Along with heartbreaking stories, the 2011 U.S. Figure Skating Championships had some of the most inspirational figure-skating stories in recent history … such as the refreshing comebacks of Alissa Czisny and Ryan Bradley….

But, without a doubt, my favorite story and inspiration from the 2011 Nationals was John Coughlin and Caitlin Yankowskas’ emotional free skate and win in senior pairs.

Last March, in one of my first blog posts, I wrote about John and his late mother, Stacy, in “A Parent’s Influence Lasts Forever.”

Even if everyone is talking about how emotionally moving John and Caitlin’s performance was … how their long program to “Ave Maria” was a tribute to John’s mom … how important John’s mom was in John’s skating career … how John’s mom encouraged John and Ryan Bradley to keep skating … how John tweeted “hug your mom today” the day of the long program … how John and Caitlin poured heart and soul into their performance … how John placed his face in Caitlin’s hand and wept at the end of the program … I can only say:

I CAN’T HEAR IT ENOUGH. I still can’t watch the video of John and Caitlin’s National’s long program all the way through without getting teary-eyed. I don’t want to forget how important it is to hug your mom, your dad, your children, your husband or wife, your brothers and sisters, your grandparents, everyone who’s important in your life … how winning is wonderful, but family is so much more important…..

If you haven’t seen the performance that moved so many to tears, here it is:

“To Live in Hearts” Word-Art Freebie in memory of John’s mom, Stacy Coughlin.

Blog post by my son, Will, from the perspective of a friend/coach/former competitor: “Inspiration from the 2011 U.S. Pairs Champions, Caitlin Yankowskas and John Coughlin.”

Some of my thoughts on sports and family: “Don’t Forget Family.”