Courage does not always roar...

I'm feeling a bit lost and confused and I don't know where else to post this except here. I met a lovely new friend named Kathryn back in May. She posted on the adult figure skating Facebook group saying that she had just moved to Colorado and was looking for skating buddies to connect with. As introverted as I am, I immediately said "ME! Skate with ME!!!" I had the privilege of getting to skate with her at my rink and, during our practice, we talked about similar struggles with our skating as we were at the same level. She complained about her right blade, I complained about my wonky leg. She was bright and adventurous and she genuinely sparkled. I wish I had more time to get to know her before she left us so suddenly on Tuesday.

She congratulated me on my competition and even commented on how cool our club jackets are. I thought she might get back on the ice with me and maybe join my club once she got her blade issues sorted out. And now she's gone and, even though I didn't know her for very long, I know she left an impact on my life. Going through her Facebook photos from this past week, I saw one of her dog, Emma, sitting adorably on Kathryn's bed and then I saw the pillow in the background. It reads: "Courage does not always roar...Sometimes it is the quiet at the end of the day saying...'I will try again tomorrow'"

So, Kathryn, when I lace up my skates and step on the ice, when I feel discouraged that I struggle with things that seem to come so easily to others, when I celebrate my victories and lament my shortcomings, I will think of you. And I will try again tomorrow 💓