Sarah's Parade Speech
Sarah's speech at the ceremony following the parade on March 10, 2002:
First of all, I can't believe how many people showed up today. It's almost like my house. (laughs) As you can see, this town has been incredibly supportive. And as we have passed by many of the stores on Middle Neck Road, my picture takes up a little portion of their window. I was very surprised when I came into town last week, but I'll have to say that my mom warned me. Warned me, yes. But I doubt anybody can prepare for this since it's really unimaginable. To have a little place in your window is like having a little place in your heart. I thank you for making room and thank you for making me feel like I'm a part of your family.
To see how positively people have come together and cheer their upbeat spirits is really mind-boggling to me, just a camaraderie in spirit. I can't ever remember reading anything like this about even in the history of Nassau County. Helen Keller once said that the best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, they must be felt with the heart. I think this is what she meant.
After the World Trade Center tragedy, we came together as a community. The horror of that day struck at the heart of this town, taking the lives of two graduates of this high school, John Ielpi and Sturge (?), along with many other of our friends and relatives. Great Neck pulled together in the face of that atrocity, using love and support to heal the wounds of that day. I know from my mail that many of the volunteers from ground zero watched me skate in Salt Lake and some of them said it was the first time they smiled since September 11. One of them, Doug Davis, sent me a small piece of the World Trade Center. I will forever remember these letters, messages and gestures, along with the World Trade Center flag brought in during the opening ceremonies as vividly as I will remember receiving my medal.
Perhaps the suffering in our community was partly why when I skated at the Olympics, my mind was not preoccupied with the gold. I skated with my heart. I didn't realize my passion would bring enjoyment to people all across the country. And for that wonderful surprise, I am more than happy to share my experience with you, and people such as Doug Davis. However ironic it is, I didn't skate for fame or notoriety. I learned that having insincere or incorrect motives in life doesn't take you anywhere you want to be. Fame, success, recognition, and popularity come and go in life. But I have been blessed to have people stay by my side. When moments are fleeting, remember and thank the people who are not. A goal in my life was to fly, but so far I have soared and it wouldn't have been possible without the people surrounding me today.
I have heard this story by Robert Fulgrum about a young pastor who, finding himself in charge of some very energetic children, picked upon a game called giants, wizards, and dwarfs. You have to decide now, the pastor instructed the children, which you are: a giant, a wizard, or a dwarf. At that, a small girl tugging at his pants leg asked, "But where do the mermaids stand?" The pastor told her, "There are no mermaids," and she said, "Oh yes, there are. I am a mermaid." Now this little girl knew what she was and she was not about to give up on either her identity or the game. She intended to take her place wherever mermaids fit into the scheme of things. Where do mermaids stand? All those who are different, those who do not fit in the boxes and pigeon wholes? Answer that question, wrote Fulgrum, and you can build a school, a nation, or a whole world.
This community has been built by such people who don't just tolerate diversity, but embrace it. As senator Clinton said in her book, "It takes a village to raise a child." And for me, that village has been Great Neck. (big applause)
When I think of Mr. Fulgrum's story it reminds me of my days in John F. Kennedy Elementary School and the North Middle School, when I used to go to school in my skating dresses. I'm sure many of the children and other teachers thought it was odd, but my teachers and my friends not only had supported me, but encouraged me. I found that in high school, wearing skating dresses to class is very un-cool. Whatever your dreams or goals may be, find people who encourage you.
