Every so often we meet people, and wonder how we ever lived without them before. Today, I would like to write a letter to a person who not only gave me confidence in skating, but also changed my life. Heres to you, Kelly, I could never repay you for everything you’ve done for me.

Thank you for loving me: I know this might sound weird, but I never walked into the ice rink not greeted by a hug and a smile. It was especially nice coming from you. I cannot really think of another person who would love me even in my cranky moods at 6 a.m. every week. I always looked forward to lessons with you.

Thank you for being my therapist. This should be taken literally. You always knew when there was something wrong, and wouldn’t let me leave until I told you. It was so awesome to be able to have someone to talk to. Although sometimes our lessons were almost entirely talking, I would have taken that over skating every day.

Thank you for letting me be a part of your family. Ashlyn and Brayden mean so much to me. Every Friday morning in high school I would look forward to helping Ashlyn on her spins, and then getting off of the ice and playing construction with Brayden all around the rink. I love them, and will forever be thankful that I got the opportunity to meet them.

Thank you for teaching me confidence. This might be the most important. In my earlier years of skating with you, I would compete with my head down, and not talk to anyone. Now, I can walk into a room of people and give a presentation without second guessing myself. Your life talks really helped me learn to be more confident. I will never forget the time my senior year before competition when you said, “Lauren, you have got to stop living for everyone else. It’s time for you to shine.” I just really cannot ever thank you enough for that.

Thank you for inspiring me. I look up to you so much more than you could ever know. Your family and the way you helped shape me is only something I can hope to do later in life. I really do treasure everything you taught me, and use your guidance in my daily life in college.

So, thank you for loving, teaching, and inspiring in more ways than you know. I am eternally grateful for your constant support, and know that I will always look up to you. Thank you for teaching me that there is so much more to life than figure skating.

You truly are my inspiration, forever.