Sorry about not updating for a bit... bet you all missed me. (Yeah right, Sistah T. Get over yo'self and cut da sap.) This one's on the Olympics (because I've been watching every night - so it's the most recent topic on my mind).

As I was watching the final of the U.S. women's team gymnastics, I watched as the six young ladies huddled after all the routines were finished. Mohini Bhardwaj made the comment that they had done the best that they could do and that all they could do was wait and see what the results were. That pep-talk sounded so familiar - and then I realized why.

Over four years ago, a group of five girls stood in a huddle on the final day of a state golf championship. They were pretty down - one had a hurt wrist, one was having shoulder problems, one had a sinus infection (among other issues), and one had the worst round of golf in the first day of the competition than she had had in years. Considering all of the obstacles the team was facing, they were a sorry looking bunch. But in the huddle, the girl with the hurt shoulders said, "Look - we're here already. We worked hard to make it to this point, and we're not going back. Each of us is going to go out there and do the best that she can and get our team back on track. And just remember: it doesn't matter if you shoot the best or worst round of your life - we still love you."

The team didn't win the championship - in fact, they came home in 12th place. But the second day had been so much better than the first - each girl shaved five to ten strokes off of her score and the team came within one stroke of beating the next closest team. And they left that final day feeling much better about themselves and the teamwork they pulled off.

I was the one with the sinus infection. My grandfather had just passed away from lung cancer and the funeral services were taking place overseas on the weekend of the state championship. I was under pressure for even going to the state tournament instead of fulfilling other duties at school and with my family. I had to give a speech for a graduation ceremony that I had not been certain I would attend. But I knew I could make it during this state tournament because my team was behind me - they believed in me, no matter how I performed. And I loved them for it.

So often do we take good teams for granted, and it is not until we have nothing left to rely on that we realize how much support we really have. That support is what makes great sports teams really special - no matter what the outcome is.

And to Lauren, Marianne, Annie, and Layne: there is a special place in my heart for you ladies. I'll never forget how you hung in there with me. Thanks for everything - I couldn't have made it without you.