My Respect to Moms

Although it had been almost 6 years, I remember it like it was yesterday.

Headed out on the gym floor with my client and had an indescribable “feeling “something was “not right”. I remember feeling as though I had lost part of me but shrugged it off and dedicated all my focus on the client. My next client was warming up on the treadmill and had a nonstop day ahead. Normally, I would be all fired up but still had this “empty” feeling lingering. I checked my phone and sure enough there was a voicemail from my sister. She never calls during the day. In her scared and frantic voice she told me my Mother had a heart attack(she and my Dad found her) and was being rushed to the hospital. An overwhelming collection of feelings took over. I approached the client warming up. She saw in my eyes and ” just knew”. She too had lost her Mother several years ago. I immediately left and headed to hospital in fear of what I already knew. It was a very dark day for me and my family, especially my Dad. He truly loved her and to this day still grieves her passing.

     My whole life, and especially these past 20 years of being a personal trainer, I have surrounded myself with mostly female clients and friends. To better understand why you must know that my Mother was mentally ill (paranoid schizophrenic) most of my life (since I was 5 years old). I remember the day she snapped. The day that changed my life forever. Growing up was not easy without my Mother there (mentally) but still respected her presence. I always felt she still tried to be there, helping us but her illness was too strong. It was not her fault. My brother and sister and I handled it in different ways(positive and negative).We have the gift of free will and the option of using it either ways. My decision was one of positive direction. I relentlessly strive to be the best I can be in everything I do.

     I suppose the premise of the article is to give tribute and praise to all Mothers out there. As children and young adults we sometimes disagree with our Moms reasons for things. We take them for granted often times and do not realize there greatness. Speaking as someone who was never able to have a relationship with my Mother and can tell you it would be wise to open your eyes to the great woman you have. That woman unselfishly spent her entire life on how YOU turned out. Be very grateful.

To all Moms out there…and with utmost respect…..

Happy Mother’s Day!