I fondly remember waltzing around the room in the arms of my elderly uncle.  His joyful spirit encouraged me as I took fledgling steps in unknown dance patterns.  He was a spry little man, not a great deal taller than my ten-year-old self.  As he taught me the steps and whirled me around the room, his blue eyes sparkled with merriment.   His home was the scene of many special family events and celebrations.  They would peel back the carpet to reveal the polished hardwood beneath.  This dance floor served many as my father’s extended family loved to dance. I loved those events as a child.  It was a time…