To the lady who has known me almost as long as my own parents, thank you.

You will truly never know the impact you had on me and how much you have influenced and shaped me into the person I am today. When I first walked into the dance studio 20 years ago, I never could have imagined everything I would get out of that one place: friendships, life lessons, and a lifetime of memories. And you are responsible for all of that.

I have so much that I want and need to say, but I don’t even know where to begin.

Thank you for never giving up on me. Through all the injuries and long nights of wanting to call it quits, you never let me and I am eternally grateful for that. Had you not been persistent I would not have the confidence I have today. I would not have all of the friends who have become family. I would not have lived the life that I have so far.

Anytime I had a decision to make that would alter my life - where I was going to college, when I had the opportunity to study abroad, when I had the chance to work in Disney World - I would have never made that decision without talking to you about it first. You would say, “Come on Catherine, you know better than that” or “I’m so proud of you” and I would know what option to choose.

Whenever there was a problem at school or at home or with a boy, you were there to tell me I was being overdramatic or that I needed to calm down because everything isn’t about me and my parents were allowed to give attention to my siblings.

Somehow, we ended up becoming coworkers which allowed you to teach me even more. Although our mornings at Dunkin Donuts were hectic because we were all tired and annoyed and didn’t want to be there, they are some of the best memories I have. Like the time you lost the bet and had to wear Red Sox gear all day despite being a devoted Yankees fan.

I want to recall the last talk we were able to have before the horrible disease that took you too soon prevented you from being able to live your everyday life. I had ended my semester at Disney World early and hadn’t told anyone. I was back working at Dunkin and you came in to do a surprise inspection. I was so scared to face you because I knew you’d give me “the look”. The “Catherine, what are you doing with your life” look that I had seen so many times before through all the school and major changes. When you finally found me, you smacked the back of my head and said, “you better have a damn good explanation for this kid.” After we talked, you knew that this was the best decision for me and supported me, per usual.

I have so many other wonderful memories that I could write a book, but I won’t do that to you. Just please know the impact and influence you have had not only on my life, but also the lives of so many other boys and girls who walked through your door hoping to just learn tap and ballet, but ended up with a lot more.

Hope you’re jamming out to Adele up there.

I love and miss you.

From,

The little girl whose life you changed