Nobody Puts Baby In The Corner

Patrick Swayze, a legend in his own right has passed away. A great actor, dancer, husband and human being has left his fans wanting more of him.

I cannot write about his life or his specific accomplishments. I can only reveal the connections I have to him, his characters, his movies and why I will never forget him.

First and foremost, I actually played his character Johnny Castle at summer camp. Each year, my camp at St. Bernadette's (Houma, Louisiana) would perform a skit or dance for parents. When I was in the fifth or sixth grade, my camp group (the Sun Bears, named like a girl scout's troop) reinacted the ending scenes from Dirty Dancing. And yes, I was Patrick Swayze.

Don't laugh! This was a big role, one coveted by my fellow campers. I even had to audition for it. I remember jumping off the little stage, cocking my head back and motioning with my finger for Baby to join me. Baby was played by my school friend Angie C. I was dressed in all black and she was dressed in a pink dress. We even had to dance a little dirty. (Our parents didn't seem to mind though?!)

My cousin Rachel wanted the part and auditioned against me but I won the role. It was only fair since she had played the Kermit the Frog lead role in a previous year's skit.

Corny as it may sound, I still remember the evening we performed this for our parents and fellow campers. I will occasionally even do some of the moves, much to the amusement of my husband.

More recently, I wrote this post about my daughter Vivian and my moments of happiness with her. In it, I compared Vivian to wind and referenced Patrick's song title and name. I have always loved his song, "She's Like The Wind," and the poetic meaning behind the lyrics. I'm so glad we have this song to replay in his memory now.

Sure, Swayze has played other roles besides Dirty Dancing (Ghost, Point Break, Roadhouse, among many others) but for some reason, I always use one-liners from the Dirty Dancing movie. My husband reminded me tonight when we conversed over his death about one of my particular one-liners.

A few years ago, while Kirk's dad visited us when we lived in Dayton, Ohio, we ate bagel sandwiches in a quaint, New York style bakery. We sat near the edge of the shop and suddenly I looked at them both and with all seriousness said, "Nobody puts bagel in the corner!" And Kirk and his dad both laughed. (This is just one example of many corny things I recite). To this day, my hubby and father-in-law still remind me of that quote I used.

Another connection of mine to Patrick and Dirty Dancing is that for my ending wedding song (the "Last Dance" as Donna Summer would sing) was actually Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes's tune, "I've Had, The Time Of My Life." I specifically chose this song to end our spectactular night. I can remember it playing at our wedding, Kirk and I dancing to it and people telling us how much fun they had.

Then of course, there is this scene from Saturday Night Live that will forever etch in stone my love for Patrick Swayze. The fact that he had enough balls to do this Chippendales routine, alongside the great, late and beloved Chris Farley affirms my admiration for Swayze. Because if a grown man can poke fun at himself like this, then he will always be loved by me.

Patrick Swayze - Chippendale
Uploaded by tressage. -

You make me want to dance like you. You make me drool over you. But more importantly, Patrick, you make me grateful for such notable character roles.

Rest in peace, my dear Patrick Swayze. Thank you for the wonderful memories! As my friend Crystal just posted this lovely story of how Swayze impacted her life, I can't help but agree with her. We've lost another icon from our generation. We will forever be in his debt for rescueing young, awkward girls in the corner and offering them a sense of hope and love.