Some mothers don’t just show up for the early years. They show up for all of it.
Mother’s Day is often framed through the lens of childhood, with handmade cards featuring endearingly questionable drawings that only a mother could love, or breakfast in bed with a slightly soggy bowl of Froot Loops. As we get older, we trade those gestures for Hallmark cards and treat Mom to brunch, perhaps with a mimosa or two. However it’s celebrated, the day tends to center on honoring the work of raising young children.
Growing up, my mom was there on pool decks, cheering me through swim meets. That was our thing. Even when I swam for Indiana University, my coach set aside a weekend when our moms were invited to attend a meet. She would drive six hours from Detroit just to be part of it.
After I broke my neck in 1991, I returned to competition, this time not in the pool but on the track and the road.
Of course, she was in Atlanta for the 1996 Summer Paralympics. But she also showed up in places like Wilkes-Barre and Dayton, at lesser-known events where the crowds were smaller but her pride was just as big. Different sport, same mom, still my biggest fan.
She passed away nearly three years ago, but I carry everything she gave me: her belief, her energy, her constant encouragement.
To the younger athletes reading this, I know it can feel like your mom is always there, driving you to practice, making sure you didn’t forget your helmet, maybe hovering a little more than you’d like. It’s easy to roll your eyes in those moments. But it comes from a place of love. One day, you’ll look back and realize just how much those rides, those cheers, and yes, even that hovering, meant.
So this Mother’s Day, take a moment. Say thank you. Because no matter how far you go in sport or in life, chances are she will always be right there with you, your first and forever fan.
As always, please share your thoughts at al@pvamag.com