This week has been a difficult one for Wabash Swimming and Diving, but it has always amazed me how supportive and family-driven this place is. Traveling as a team up to Kendallville, IN to attend the viewing services for Patrick yesterday was extremely tough on all of us, but we were welcomed with open arms for a team dinner at Mark and Laura O'Shaughnessy's house in nearby Fort Wayne following the services. With the help of Bruce and Julie Graham, Janine Routh, Mo Palmer and many others, the guys were comforted with some real home-cooking and a large spread of amazing desserts!

Although we certainly wish the circumstances were different, there is nothing like the support we all get from our families in times of need. I had the opportunity to speak with Patrick's family at the services very briefly yesterday, and they were very appreciative of the support and well wishes they have received from everyone associated with Wabash. Patrick's mother whispered in my ear as we embraced saying how much Patrick really loved it here at Wabash and how difficult it was knowing we only got to have him for a few months.

I could not muster the strength to say it, but in my mind I was thinking how lucky we all were to have had those few months--for in those few months, we were able to take away so many memories that reflect all the goodness in Patrick.

Again, I would like to thank the many parents for their support and look forward to seeing our guys succeed in the coming weeks and months! Your support means everything to us.