{A Mother's Day at the Rink}

 Mother’s Day looked a little different for me this year… and honestly, I wouldn’t have had it any other way...

Instead of a traditional brunch or a quiet day at home, I spent this Mother’s Day doing something that fills my heart just as much...watching Mason do what he loves out on the ice. Our JV Summer League had a game scheduled that day, and while some might have seen it as an inconvenience, I saw it as a gift. What better way to celebrate motherhood than by watching your child thrive?

Before the game even started, one of the incredible hockey moms had something extra special planned. She surprised all of us by organizing a heartfelt moment where each player gave their mom a Mother’s Day card. When Mason handed me mine (after the game - it was lost before the game), I opened it to find a beautiful photo of the two of us tucked inside. Cue the tears. It was such a small gesture, but it meant so much. In that moment, surrounded by other moms and our kids, it felt like a collective embrace and a reminder of how precious and fleeting these years really are.

As for the game itself...it was a great one! Mason played both offense and defense and really gave it his all. He’s always been versatile, and it’s so fun to watch him grow into different roles and rise to the challenge. Our team pulled off another win, which is always exciting, but the game was only part of what made the day so meaningful.

The real highlight came after the final whistle. Our entire team, along with a few players from the opposing team and our own coach, gathered in the middle of the ice for a post-game prayer. And not just any prayer… our coach led it.

It was such a powerful moment...a team coming together to thank God, right there in front of everyone. No hesitation. No shame. Just bold, visible faith. As a parent, that’s the kind of influence you hope your child is surrounded by. Competitive sports can teach a lot of things, but when it also nurtures character, humility, and faith? That’s something truly special.

I left the rink that day with a full heart. Not just because of the win, or the card, or the sweet pre-game moment, but because I was reminded of how much there is to be grateful for. God shows up in the stands, on the ice, in the everyday. And this Mother’s Day, He showed up in every little detail.