Fitness Friday: Go hug your mother

Mother.

Most of us have probably said that word or a variation of it more than 10,000 times in our lifetimes.

The word brings feelings of comfort, safety and warmth for most of us. Others think of hard work, dedication and steadfastness.

My earliest memories of my mom are of her working in her gardens - of which there have been many over the years. Always a hard-worker, she would repeat her father’s favorite phrase – it’s better to keep up, than catch-up.

While my mom and I didn’t always get along, and still don’t always see eye to eye, she is the reason that I am who I am. She is constantly pushing, pushing, pushing; but that made me push too. In the end, I think I’m better for it.

As a new mom, I find myself going to my own mother for inspiration, comfort and support. I wouldn’t be half the mom I am without my mother.

Being a mom is a very special bond; one I hope to cultivate with my own son. It’s hard work, but who better to take the bull by the horns than mom?

I can't believe I am about to quote Fredman aka Cape Gazette sports editor Dave Frederick - but I was impressed he pointed out the tough mental spirit of women in his recent column. Women do have the market cornered when it comes to mental toughness.

Moms run the household, organize, manage, oversee, cuddle, clean, laugh and play. Moms put a Bandaid on it. She gives you a lick off the beaters, tells you to be quiet, shows you how to make pasta and clean gutters and make a garden grow.

Our lives would not be the same without her.

During this Mother’s Day weekend, exercise your heart and arms by talking to your mom and giving plenty of hugs. See you all Monday!