She looked so peaceful as I leaned down and whispered, “Mom, I’m going to California to compete, just like you and John wanted me to. Please don’t worry, I promise I’ll be back in about two weeks.”

By the way, in case you didn’t already know, John was my dad’s name, which is what I always used to call him back when he was still alive.

With that, I placed my lips against her cheek and kissed her ever so softly.

Whispering I said, “I love you Mom. I’m going to go win that trophy for you and John!”

I tiptoed back out of the room and once the door was closed, I took off down the stairs like a dolphin in water.