To Mao:
The moment you finished your skate and your tears slid down your face, I almost cried with you. It has been a hard few years and yesterday must have been crushing. I am so happy to have seen you today skating freely, having shaken off what heaviness that must have burdened you. Thank you for being the beautiful skater that you are.
To Yuna:
You are sublime. When you skated tonight it was as if the world grew quiet so it too could slide along the ice with you. Being only a selfish human, I wish we could keep you, but now we must let you go. It has been a privilege to have been witness to your beginning, your growth, and now to these two final programs that are your parting gift. Thank you.
To Gracie:
When Michelle Kwan retired, I retired from watching skating. There was no one for me to enjoy and cheer for. Then two wonderful girls named Mao and Yuna pulled me back. Now faced with their retirement, I thought about who I had left to watch. Tonight, you have convinced me to stay. I look forward to seeing you continue to grow and hope to celebrate the moments when you too, will boldly claim your place among your skating heroes.
).
