From Olinda

Dear Johnny,
I wish I could say something to make you laugh, to ease the hurt of unkind words and negative energies. Please know that you are loved and that love will always overcome hate, fear and jealousy. The messages of love and support here bring tears to my eyes. The Angels express all the things I've been feeling.

When you skated at Worlds, I could feel all the Angels pulling for you and praying for you. As always you skated so beautifully, despite not being at full strength. Your courage in facing down adversity inspires me to try harder myself to believe in my own
talents and dreams.

You are so beautiful both inside and out. Your presence on the ice and the wondrous magic you create is simply out of this world. Your genius shines. I believe your skating has inspired your competitors to improve their skills, and thus you have helped raise
the level and set the standard. The sport truly benefits by your presence in it.

Please remember the words of Shakespeare:
"Sweet are the uses of adversity..."

Be lifted by the poetry of Maya Angelou:
"Does my happiness upset you? Does my confidence upset you? You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your eyes, And still I'll rise, I'll rise, I'll rise."

Be lifted by words from the song, "Hero":
"Dreams are hard to follow / But don't let anyone tear them away / Hold on, there will be tomorrow / In time, you'll find a way ...
And then a Hero comes along / With the strength to carry on / And you cast your fears aside / And you know you can survive / So when you feel like hope is gone / Look inside you and be strong / And you'll finally seethe truth / That a Hero lies in you."

You are our Hero, Johnny! Rise On ...