There are days when being a mother can be one of the most trying times of your life, but in the end, as most you know, it is all worth it. I am starting to see firsthand (yet again) the rewards of motherhood.
It's that time of year already when I am making the trek to Columbus to return my son Jordan to his second home, Capital University. Jordan is beginning his sophomore year and it hardly seems possible that the little boy who used to say "Mommy, can I please..." now says "Hey Mom, I'm going to..."
He is a young adult, full of excitement with a bright eye towards the future. Since he was old enough to walk, football has been his passion. I have watched him take hold of the game and fulfill his dream of playing college football. From the Malvern Little Hornets, to the Sandy Valley Cardinals to the Capital Crusaders - most people who look at him (5'9" 155 pounds) say FOOTBALL? He's playing FOOTBALL?
He might be fast as heck, but it's never been the physical attributes that have made him the player he is
today. It's the determination, discipline, love of the game and HEART that drives him to win. And, those are the things I'm most proud of.
His coaches will tell you he's a team player who is dedicated to helping the team win. I've always told Jordan winning awards is a wonderful thing, but it is the character of the person that will follow you for the rest of your life. Character lasts a lot longer than statistical achievements.
Parents who are sending their child off to college - take heart!
As Jordan heads off for another year of academics and football, I am not crying because he is going away. I am celebrating the wonderful young man he has become and all of life's experiences that lie ahead.
And, as you may know, I have another son who is following in the same path - but it is HIS path and he has his OWN passion and sparkle in his eye. It is his character that shines. I am just as proud of Alex as I am of Jordan.
