I've spent all afternoon working on homework and studying for an upcoming college exam, and then I checked some statistics on my website...

It said 134 hits today, and I usually average between 40-60...

I looked into why it was getting visited so frequently beginning this afternoon, and everyone around the world was looking for websites for news or info on professional wrestler, Curt Hennig...and mine was getting hit...

Went to Google and at the top of the page it said he died this afternoon in Florida...

I am in a state of shock and grief right now and I am still thinking it must be a mistake...he was so young...44...

Curt had awarded me with my first trophy my first bench meet in 1996... but he was my "teen idol" / favorite guy back in the days when I watched wrestling, playing the role of WWF Intercontinental Champion "Mr. Perfect"... and a great person I had the pleasure of meeting and knowing when I moved from Florida to Minnesota...

He was the person who told me to get chiropractic care after I severely injured my back in early 2001, after I told him that nothing was taking away my pain and I had been suffering for 4 months... that referral for this treatment ended up putting me back onto the path to powerlifting again...

Not to mention that he knew how to make this girl laugh....he was always ready with his silly antics or funny things to say...

When I left my old gym, I didn't know it would be the last time I would see him and that I wouldn't get to say goodbye....

Just goes to show each and every one of us... it can happen... at anytime... do not take life (or anyone else's) for granted...

(This old picture was taken in Minneapolis in April 1996 after my first bench meet...Curt's first trophy presentation went to a very surprised first-timer who won 3rd place out of 5 women who didn't expect anything but a fun afternoon)