Mom's Journey: Moments of Triumph and Heartfelt Lessons

In the life of a mother, some moments stand out more than others. These are the times when we feel a wave of pride and joy wash over us, often with a mix of emotions that can be both overwhelming and humbling. I would like to share one such moment that still resonates with me deeply to this day.

A Career Shift and a New Chapter

My career journey has been quite a ride. For seven years, I worked at a record bar, dedicating a solid nine hours to the job from 8 am to 5 pm. This schedule left me with precious little time for my family. I was entitled to two weeks of leave each year, which I would take during the winter months to catch a much-needed break. However, my job had a strict policy: the only times I could take time off were for medical reasons. This was a stark reality, especially when my daughters became involved in activities that required my presence, like attending their school sports days.

This all changed when I transitioned to working for J P Coats. J P Coats operated on a more flexible time system, allowing me the freedom to balance my work and family life. It was a pivotal moment that opened up a new chapter in my motherhood journey.

A Daughter's Brave Leap

At this point, my eldest daughter, Nicky, had begun to take part in cross-country running. She was coached by a colleague of my husband and participated in school races. However, despite her efforts, Nicky never seemed to excel in these races. The school sports day approached, and I found myself torn between my professional responsibilities and the desire to support my child.

I decided to take a leave from work to attend the event, despite my company's limited flexibility. As I stepped onto the sports grounds, I noticed clusters of other mothers chatting among themselves. Since I was not as familiar with the scene, I chose to stand on the lawn near the finish line. There, I found an elderly grandmother sitting under an umbrella, clearly an experienced spectator at these events. She was quietly observing the proceedings.

The Unforgettable Moment

As the hurdles races concluded, the 100-meter track race was announced. I stood there, watching the 12-year-old girls line up and take their starting positions. Suddenly, Nicky's race began. She started slow and lagged behind, but as she reached the 50-meter mark, she gathered momentum. Her racing spirit began to show as she caught up to the pack. By the end of the race, Nicky had surged ahead, crossing the finish line with a significant lead over her competitors.

The joy and pride I felt were indescribable. I started shouting her name and encouraging her from the sidelines. My excitement was so palpable that I think I shocked the grandmother nearby. Without a second thought, I moved closer to her, pumping her hand and shouting, “That’s my daughter!” to the world. The grandmother looked at me with surprise, clearly unused to such uninhibited displays of motherly pride.

The Heartfelt Message

After the race, Nicky met me. I asked her why she had never performed to her full potential before. Her response was both humbling and heart-wrenching. Nicky said, “You were never there for me before, mommy!” These words cut deep, reminding me of the importance of presence and support in our children's lives.

This moment has stayed with me. It is a reminder that sometimes the most profound lessons come from the most unexpected places. It taught me the value of being a present and supportive mother, no matter how small the victory may seem.

Thanks for the opportunity to share this heartfelt journey of motherhood with you, Karen Brisport.