Rest in peace, Frankie
Frankie Manning, May 26, 1914 - April 27, 2009. Rest in peace, Frankie.

Last night our Lindy team had an engagement party for two of our teammates, Cliff and Alanna. We started playing some games and it got really really silly and I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard or had that much fun. And I found it amusing on the way home how many of our teammates changed their facebook status to say how they don't recall the last time they had laughed so hard.

It's been a rough six months (actually really probably a rough two years) for me personally and yet here I was able to let loose and laugh so hard. Sheri said the same and added that it was interesting to think that we may not have met all these wonderful people and had such an awesome time tonight if it weren't for Lindy Hop and who knows where Lindy Hop would be if it weren't for Frankie.

Sheri and I had already heard about Frankie's health and it was so strange and yet maybe even fitting that on the day where I was already sad hearing about his health and on the day his health took a turn for the worst, it was the same day we spend with a bunch of folks we met through Lindy and I was able to let go so much and laugh so hard.

I guess my point is, maybe I'm just being irrational after getting so few hours of sleep waiting to hear more news, sending thoughts and prayers, and just contemplating .... but for some reason it's hard to feel sad ..because everytime I think of Frankie all these images come up of his infectious smile and youthful, tireless, and carefree energy.

And maybe it was that day since I was thinking so much of him and I kept seeing these images of him just laughing and just being so carefree that it really helped me to let go that night.

Anyway, just wanted to say thanks Frankie.

This is one of my favorite photos. It's from ALHC 2008. Most of our team had never traveled outside of So.Cal for events before .. we weren't able to take the whole team but we took half the team and we were all very very excited to get their photo taken with Frankie.

Frankie Manning with One2Swing Jitterbugs, ALHC 2008


Ben: "I will always remember your infections smile and I will always be thankful for your tireless energy. You brought so much to so many lives and to this dance you dearly love so much. Thank you Frankie. Rest in peace. And though you will be missed, you will happily live forever in every swingout."

Sheri: "I cannot describe how grateful I am to Frankie Manning...our legendary ambassador of Lindy hop. He inspired so many and brought so much joy and happiness to this world in his almost 95 years. May he rest peacefully knowing his legacy will live on through all of us."

http://frankiemanning.com
http://frankie95.com