"Todd is a big role model for me because he's a world champion and that's one of my dreams, and so when I see him out there skating on the same ice as me, it really motivates me, and it keeps my dream real close." Tara Lipinski, age 14, speaking on Todd Eldredge.
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12/28/01
The crowd emptied out of the dimly lit arena. All but a few fans left for their cars. There was no reason to stick around. The show was over, and the roadies were hard at work, in fact they were nearly finished tearing down the lights and all.
In a back room, hidden from sight, a skaters reception was drawing to a close. A reception so often held for and full of "winners of promotional passes".
But the TRUE fan was left out....
Unable to win the contest she entered many times.... She couldn't get thru to the contest lines at radio and TV stations, for the masses of people who so often called in to win "Anything they could".
So many in the reception weren't even fans, just "lucky callers"...It all didn't seem fair.
For months she DREAMED of meeting her HERO, only for it all to come down to this.
The lights started to go out, and with them, so did the fire in her eyes. The determination to "Always Believe" and "DREAM"....was fading to realization that it was going to have to be another year before the chance to meet her hero once again presented itself...
The impatience of the ushers was apparent in their voices. They wanted to go home like 99.99% of the other show attendees already did.
It didn't look good.
The fire in her eyes was suddenly smothered out by a lone tear at first, and then an unstoppable flow that only one person could stop.
Her loving and patient mother, finally tugged at her hand, "Come on sweetheart"..."It's time to go"....Her other hand locked tighter to the rail as mom tried to edge her along...The usher seen the tears, and smiling, she made a gesture for mom to "Hold on......just one more minute". as she disappeared behind the curtains of the doorway......
She had seen the little girl staring at her photo of Tara Lipinski, beginning to cry, and remembering her youth, how Peggy Flemming was "Her Hero", she couldn't help but try to help the young lady out.
Mom waited five minutes, when the announcement was made for everyone to clear out of the arena....She had to pull her daughter's hand from the rail...Then instead of a crying outburst, she noticed her face "Light up"...Mom looked in the direction her daughter was staring, and to her amazement, she saw the usher standing along side a Tiny Figure....She was pointing towards the seats, showing TARA where the little girl was. And they both saw the huge smile on Tara's face as she waved for them to make their way down to the ice....And Tara met them half way!!
Suddenly the tears were gone, and now as mom looked on at her little girl, actually getting autographs and in a conversation with her hero, Tara, she saw her daughter glowing as she never seen her before. Something hit her. Mom Realized Tears were running down her own face.
How wonderful to see her daughter so happy. She never knew what "Always Believe" was all about....Till now!!
Mom found a new hero that day herself. She knew that tiny figureskater didn't have to do this.
Especially for someone she didn't even know, but as time went on, mom realizes now that Tara DID know her daughter.
Tara saw her daughter in every city she visited. Tara saw the young lady and the look of mesmerent in her eyes, in every hospital she had fortune to share her love in.
Tara knew her daughter from all of the letters and mail that so many like her, sent to Tara, pouring their hearts out. And when Tara saw her standing there, with mom in the distance, it was as though she saw her own sister, or best friend, and the child felt it too !!
And Tara will allow this scenario to play itself out, over & over again. In every city to come. For every child strong enough to believe in their dreams. If they cross paths with Tara, Tara won't run and hide, You kidding?!!
It's Tara's loving nature to say....
"OH HI!!!".... as though she knew you
forever!!
It's just the way she is!!
No one person will ever see it more than perhaps her own mother, who certainly has witnessed more dreams come true then most persons alive today. And Pat, you should be so HONORED to know, that we all know you are part n pair of the same, Tara is a chip off your block!
And for this you may share in the joy to know, these are the reasons that as the year comes to a close,.....
WE wish to honor BOTH TARA & PAT, with.....
The Tara Lipinski Gallery's First......
AS Well as TaraFans.com's First......
Award for....
TaraFans "PERSON OF THE YEAR" !!!!
So many dreams have come true as result of you two ladies....And for it,
the world is a better place!
Especially for the CHILDREN!!!!!
THANK YOU PAT LIPINSKI !!
THANK YOU TARA LIPINSKI !!
For ALL you have done & WILL do in the future!!
We are honored to know you!!!
Thank you for raising "TARA" !!!
Thank you for being "TARA" !!!
No other words bring you justice like the name,
TARA LIPINSKI !!!!!
GOD BLESS YOU BOTH THRU THE COMING YEAR!!! YOU REIN SUPREME IN OUR BOOK!
In Loving Admiration for all that you are,
And all that you do,
Mike Mika
and the ENTIRE TEAM at TaraFans.com
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Mike is Director of Public Relations and the Media/Fans Liaison with www.TaraFans.com
As well as site master of the Tara Lipinski Galleryฎ
The TaraFans Team is a collection of individuals who we believe to be some of the best and most dedicated fans of Tara's and HER FANS in the world. Dedicated to the betterment of Tara's fans and their support for her.
ฉ 2001-2002 Tara Lipinski Gallery & TaraFans.com
