I know he loved us and did the best he could to be a good father and husband. Now, as a parent myself, I understand that more than ever. Forgiveness is purifying for the soul, and I’m so thankful that the four of us were able to forgive one another before Tata left this earth.
With every ending comes a new beginning and, for me, I was lucky enough to have two beginnings after Tata’s passing: Vincent and Jen. Tata never met either of these “new beginnings” as Vincent was born just months after his passing, and Tata was too ill by the end to meet Jen. Christina, Jen, and I had continued to build our relationship and get closer over the next year. By winter 2009, all three sisters knew it was time for Jen to meet Mama.
Mike and I decided to host Christmas at our home in Cleveland that year. We figured it would be the perfect time and setting for us all to come together. Mama, understandably, was nervous and anxious to meet Jen. She’d already heard so much about her from Christina and me and knew she’d had an amazing family and upbringing, but Mama still carried remorse and guilt about putting Jen up for adoption. Even though Mama was scared and worried that Jen might be resentful and angry, she knew she owed it to Jen to at least meet her.
Within minutes of Mama arriving at my house, she was hugging Jen, long and tight. I had a lump in my throat the size of an apple. I immediately welled up as I watched Mama squeeze the daughter she never was given a chance to hold at birth. I caught Mama staring at Jen, just like I’d stared at Jen when I first met her. I’m sure Mama was taken aback at the similarities between all of us, and I remember Mama nodding her head when I mentioned it. I couldn’t imagine what it must have been like for Mama to have given up a baby at birth, and now have all three of her daughters in the same room having an early Christmas dinner. I wondered if Mama noticed Jen’s resemblance to Tata, in particular. The shape of her face, her nose, the color of her skin—it was all Tata.
“Did you wonder what ever happened to me? Did you ever think about me?” Jen asked Mama.
My heart pounded and I could feel the tears building up. I was so proud that Jen asked Mama these questions right away. Mama told her that she’d thought about her often. I could see that Mama was emotional and on the verge of tears, but she did her best to be honest and give Jen the answers she deserved. I remember Jen also asked if Mama had any photos of herself when she was pregnant with Jen. I was surprised when Mama said yes, that she had found one when she was looking through old photos to share with Jen. She said she’d give it to her. Man, I thought, I want to see that one, too.
Mama went on to ask Jen about her childhood, her parents, her siblings. Jen was very generous to Mama, reassuring her that she had a wonderful childhood and that Mama shouldn’t feel badly for what had happened. She told Mama that her parents taught her to never judge her biological family, because there was a reason that things happened the way they did and, in the end, their family was blessed with her.
We sat together until one in the morning, talking and sharing stories. We also brought out the camera and snapped a few shots to mark the beginning of our new chapter together. I remember Mama brought a Christmas gift for Jen—a white zip-up Guess jacket and a matching white wallet, which Jen tried on and was wearing in the photos. It made me think back to the rose I’d given Jen at the airport the day I first met her and how all of our lives had changed so much since then.
As for gymnastics, people ask me all the time, Will you let your kids be gymnasts? Of course I will! Heck, they already are! I love my sport with all my heart. It was never the sport that harmed me, it was the self-serving adults surrounding the sport at the Elite level who harmed me. I’m excited for my children to experiment with gymnastics, and I won’t lie: I’ll be thrilled if they share my love for it, but, more important, I want them to be exposed to many different sports and activities so they’re able to identify their own passion in life. Whether it’s gymnastics, another sport, music, art, or something entirely different, Mike and I will support and encourage them to fulfill their own passions.
Gymnastics will always be a part of my life (past, present, and future), and I am grateful for the life lessons and confidence it has given me. Whether joined by thousands or standing alone, I will continue to be an advocate for my sport and push for fairness in women’s gymnastics across the board. I am eternally grateful and proud to have found my passion in what I believe is the greatest sport in the world. As the next generation of young gymnasts reach new heights and stick their landings, I’ll be supporting them and promoting our sport … every step of the way.
Acknowledgments
There are many individuals who made this book possible. First, I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to my husband, Michael, who has always been a pillar of strength. You truly are my knight in shining armor. Your support and understanding empowered me to take this leap of faith and write my story. I couldn’t ask for a better partner. You’re my best friend. I love you.
To my co-authors, Paul and Teri Williams, the dynamic duo! Not only are you my A-Team, you are dear friends I adore and greatly respect. My sincerest thanks for all of your dedication and guidance over the years—and especially with this project. It was long and tedious at times, but your patience and efforts are truly appreciated. Thank you for believing in me.
To Michelle Howry, and the entire Simon & Schuster team—thank you for your enthusiasm and encouragement from day one. Your expertise, support, and care throughout this process have been invaluable.
To my agent, Stephanie Abou—thank you for helping me connect the dots to make my story a reality.
To Aunt Janice, my sounding board—I thank you for being such a loyal and loving friend to me and my family over the last twenty-one years. I look forward to fifty more!
To my sisters, Christina and Jennifer—with the release of this book comes a new chapter in our lives. My life is better for having the two of you in it. Now I have not one but two sisters to love, protect, and share my life with. I love you both and look forward to our future and the new memories we will make together.
