey (1919 – 1991)
English ballerina
My Dad lived a life of service. At Daddy’s funeral, two hours of speeches came from the many different groups that Daddy was a part of. He even had a Mason’s pre-funeral before the funeral. Daddy was well loved and highly respected in the community. What he took seriously was the service that he gave to others.
“To love what you do and feel that it matters — how could anything be more fun?”
– Katharine Graham (1917 – 2001)
American, Chairman of Washington Post
What a good quote for me as a man who has worked with Arthur Murray Dance Centers since 1975. I turned pro in 1976 and I have never worked a day since then!
I’m lucky that I found my life’s direction at such an early age. I will continue to dance for the rest of my life!
“I think of life itself now as a wonderful play that I’ve written for myself… and so my purpose is to have the utmost fun playing my part.”
– Shirley MacLaine (B – 1934)
A good friend gave me a “reading” many years ago. As a skeptic and not believing in that, she gave me some very strong thoughts that did come true in my life. After her reading, I asked her if I was in charge of my life and of what was going to happen in my life. She said yes and I chose to live by my own decisions, right or wrong, I did not let “fate” determine my future.
Let’s not live in fear, anxiety, anger or darkness. Life is short. I’m going to dance, live, love and laugh. There is enough bad out there. I’m going to look to the light and live in as much joy and I can find.
Thanks for reading. Keep on Dancing. It will get better.
Love you all,
David Woodbury
Keep on Dancing!