Recieved this early this morning, so i wanted to share it with everyone.

 " Rob,

Ah the frustration of my sport.  So let me start by saying that was my best time so I can't be too upset, it just wasn't the best time I know I am capable of.  I guess that 2:08 will just have to wait.  The really frustrating part happened this morning when I realized my time in the 200 IM would have qualified 3rd for the finals.  However, as in 2004 I got 3rd at trials in that event to Michael and Ryan, who are again and as usual, first and second.  So all that venting being said, through this experience I have definitely learned that in the grand scheme of things it's just not that big of a deal.  This experience has been incredible and I have enjoyed and cherished almost every moment of it.  I want to thank you again for setting up the blog, I have really enjoyed reading people's messages.  Also, crap has been forwarding me all of the e mails crap gets as well.  I have been on some of the most successful teams in the world that range from winning state titles, to winning NCAA titles, to now winning the swimming portion of the games (which we will do), and the cancer community that has taken me under their wing has proved to be the strongest and closest.  It is incredible the emotion and encouragement I feel from people who I have never even met before.  I have pretty much decided that I will not be retiring just yet, so after I get rid of this crap I am going to come back faster and stronger than ever.   Hope everything is going well with you, I will be in touch.

Eric "

Again, I want to thank the group of you who shared your words of encouragement, strength and hope.  As we all know suport is the rock that helps others in the "family " get thru this rough patch of road. Being that we are going to leave this open, I hope that you will continue to share your stories, well wishes , and give your strength  to Eric and his family.  As you can see by Erics letter, and alot of us know by personal experience , knowing that others before you have battled and won can make all the difference in the world. Believe it or not, there were some who thought that this was the wrong thing to do. But Eric, his family and people like  you, and others from all over the world proved once again, that being positive and giving our support and strength can and does make a huge difference.  I love it.....

"and the cancer community that has taken me under their wing has proved to be the strongest and closest.  It is incredible the emotion and encouragement I feel from people who I have never even met before.  I have pretty much decided that I will not be retiring just yet, so after I get rid of this crap I am going to come back faster and stronger than ever.  '

You all made a difference.  I believe that Eric  will conquer  the cancer battle, and we will be rooting for him as the Journey to London begins.

Once again, I personally thank you, and lets keep the support going. He reads these so if you have a messsage for Eric,  let them Fly.  As I told Eric, this was a total victory.  It certainly was.