To Mama, I want to express my love and appreciation for your unwavering support. You have loved me unconditionally, taught me right from wrong, and done everything in your power to provide me with the best. I am forever grateful for the sacrifices you made for me. I love you today, tomorrow, and always.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Largely considered one of the greatest and most accomplished gymnasts of the modern era, Dominique Moceanu, born in 1981, is the youngest American gymnast, male or female, to win an Olympic gold medal (at age fourteen), and the youngest to win a Senior National All-Around title (at age thirteen!). She was also the youngest gymnast to compete at the World Championships, to earn a spot on the US National Team, and the youngest athlete ever featured on a Wheaties box!
Born to immigrant Romanian parents, she started her gymnastics career at the ripe old age of three.
Today Dominique is happily married to Dr. Michael Canales, a gymnast turned foot and ankle surgeon. The couple lives in Cleveland with their two children, Carmen and Vincent.
Me at six months old on a clothesline. (Courtesy of the author)
Tata, Mama, and me in Hollywood, 1981. (Courtesy of the author)
With my sister, Christina, at the Olympics in Atlanta, 1996. (Courtesy of the author)
Tata, Mama, and me receiving my official congratulatory certificate from the Olympic Games in Houston, 1996. (Courtesy of Janice Ward)
Tata, Mama, and me at the Planet Hollywood after-party following our Team Finals victory in Atlanta, 1996. (Courtesy of Janice Ward)
With Aunt Janice at my home in Cleveland, Ohio. (Courtesy of Janice Ward)
Pregnant Mama and Tata at the beach in California, 1981. (Courtesy of the author)
Me with Bela Karolyi. (Courtesy of Dave Black/International Gymnast Magazine)
Performing one of my favorite floor routines at the Goodwill Games, July 1998. (Courtesy of Eileen Langsley/International Gymnast Magazine)
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br /> A pose in my beam routine at the World Championships in Sabae, Japan, 1995. (Courtesy of Eileen Langsley/International Gymnast Magazine)
My floor exercise at the World Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland, 1997. (Courtesy of Eileen Langsley/International Gymnast Magazine)
On the podium at the Goodwill Games in Long Island, NY, 1998. (Courtesy of Eileen Langsley/International Gymnast Magazine)
On beam (one of my favorite events) during the World Championships in Sabae, Japan, 1995. (Courtesy of Eileen Langsley/International Gymnast Magazine)
A pose in my floor exercise at the U.S. National Championships in New Orleans, 1995. (Courtesy of Dave Black/International Gymnast Magazine)
Mike and I cool down with a stretching session while training for my comeback at Gymnastics World in Cleveland, Ohio, 2005. (Courtesy of the author)
With my 1996 Olympics gold medal at a photo shoot in 2006. (Courtesy of Achille Bigliardi)
With other gymnasts at the National Team Training Camp at the Karolyi ranch during my comeback, July 2006. Pictured left to right: Dominique, Brittney Noble, Shayla Worley, Nastia Liukin, Amanda Castillo, and Shawn Johnson. (Courtesy of the author)
With most of my Magnificent Seven teammates at the White House, 1996. Pictured left to right: Jaycie Phelps, Dominique Dawes, Amanda Borden, Dominique, Amy Chow, and Kerri Strug. (Courtesy of the author)
The Magnificent Seven reunion in Atlanta, 2007. Pictured left to right: Amanda Borden, Amy Chow, Jaycie Phelps, Dominique, Kerri Strug, Dominique Dawes, and Shannon Miller. (Courtesy of the author)
With Jennifer backstage at the Britney Spears Circus Tour in Detroit, 2009. (Courtesy of the author)
Jennifer doing a handstand in front of the Statue of Liberty. (Courtesy of the author)
Jennifer climbing her favorite backyard apple tree at four years old. (Courtesy of the Bricker family)
Jennifer in a white dress at twelve years old. (Courtesy of the Bricker family)
Jennifer with Carmen, Mike, Christina, and special pup Princess at our first meeting in Ohio, May 2008. (Courtesy of the author)
Christina, Jennifer, and me in Houston, 2010. (Courtesy of the author)
Graduating from John Carroll University, May 2009. (Courtesy of the author)
With my beautiful children, Vincent and Carmen, 2011. (Courtesy of the author)
Me, Mike, Carmen, and newborn Vincent at home in Ohio, March 2009. (Courtesy of the author)
Mike and me at St. John Arena on the John Hancock Tour of World Gymnastics Champions in Ohio, 1997. (Courtesy of the author)
Me and Mike at our wedding on November 4, 2006. (Courtesy of J. Christopher Chisum)
Me and Nadia Comaneci at the wedding. Consistent with Romanian tradition, Nadia served as the “honorary godparent” for me and Mike at our wedding. (Courtesy of J. Christopher Chisum)
Tata, Mama, and me at the reception on my wedding day. (Courtesy of J. Christopher Chisum)
Carmen doing a one-armed handstand at age one, December 2008. (Courtesy of the author)
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Off Balance: A Memoir Page 24
