A True “Get Up” Moment


A True “Get Up” Moment

Originally published Nov/Dec 2017 PS Magazine


 One of the more challenging aspects of writing an editorial is the fact that I have to write months in advance of the publication. I’m writing this in the beginning of September…regionals haven’t even happened. Yet as I sit here wondering what to write about, a subject presented itself. Texas and Florida have been devastated recently by natural disasters. Not one, but two storms of immense power. Millions without the basic necessities of life… a roof over their head, food, water, power. Even as power comes back and aid becomes available, it is a struggle for many to get back some form of normalcy. In our chosen life of figure skating, what has happened is truly a “Get Up” moment. Even though most rinks in the affected areas were shut down, for the most part they “weathered the storm.” Many rinks in Florida and Houston were without power and some lost their ice, but fortunately no significant damage. The question is, how will this affect the local skaters training for their prospective regionals? How will this affect the long term financial health of those rinks? 
Even a month after Hurricane Harvey hit the Houston area, skaters continue to face many hardships post-storm. Skaters hoping to test just before the deadline met with cancelled or over-full sessions. Many couldn’t get a spot before the deadline. The Sugarland competition, one of the last area competitions before regionals, was cancelled. Skaters and coaches alike lost their homes and when the rinks re-opened, many skaters had to reduce ice time and lessons because of the expense of recovery. 
One coach in Houston had 4 feet of water in his house. Another coach shared several stories of her skaters’ homes being lost, but still finding ways to help others like cooking hot meals and opening their homes to the displaced. 
National judge Bob Horen was without power for almost a week. Still he found a way to keep his phone charged and help me prepare this year’s PowerPoint presentation for the regional coaches and referee webinars. 
No one should be surprised that our skating community arose to help those in need. This is what we do. We “Get Up.” We help others “Get Up.” Whatever knocks us down, doesn’t keep us down. I salute the skaters, coaches, judges, and volunteers who worked hard to help those in need.

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