We are ONE

We are ONE.

A simple statement with a meaning so deep and complex, it's difficult to explain.

I have a wonderful and loving family who supports me through every endeavor.  They laugh with me, they cry with me, they work incredibly hard, make me stronger, make me smile, and I try like hell to do the same for them.

We are ONE.

Most of you know that I eat, sleep and breathe gymnastics.  I will openly admit that I probably have an unhealthy attachment to the sport at times.  It fuels me and motivates me and has helped shape the person I am.  But in all honesty, it's the people that are in my life because of this sport that binds me to gymnastics.  The gymnasts, coaches, administrators, families-- all the friends I have made in my over 20 years in this sport.... that's what keeps me coming back day after day.

We are ONE.

Each team is different.  At UW-Whitewater I have had the pleasure now of being a part of 8 different gymnastics teams.  I can't even begin to explain how blessed I feel to have had the opportunities that I have, and for the lifelong friends and sisters I have met along the way.  That amazing family I was talking about... that's them.  My soul mates.

We are ONE.

The team this year is incredible.  It is led by five amazingly talented young women who are sure to do amazing things in this world.  When these girls stand together, there is more talent in one room than in any other room on the planet.  I guarantee that.

We are ONE.

As a team we have been through a roller coaster of a year.  All the traditional ups and downs that teams go through were present... injuries, boyfriend issues, learning new skills, etc.  You name it, we conquered it.  Even tragedy.  When life hit us hard this year... we didn't stay down.  We helped each other up and trucked on... because that's what Avery would have wanted us to do.

We are ONE.

Families come in all shapes and sizes.  One of mine is made up of 20 girls who support one another, work together and push each other to be better in EVERY aspect of their lives.  There are 4 people in that family (myself included) who would do ANYTHING for any one of those girls... because we love them, cherish them, and count each one of them as a blessing in our lives.

We are ONE.

Today is the culmination of another season at Whitewater.  And the year behind us, though filled with loss and struggles, triumphs and victories, has lead us to this point.  If there is one thing we've learned this year, it's that nothing can stand in our way as long as we have faith.  My family has grown so much in their faith this year, and I know it will lead them today in everything they do.

We are ONE.

There are not enough words in the English language to describe the love and the passion I have for this family.  I believe more in you all than ever before, and I know that we can do this!!  Our team has it's guardian angel watching out for us, each and AVERYday!  So, today... we will do what we have done all season.  We will be ONE family, ONE team, with ONE dream.  *Nationals 2013*

We are ONE.

Love True,

Allison