Mothers. They are a constant. A person always there, often in the background, sometimes taken for granted. A go-to to heal our hurt feelings and kiss our skinned elbows. To care for us when we’re sick, and cheer for us from the sidelines. To always remember the after-game snack, and bring an extra for the one that showed up unexpectedly. To be willing to listen at any time, day or night.
No, mothers aren’t always the one giving out sage advice, or preaching lessons. They are the ones that show us how to live through their actions—quietly, not seeking acknowledgement. Just doing it out of love. And so it is on this Mother’s Day that we take a moment to honor our mothers and reflect on what we learned from them. We do it as a reminder to be grateful for the steadfast, unconditional love that we knew was always there, and always will be.
Content Manager Erin: My mom has the biggest heart of anyone I know. She is loyal beyond measure, and once you become a friend, she will do anything for you. Any time. In any way possible. And she’ll do it with a happy heart. I am so grateful for a mother who has shown me how giving to others, and that always honoring a relationship, is the best gift. I have learned from my mom to truly give from my heart, without expectation of anything in return, and to truly cherish friendships.
Co-founder and Coach Eric: I learned that sometimes you just have to do whatever it takes. You will face hard things and you have to step up and take on the task at hand, no matter how painful, how difficult or long. If you dig deep, you will find the strength, there is no quitting.
Pack Leader Joyce: Among the many lessons my mother taught me is that "this too shall pass." Now, I didn't always believe her, because I am one of those people who tends to feel that wherever I am at the moment—good or bad—is where I will stay. Yet even when I feel that way, I hear her voice in my head reminding me that "this too shall pass." Never has that message been as important as over the past 14 months. Oh, and how to make a killer spaghetti sauce—she taught me that, too, though mine is not nearly as good as hers.
Coach Jille: A lesson I've learned from my mom is compassion. To know that everything that lives has a spirit and to treat it with the most love, kindness, and understanding we can muster.
Analytics Manager Sherry: My mother taught me so much growing up, but mostly I learned by her example. She was Salutatorian of her graduating High School class. She taught me values, table etiquette, the importance of reading, saving, and cultivated in me a love for art and theatre. She taught me not to let anything stand in the way of my dreams. She not only said this but showed it especially when she graduated with her Associates Degree as a mom of 4 all while working at the middle school where I attended. My mom has great wisdom. She cares deeply for her children and grandchildren.
Coach Carrie: I remember as a little girl watching my mom crawling under the sink and replacing the faucet in the bathroom. Watching her as I was a pre-teen climbing ladders and staining the exterior of the house. Admiring her as a young adult making a big move out of our childhood home and beginning new adventures on her own. Always finding solutions, learning new things to get the job done, and not letting fear get in the way. My mom taught me that I CAN. Whatever it is I need, want, or have to (hello plumbing!) do, I CAN do it. She empowered me to be strong and independent. She made me the powerful woman I am today!
Communications and Event Manager Rachel: “Everything will work out, just keep moving forward." My mom has always been my biggest cheerleader and friend in life and from a very young age I always remember her being encouraging. No matter what I was facing or how bad I thought my life was falling apart (insert middle school math, prom date disasters, and terrible college hairstyles here), she always assured me that life would work itself out. Thanks to my mom I've learned to stress less and trust the process much more. Oh, and to stay far, far away from Shirley Temple curls. YIKES. Thanks, mom.
Director of Community Jamie: My mom taught me the valuable lesson of learning your own strength. And knowing when to help and when not to. There were times growing up I would ask for help and she wouldn't give it. Frustrating. But she knew. She knew in certain instances I needed to struggle just enough so I could learn how to overcome adversity. She taught me that resilience and grit are inside me. I now have my own children and this is something I work hard to instill in them as well. This is not an easy thing as a mother because our instinct is to protect and help our children always and instantly. But sometimes taking a step back and letting them struggle just a bit is actually the best thing we can do for them.
Director of Fitness Natalie: Well, let's just say that I don't begin to measure up to the woman that my mom is. Now, as a mom to two kiddos, year after year I am more overcome by her ability to live life positively with such selflessness. As I think of my childhood, the thought that gets me most about my mom is she NEVER complained. She taught me perseverance. I can only assume that she was tired or overwhelmed at times, especially with keeping up with my sports life, being a coach's wife, preparing meals, working part time, and organizing every book club, card club, birthday club, homemakers club, church volunteer work, and more! She never gave up, not once. I, now more than ever, appreciate the strong woman that she is. In all that she did and continues to do, her influence on me is immense. On the days I struggle and feel as though I’m floundering, I think often about my mom and her positive attitude. She brings joy to others and works by faith.
Happy Mother’s Day!
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