The last time I dedicated space on my blog to our other life - ice skating - I think it was sharing the tragedy of losing our rink when the roof collapsed in February.
Well, a lot has happened since then. Our home rink is going to be rebuilt - the groundbreaking ceremony is being held this week - and considering the nomadic life we've been living in these months since we lost it, that comes as an oh, so welcome relief!
Emma has continued to skate, working on her skills and level testing, and for the 5th year in a row, she is part of the National Blades Synchronized Skating Team. Our team's last skate last season was just a week after the collapse at our rink - and they took SECOND! That my friends is a triumph of skill and will! What an amazing way to finish well after what could have totally undone us. I wish I could find the photo to show you here, because it so totally describes how the skating community has rallied around us in these days. But I'll just describe it to you - the Richmond Twizzlers took a large white bedsheet and spray painted on it the following:
"KEEP SKATING
NATIONAL BLADES"
They all signed it and hung it from the side of the arena across from the stands for all to see.
Can I tell you that I just cried?
I've never been so touched by so small a gesture.
And so we have kept skating - at whatever area rink can give us ice time.
We've been to Laurel, MD, Bowie, MD, Reston, VA, Fairfax, VA, Mt. Vernon, VA and last night at the makeshift new rink in Haymarket, VA built by the Prince William Hockey Club - that oh yeah, was also homeless after our rink collapsed.
They have kept skating too - all because they love their chosen sport.
So, as we head off today for our first official event of the season -
The Critique at Kettler in Ballston Commons - here are a few photos of our team practicing a few weeks ago in Laurel, Md.
Well, a lot has happened since then. Our home rink is going to be rebuilt - the groundbreaking ceremony is being held this week - and considering the nomadic life we've been living in these months since we lost it, that comes as an oh, so welcome relief!
Emma has continued to skate, working on her skills and level testing, and for the 5th year in a row, she is part of the National Blades Synchronized Skating Team. Our team's last skate last season was just a week after the collapse at our rink - and they took SECOND! That my friends is a triumph of skill and will! What an amazing way to finish well after what could have totally undone us. I wish I could find the photo to show you here, because it so totally describes how the skating community has rallied around us in these days. But I'll just describe it to you - the Richmond Twizzlers took a large white bedsheet and spray painted on it the following:
"KEEP SKATING
NATIONAL BLADES"
They all signed it and hung it from the side of the arena across from the stands for all to see.
Can I tell you that I just cried?
I've never been so touched by so small a gesture.
And so we have kept skating - at whatever area rink can give us ice time.
We've been to Laurel, MD, Bowie, MD, Reston, VA, Fairfax, VA, Mt. Vernon, VA and last night at the makeshift new rink in Haymarket, VA built by the Prince William Hockey Club - that oh yeah, was also homeless after our rink collapsed.
They have kept skating too - all because they love their chosen sport.
So, as we head off today for our first official event of the season -
The Critique at Kettler in Ballston Commons - here are a few photos of our team practicing a few weeks ago in Laurel, Md.
The blurry girl on the end of the line in front is Emma. Have I ever told you how hard it is to get good photos of skaters in action?!
Here is her team working their moving circle:If you count heads, Emma is fourth from the left.
And their backwards lunge line:Here she is fifth from the right.
And the other day they tried on their dresses for the first time:
They are skating to an Italian song medley this year and honestly in the 5 years we've been a synchro family, I love this program and dress the most!I can't wait to see them in action for real today - I am so proud of my daughter and the other girls on her team.
So, let's GO NATIONAL BLADES!
KEEP SKATING!
~~Robin
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