Posted on Friday, 26th February 2010 by admin
A day after the event and I’m still in tears. My mom was my best friend and my son was an athlete, so I feel the story of Joannie Rochette, the Olympic Bronze Metal winner, from both view points.
I’m American and I always cheer the American athletes on as they step up to the starting line. This year, I have to admit, when I heard the story of Joannie’s mother passing away unexpectedly just a few days ago, my heart began to beat to the tune of “O Canada”, the Canadian National Anthem.
I was cheering with my whole being for the brave young Canadian as she skated through her grief to the bronze metal last night. Joannie won bronze last night, but in my eyes she won gold. I remember the heartbreak I felt when my own mother passed away; the grief that swelled up and swallowed me and burst into a weeping that swelled from my inner most being as she raised her hands in tribute at the end of her performance.
It seems these Olympic Games have been haunted by young athletes with questionable behavior. Athlete’s that will perhaps be remembered more for their actions off the ice/mountain/etc more than their performance in their sport.
In contrast – what a tribute, what a hero (even though I am sure she doesn’t feel that is what she is), what a role model for youth Joannie Rochette is. By her actions she has restored my faith in youth. She has given me a renewed respect for those growing up in today’s troubled world. She has shown the world what a grand mother she honors by her every move these past few days.
If there is a God (and I believe there is) that God allowed Joannie’s mother to sail with her across the ice last night; to experience the event WITH her daughter and not just watch from the audience. Joannie can know that her mother was traveling with her in a way that was not possible had she still been in this realm.
God bless Joannie in her journey on this earth,
From Kim Mutch Emerson and the Team at the Big Fat Giveaway
Tags: big fat giveaway, figure skating bronze medal winner, Joannie Rochette, Kim Mutch Emerson, Olympic Bronze medal winner, Olympic Games highlight, tribute to Joannie Rochette
Posted in Blog | Comments (1)
February 26th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Kim – what a beautiful tribute to Joannie! I, too, had tears of pride for her and having also lost my mother, knew somewhat of what she was feeling – what a brave, honourable person! I am both American and Canadian, so have been happy for all sides, world wide! Proud of everyone for getting to the Olympics…