Joannie Rochette - the Epitomy of the Canadian Spirit - Wins Bronze

Yesterday she brought home the Bronze Medal - but she brought 'gold' to every Canadian's heart.   Joannie, thrilled the crowd at Vancouver's Pacific Coliseum on Thursday night with a courageous performance that put her on the podium just days after her mother's sudden death of a heart attack.

 Joannie's mom died suddenly in Vancouver Sunday morning, shortly after arriving to watch her daughter compete.  Canadian team officials said Therese Rochette passed away after being rushed to Vancouver General Hospital.  Rochette was 55.  Joannie Rochette was given the news by her father Normand and her coach Manon Perron at the Olympic Village Sunday morning around 6 a.m.

At about 1:15 p.m. local time Sunday Rochette stepped out on the ice for a practice, appeared to wipe a tear away, and then went out, sometimes with a serene smile on her face. Her father was in the audience, and he sobbed as Rochette came out on ice. He watched her practice surrounded by friends.

                                                       (Photo by Robert Gauthier - Los Angeles Times)

Despite the shock of her mother's death Joannie decided to do the short program for women's figure skating where she placed 3rd......and then last night after the long program she brought home the Bronze.  A heartbreaking story, a courageous and mesmerizing performance that ended in bittersweet victory, "completing the journey her mother had started. 

If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Cultus Lake, Chilliwack, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Liz  Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack a call at- 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.