Rest in Peace

I just wanted to do a quick blog update to share about the loss of a dear family friend who will be greatly missed.

Christmas morning my longtime coach, Danalee (she's been my coach since I was 6), lost her dad to cancer. He passed away at 1:30 in the morning with his family there beside him.

"Papa" was a fabulous man. He had the sense of humor I enjoy the most – the dry, sarcastic kind. He was a grandpa not only to his grandkids, but to everyone at the rink really. Everyone knew him as papa and everyone loved him. He was at every one of our local competitions – always. He was always in the corner videotaping every performance. The best part of the videos was that it showed how proud he was of Danalee. Often instead of videotaping our getting on the ice, he'd focus on the look on Danalee's face. He'd focus back on her at the end of our skate, too.

Papa had been sick for a while, but just last week was told that the end was near. I think it was sort of a shock to everyone that it happened so quickly.

Danny – you'll be very missed. We love you!

kortney elise xoxo