Joannie Rochette

My greatest fear is the possibility of losing Robin, my wife, suddenly. I love her more than words can describe. She is everything to me. The 911 tragedy brought the fact of how quickly a love one can be called to Heaven.

I am sure that morning a husband and wife had a simple disagreement that happens between married couples. An argument that wasn't big deal and most likely would be a point of quick forgiveness. The couple never had a chance to express one more time the simple words of I am sorry and I love you.

I asked by Dad after the 911 how someone could go on if their spouse was taken away in such a tragic way. My Dad, a working class philosopher, simply said "I have given this a lot of thought...you go on because not going on would be a dishonor to the memory of the one you loved." My Dad in the simplest of words reminded me that you go on in hope filled love to to honor the memory of the ones you love.

Joannie Rochette lost her mother days before she was to skate in the Olympic Games. Skating in the Olympics was a dream she shared with her parents. Her mom encouraged her to learn to speak English and to do well in school so she could have an enriching life beyond the Province of Qubecc. Days before she was to skate in the Olympic Games her mom died of a heart attack.

Miss Rochette did not quiver in mourning and give up. She honored the memory and dream of her mom by skating in the Olympic games. With her grieving father in the audience, she not only skated in the Olympics but achieved a bronze medal. She honored the memory and dream of her mom. She nurtured and protected her father by making sure her mom's dreams for her little girl were fulfilled.

Joaniie Rochette showed the courage to persevere a terrible tragedy with hope and determination in honor of her mother's memory and the love of her parents. She showed us all that love and hope survive the greatest of tragedies. Miss Rochette taught the world that the love of a parent lives in their children's hearts forever. She is a hero.

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