In Memory

2009 will definitely be a year that I won't forget. Another person dear to me has passed on. I had the news of my grandfather's death delivered to me via e-mail, as I am half a world away. Once again I have feelings of sadness and joy flowing through me, as I did a few months ago. I know that death is one of the few inevitable events in life, and that if you believe in an after life that it should be celebrated. But at the same time I'm only human and can certainly feel a loss of another truly exceptional person. Like my other heroes and role models growing up, my grandfather always fully supported my hopes and dreams, and provided lots of inspiration to perform at my best in life. I'm extremely grateful that I was able to see him one last time in Chicago a few months back. I was able to share my story and purpose of traveling, and once again he was all smiles and encouraged me to continue on. For his support I will be forever thankful, and am really happy that he left this world peacefully.