Triumphs and Tributes, Canadian and American

Joannie Rochette is my new Olympic idol. At a time when life's road is feeling a bit steeper than usual to me, this girl sends an irrefutable message that all of us can do hard things and do them well. Courage and good old human spirit are alive and thriving in all of us; sometimes we just need a little refresher course. Thanks, Joannie, for giving it last night. Lesson taken.

As for my new American Idol, Crystal Bowersox knocks my socks off. Period. I am already a fan, a BIG fan, and I hope this girl goes all the way.

There's one more girl young mother that makes me proud today...my niece, Kristin. She's going home from the hospital this morning, perhaps carrying the sweetest baby ever, if his numbers are right. Oh, she'll be going back again and again as they begin to address all of his health problems, and he will have to be one brave little boy as he combats them, but he will also be one lucky little boy...because she is his mom. Sullivan's mom is going to be the best friend and advocate a child could have, and his dad will be right in there supporting him, too. They are a great family, and I'm proud to be part of their crew.

One final tribute goes out to The Sweet Tooth Fairy, a favorite haunt of Stephanie Nielson's. Her avid support for their VaNIElla squared (and other) cupcakes, and the fact that these tasty treats consistently seem to cheer and nurture her through tough times, inspired me to order a dozen to be delivered to Kristin in the hospital. What amazing people those Sweet Tooth Fairy helpers are to deal with––and unfailingly kind on the phone, despite the fact that I wanted their sweet stuff delivered from Provo to Salt Lake City. But that was only the icing on the cupcake, so to speak. Once the delivery guy arrived at the hospital, he was told point-blank that my niece was not there. Instead of giving up like any other self-respecting delivery guy would do, this young man hunted all over the place, went out of his way to contact me, and ended up waiting around the hospital for 45 minutes while I frantically phoned, fretted, and finally straightened out a number of miscommunications that could easily have derailed my plans. What a guy! You are another one of my heroes, John, for understanding how important it was for me to be able to touch my niece's life in some tangible way. (And by the way, the unsolicited review of my family members is that these cupcakes are literally the best thing they have ever had the privilege of tasting!)

Props to Joannie, Crystal, Kristin, and Craig (as well as John, Macy and Brittany at Sweet Tooth Fairy), who have made me feel good about not only them, but ALL of us.

Now, THAT'S a gift!

=)