There is no greater joy than seeing your mom sitting in the stands watching you play the game you love. From Little League to Professional baseball, the moment you see your mom in the stands at a game you get a little extra pride about yourself.
Fortunately, for me, the last two games I have had my hero in the stands watching me.
On Saturday, my mom flew to Phoenix to come visit for a few days. She got the chance to watch two games and hang out for two of our off days. When she told me she was coming the week before, I could barely stand myself knowing I have not seen her in almost a month. After spending the weekend with her, I was reminded of how good of a mom I have.
So, mom, thank you.
There are so many things that come to mind when I think of you.
I think everyone can agree that your love for the Lord is what radiates the most and everything else follows. From a young age you have taught me what love is. You taught me to first love the Lord with all your heart. I can honestly say, that is the reason I am here today. Second, you taught me to love our family. You told me that when life gets a little shaky, look to your family to encourage and support you. You also taught me to love others. You always told me you never know what is going on in someone’s life and to look for the positives and leave an impact on their life. Lastly, you taught me to love myself. To be proud of what God has made. To be humble and confident in everything that I do. To embrace myself and to accept not just who I am, but whose I am.
Throughout your life you have inspired, encouraged, and motivated all to push past what life throws at you. And I am not talking about all the good; I am talking the hills that you have had to climb. Most people don’t know but my mom was diagnosed with MS 16 years ago. What most people see is a beautiful, motivational, God loving woman; what they don’t see is her battle with her health everyday. Because of her MS, she is easily fatigued, forgetful, and struggles with her strength.
With MS being more than most can handle, you have also struggled with skin cancer, a breast cancer scare, eye surgery, and gum surgery. You truly are a warrior!
The most amazing part is I have not once heard you complain about the cards you have been dealt in life. You choose to accept what has been given, make the most of it, and impact others along the way. One of my favorite moments is during an MS Society meeting a few years ago when you where sharing your testimony, without a dry eye in the room, about how you have conquered your life with MS. So many people left encouraged, fulfilled, and confident that they can continue their life without slowing down.
This year has been tough with your health and MS treatments. Quite frankly, I don’t know if this new treatment is the answer, but what I do know is that we serve a God of miracles. In Luke 18:27 Jesus says, “What is impossible with man is possible with God” and I fully believe that God will put His hand on you and your disease.
There are so many things to write about you. I am so grateful for the example that you have set for me to live up to. For the endless amount of back scratches you have given me after Friday Night football games. For the car rides where we have to pull over because we are laughing so hard (mostly because of something silly you did). For coming to every game that you could possibly make it to. For telling me to go get some extra work in after I go 0-4 instead of “good job” BUT also telling me how proud you are of me. And the best of them all, thank you for listening to me talk about my girlfriend drama for hours and hours (S/O to Reagan Locke).
So, mom, thank you for being my SUPER HERO. For showing everyone how to live life to the fullest and to trust what God has given you. I hope to be half of the person you are one day.
To the other moms out there, tell your kids you love them. There is nothing better than to hear your mom say, “Son, I am proud of who you are and what you have become. I love you!” Words go a lot farther than you think. Don’t just text them, call or FaceTime them, invest in them and show them you care.
To the children, call your mom today. Call her and tell her how thankful you are. Not just for sending you money this month, but also for what she has done for you and your family; the countless sacrifices that your mom made for you to have a better childhood. Some of you may not have talked to your mom in weeks, just call her, I promise you she will appreciate it.
As my mom has always said, “Don’t sweat the small stuff, life’s too short, just have fun!”
God Bless and Go Mom!