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Tribute to a wonderful woman! As most of you know, I am in Europe right now, competing in some meets before the "big one" – The World Championships. My trip here has been a rough one thus far, but that means that there is more room for it to improve, which is always a good thing. This World Championships is a special one for me. Just days after arriving into Europe to start my tour, I received a phone call from my parents who had to relay the news to me that my grandmother had passed away. She had been sick for a while, and I was aware before I left for Europe that I may not see her again when I returned. It was very hard for me to leave Dallas knowing this, however she didn't want me to stay home because of her. She was one of my biggest fans, always donating to the United States Olympic Committee, because her granddaughter was an Olympian. She was so proud of everything I had accomplished, on the track as well as the volleyball court. Even when she was very sick and she hardly had the energy to open her mouth, she would always make a special effort to ask me about my upcoming trip to Europe and the World Championships. My grandmother was an extraordinary woman! She was so strong, with such a strong mind and heart. It makes me sad to think that I missed her last few days, although I know she would have been disappointed at anyone who changed their plans on her behalf. Before I left Dallas, I sat next to her bedside and asked her if it would be okay if I wore something of hers during my competition at The World Championships. She gave me one of her famous smiles and said, "Yes! Of course!" So, with that said, I will pin my grandmother's lucky penny to my uniform on competition day. And, with every bar that I clear, I will be that many more centimeters closer to my grandmother in heaven, smiling up at her as I'm sure she's smiling down at me. Thanks, grandmom, for the love and smiles you gave me and our entire family! We will always remember you. So, now it's time to... Jump high and kiss the sky! Erin |