I have had the privilege of being able to reside here while working with my coach, Robin Wagner. I could go on and tell you how great Robin really is, but there is no way to put it into words. If there were a way, we'd be here for a week, so let's be glad there's not! (laughter) But I'll still try. Our bond has only been strengthened, and this goal was accomplished, by having the opportunity to spend an insurmountable amount of time together. It all started when we would drive to a rink in New Jersey. At first I was a diff student because I wasn't used to traveling an hour and a half to get to a rink. I was spoiled by being able to go to Parkwood, which was only 5 minutes away. Too bad it isn't a year round facility! (laughter, applause) Despite my initial rejection to this long trek, I began to look forward to our ride together. She made it fun and she made it interesting. I was learning about classical music, how to be more sophisticated, and works of art, while I reminded her of the finer things in life, such as grade school, pop music, and the internet. I'm sure there were many times she was thankful she hadn't had any children of her own. We work together on all aspects of skating, which includes finding and cutting music, designing costumes, choreographing programs, and learning and refining elements. At first I was so happy just to be included and felt important in these decisions. But now I am glad that not only am I included, but I have the added knowledge. I have learned to follow processes to make decisions, and while we may spend a lot of time making decisions, we spend more time explaining how we came to our conclusions. She possesses what the best teachers do in life, and that is passion. Besides her passion she has taught me how to, so-called, "Fish". If you give a man a fish, he can eat for a day, but if you teach a man to fish, he can eat for the rest of his life. Yes, she taught me about sportsmanship and friendship, but most importantly, lessons in life and loyalty. There is no other person who knows me better, and no one I'd rather take this voyage with. Some people come. Some people go. Robin is a person who will forever be indented in me.
Many people thought what happened two weeks ago was remarkable. I didn't even understand why until recently. This is what has been going for the last four years of my life and each year only gets more exciting. However this year more people took notice. More people are interested because they are seeing the behind- the-scenes journey. They see how devoted Robin is, they respect and admire my parents, they see how wonderful the Great Neck school system really is, they see how I was blessed to be born into my family. Sometimes it seems like a dream world for me and I have to pinch myself. They see the support of the village and get to know people like our friends at Deli on the Green. They see what a great village we share. And finally, I think the public is seeing it takes a Great Neck to raise a child. (applause)
As young adults, we have the opportunity to make a difference, not just for ourselves but for others and future generations. That is what I like best about being a part of today's youth in our country. I'd like to tell you all about somebody who has made the most of his opportunity, and that would be a person I call Dad. He grew up with love and I don't think he ever wanted there to be a shortage of it in our household. Whatever somebody may admire about someone in our family, don't tell us, tell him. He made us understand that each one of us is different but not one of us superior. He told me that whatever you have or whatever you acquire is worthless, unless you have people to share it with. Sharing is what brings joy and I am seeing it clearer now than ever before. He always has words of wisdom for me, and although I usually understand them, I don't appreciate them until later, which makes them all the more beautiful. I have never encountered a better person than my Dad and don't think I ever may. He is the kind of man that would perplex Darwin. He has so much wisdom, so much knowledge, and so much heart.
I'd also like everyone to know that none of this would have been possible without my mother. All of my siblings embody her spirit, although none of us share her energy. We try, but there really is no match for her charisma. I'll never forget all the mornings she woke up early, all the hours she drove, and all the times I cried, that she sacrificed too much for her children. I thank my mom for making me do the dishes and my own laundry. Thank you, mom. I can never say it too much.
Together, my parents are an unbeatable team with remarkable values. They have instilled these values in each one of us. They have many parental accolades, but perhaps the one I admire the most is always making each one of her 6 children feel like they're worth a million bucks and can make anything possible. My dad showed us what can be accomplished through motivation, hard work, and determination. We understand that it's up to us to follow it.
I also want to say thank you to our fantastic neighbors, the Gumowitzes and Mama. Both of these people are extended members of our family and we're glad they have been a part of our lives. I only wish my Grandma could have been here with us today to share in the parade. She would have been so proud. However, I'm thankful my Nana was with me in Salt Lake City and is here today. (Applause...Sarah hugs Nana). I also want to thank Robin's husband, Jerry Grossman, for lending me Robin and for his thoughtful guidance. And, of course, we can never forget the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this great event possible. This has definitely been the most enjoyable year of my life. I leave you with a valid thought: Remember the people who helped you get here and remember the people who will help you get where you are going. I want to thank all of you for taking the time to come today, as I know everyone is very busy. Today was advertised to be in recognition of me, but all of us here know in our hearts that this is about community and that is exactly what it should be about. Thank you.
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