The Belbin/Harding clan is quite simply the best family in the world. It's often said that you can choose your friends but you can't choose your family, but I rest easy at night knowing that even if we could choose, I'd choose these people. (Click on the picture for a larger version - this is Christmas Eve 2000.)

Although I wept when Kate was born (I wanted a little brother :-), now I wouldn't trade her in for the world. Kate isn't just my sister, she's my best friend, and I thank God every day for making her part of my life. She was the best playmate growing up (not that we didn't have our share of fights! :-) and now that we're adults she remains one of the most important people in my life. It's funny because if we weren't sisters we'd never be friends - we have nothing in common!!!

Growing up I never understood why some kids hated their parents and couldn't wait to move out and be on their own. I realize now that I'm just exceptionally lucky. My dad is my hero and my mom is my role model. They have supported me completely and unconditionally in everything I choose to do (or not do) and have given me everything, both emotionally and materially, I could ever ask for. Having had health scares with both of my parents, I realize every day how blessed I am to have parents like these, even if I do sometimes take them for granted. :-)

Quite simply, Stacy is my best friend. She is my theatre going/obsessing/discussing partner, but more than that she's one of the best people I know and one of my favourite people to spend time with (even if we didn't get off to a very good start! :-p). Stacy has pulled me down off some pretty high flying ledges and pulled me up out of some pretty dark holes, and I can't imagine my life without her. Plus, without Stacy I would never have met all the amazing performers I have, so I always try to stay on her good side. :-p

I think I've known Elizabeth all my life, but I often take our friendship for granted. She was my first theatre loving pal - long before I discovered the wide world of the internet, I often used to think that Elizabeth and I were the only people in the world who loved theatre that much (or at least, were that obsessed with it!). No one can make me laugh as hard as Elizabeth can, and I treasure the time we spend together.

My cousin Tanith is one of my greatest inspirations - she works harder than anyone I know to achieve her goals, and she's come a long way in a couple of years to do so. It takes a special teenager to have the discipline to train as hard as she does and still keep her marks high and the other parts of her life strong and healthy. She currently is ranked second in the U.S. in ice dance with her partner Ben, and I'm so proud of her I could burst. But regardless of her success, she remains the sweetest girl, and she is remarkably grounded and well-adjusted considering the life she leads. She truly is a very special person.

Randy has been part of our family for 5 1/2 years now, and he's the brother I never had. He's pretty nice. Or so the Germans would have us believe. :-)