From the moment a baby takes its first step, a mom’s heart is torn. With one hand, Mom beckons her toddler forward, while the other hand lingers behind ready to catch the fall. In the push-pull of motherhood, moms encourage children to step up to the next challenge, while longing to hold them back in the warm, safe, cocoon of unconditional love, knowing full well the world will never be so nonjudgmental and forgiving.
My mom cringed each time I got knocked flat playing sports. After every concussion, broken bone, and heart wrenching disappointment, never did she suggest that I should give up the game I love.
In turn, when the time came, I perched on the edge of a hard bleacher – my heart was lodged in my throat each time my child hit the hardwood. Yet, I continued to drive my kids to and from practices and games, doctors and chiropractors.
My daughter, long and lean, had so many injuries during her career that she received birthday cards from the urgent care center. From the time my hyperactive son’s feet hit the floor, he ran recklessly, slicing open his hand before the age of two, splitting his head as a 4-year-old.
Sprained ankles, twisted knees, separated ribs, compressed vertebrae, broken fingers. During my son’s ankle surgery in the middle of the night, I lay awake worrying about the long-term effect of a growth plate break in early adolescence. Would his right leg be shorter than the left one?
A shattered finger. A bruised rib. A broken dream. An ice pack, a back rub, a favorite meal. Moms know instinctively how to comfort, to console, to care.
After every setback, I cheered. “Go ahead try out”… for the team, the band, the play, the scholarship, the job.
“What if I don’t make it, Mom?”
“Don’t worry. There will be another game, performance, employment. Don’t give up.”
Very few kids will stand on an Olympic podium, but whether they play sports or put their energy into other interests, our children will be stronger for having given it their best shot.
Life will knock them on their butts. More than once. The greatest lesson a parent can impart is, « Get back up!”
When children need the extra oomph to rise after those discouraging losses, thwarted goals, career-ending injuries, Mom will be there with a helping hand, a kind word, and a chocolate cookie.
My dad taught me how to throw a ball and shoot a basket, but Mom was the one who listened to my fears, wiped away my tears and encouraged me to follow my dream. I’d apologize for unloading my problems, but after teaching all day, my strong Norwegian-American mom would point to her back and say, “I can carry the weight. God gave me broad shoulders.”
We all stand on shoulders of the women who brought us into the world.
And every mother knows there is an « Olympian » in each child, then coaches it out of them.
“This remind me of you,” my daughter posted on social media acknowledging that strength passed on from one generation to the next
Thanks, Mom. For teaching us that falling only makes us stronger.
Congratulations to all the competitors at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games!
And to the moms that picked them up every step of the way.
I love this. I get very emotional watching the parents of these outstanding athletes. What they have given their children is almost beyond words. I’m sure these games hold a special meaning for you, Pat.
This is absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Made me cry.
You, super mom, raised 3 beautiful daughters who will be Olympians in their fields.
sis,
YES our Mama has strong Norwegian blood! Cannot count the times she “picked” one of us 4 up emotionally or physically after a Life Spill. Thanks for reminding us and many others how blessed we are for their strong, encouraging, loving Mom who have helped us navigate the peaks and valleys in Lifes journey…..Te Amo sis!
Hooray for all moms! Thanks Pat. I love this.
Thanks Clara. Know you have helped pulled a lot of us back up with your authentic living messages.
Another beautiful message that strikes at the heart of any mom. Yes, we all see the “Olympian” in our child. Love it!
Good Moms have our backs always and know you were one of the best.
Another message that is right on, Pat. Thanks for the reminder of how blessed we are to have a mom that was always there for us and “picks” us up even now when we are adults. You, too, have been that kind of mom. And no doubt your children are the happy, successful individuals they are because you were on the sidelines cheering them on in life.
Oh, thank you so much, Pat. My husband must think I’m such a goofball, I’m sitting here typing with tears running down my face! XOXO
You are NOT a goofball. You are a Mom, who has always been to help her kids and grandkids to get back up when life knocks them flat.
Love these P&G ads, Pat — they’re really heart-warming! Good for your parents — mine did the same thing (though, thankfully, I didn’t break arms or legs!). We’re blessed to have had parents who encouraged us and supported us.
My son Domer did a LOT of athletics all through school. The only thing he quit was baseball (he just didn’t enjoy it, and I didn’t have the heart to force him to continue playing when he was already involved in so much that he loved!)
“Getting back up” is a valuable life lesson, both on the court and every day!
Yes, we were blessed with good parents to help us weather the storms of life. You will have a nice surprise at your post office when you return home, but don’t rush back. I think it is still snowing Up North. ha ha
Patty, Have you ever considered a career with Hallmark? Your blog, like their commercials, make me laugh and cry at the same time!
Oh sweet, Peggy. I could also blog about how friends help pick each other up. Thanks for always being there for me even long distance ever since 3rd grade. Yockway!
Where would we all be without our moms? The commitment of the athletes is easily matched by the commitment of their mothers.
Absolutely, Sharon. And where would our children be without us?
Brought tears to my eyes, even though I have seen numerous times.
i saw your sister Sue yesterday at a wake…she was passing out hugs and love! Special lady!
Yes, that Sue brings out the specialness in everyone.
What a wonderful tribute to mothers!
Thanks Amy and I can tell from your writing that you are one of those Olympian moms!