Thursday, February 25, 2010

Tribute

I'm not a sports fan, but for a few days every four years in the winter, I love to watch the Olympics. I think what interests me is the personal side of these young people who are representing their countries. The winter sports of ice skating singles and ice dancing are my favorite. Strength, grace, and beauty in a powerful art form.


If you've been following, you will have heard about the young Canadian skater, Joannie Rochette, whose mother passed away just two days before she was to skate. Joannie's mom, had just arrived in Vancouver to watch her daughter, when she had a massive heart attack.

This story really hit home with me. I cried for Joannie as she skated for her Mother that day; a lovely gift and tribute. Her grief was overshadowed by her love and admiration for her mom, who had been her biggest supporter during her ice skating career...and life.

I have two grown daughters, and how grateful I am that I have had the years with them that I have; seeing both of them married and with loving husbands. I know it all could have been so very different, that week 7 years ago, when I was in the same place as Joannie's, mother, Therese.

I thank God everyday that I am still here with my family, and I want to make each day count for good. To be a blessing, a friend, and a companion; not only for my family, but for others that I encounter on the journey. So for all the Joannie's that will be missing their mothers as they move forward in life, and for all the wonderful loving mothers who have left this life and their loved ones too soon, I say "I feel your heart and know your great love".


As a mom who has been given so much, I give thanks to God daily, for whatever He has for me to do here.

blessings to all of you,
 my friends,
Debra

23 comments:

  1. Debra, what a beautiful post! I was also moved to tears watching her skate and wishing her all the best tonight. Amen to making each day count for something good. What a nice reminder!

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  2. Couldn't agree more! Have a great day! :)

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  3. I feel exactly the same way. My greatest blessing has been my children and getting to see them with children of their own.
    This young woman exemplifies what the true meaning of the Olympics is....and not magazine covers. She truly honored her mother through the performance.
    Debbie

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  4. AMEN! Praising GOD for allowing me the privilege to be a mom!
    Hugs,
    andrea

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  5. I, too, was touched by this story and outstanding performance. I echo your sentiments of thankfulness for the gift of life and family.

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  6. Such a sweet post, Debra! I have followed this story and feel so bad for her. I can't imagine what strength it took for her to go and with the Olympics after having lost her Mother. Mothers are sure special, mine has been gone for 21 years and I miss her still today. Have a blessed day dear friend!

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  7. This is a wonderful tribute to your family and what every mother wishes. Some of the Olympic stories have made me almost cry. All of them are about personal journeys that we have privy to when the games begin. Those stories touch my life as they do yours. Thanks for a sweet post, Debra.

    xoxo
    Jane

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  8. She broke my heart. I think being the mom of daughters, we all made that connection. Jan

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  9. Hi Debra...
    I'm with you... I am so proud of this young woman... and her Mother...and their wonderful relatioship... Like you, I don't watch sports... but I do love watching this...
    Thanks for sharing...
    Barb C.

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  10. what a lovely sentiment! I am certainly glad you are here as I so enjoy coming to your blogs and your blessed messages- Also, I am crazy for watching Olympic skating.
    take care friend..
    Karen

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  11. Hi Debra,
    Just popped in to say hello, my kids have been so sick, so I haven't made my "rounds" in blogland lately. I loved this post. I grew up as a figure skater, so the women's figure skating is my favorite, but this year was extra special with such a strong and beautiful field, and of course, the touching skate from Joannie. I think we all had tears in our eyes, and how I longed to be there to cheer her on in person. I can only imagine the love and goodwill in the building as she skated.

    And I am so thankful that you are strong and are here with us too! Being a mother is not always easy, but the rewards are like none other! Take care, have a wonderful weekend!
    Kate

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  12. Lovely post, Debra. I was moved to tears watching her skate that night - knowing the pain she must be feeling. She was so brave and so beautiful. He father, watching her with tears in his eyes, the crowd cheering - it was incredibly moving.

    xo
    Claudia

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  13. So emotional! I cry every time they run the clip.........

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  14. I taped this, but somehow, it did not finish ... I am so sad.
    Guess I'll have to utube it ... thanks for such sweet thoughts.
    I just love you ...

    scf

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  15. Beauitful post Debra, makes me sigh again with tears for that dear girl. My heart so went out to her.
    Blessings,
    cindykay

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  16. Lovely post. Her story really does put things into perspective doesn't it.
    ~Debra
    Blog: Capers of the vintage vixens

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  17. Morning, Debra! This was a touching post! Bless her heart. I'm so proud for her. I'm like you I have so much to be thankful for too - my children and my family.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  18. I can barely see through the tears to leave this comment. There is no higher calling than to be a mother and it is evident from the strength and beauty this young woman displayed that her dear mother answered that calling with all of the love and courage that now lives through her daughter. I think we all felt like we were "Mom" watching her with earthly eyes. No matter how important the world sees that performance, I can just see her mom on the other side beaming with admiration for her daughter's well deserved achievements yet knowing that any achievement here will fade and what is most important is that "medal" none of of deserve but that we all freely receive. Thank you for this beautiful tribute.

    ~jermaine~

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  19. I hadn't heard that story. I can't imagine what it must be like to perform on the heels of your mom's death. When my mom died, I couldn't function for weeks! What strength and courage she must have...

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  20. Debra, what a sweet post. Her courage was moving that she could out there and skate when you know her heart was just breaking for her loss!

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  21. Beautiful Tribute. I too thank the Lord often that I am here to raise my chilldren. Joannie's story is soooo touching & my heart aches for her too. That is one reason I think the olympics are so magical...they tell the athlete's stories & we laugh & cry with them....I can't tell you how many times I have clapped & one time I was almost brought to my feet. Thanks for the post!

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  22. Oh, what a sweet heartfelt post...the awesome privilege we have as mothers.
    Rene

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  23. Beautifully written Debra ~ I am right there with you sweetie! I was so glad she placed third!!! You are such a blessing to all of us!

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