A Mother's Olympic Dream
Bump, Birth & Beyond
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There is a time that comes once every two years, when the world comes together despite all odds to celebrate athletic greatness.
Yes, I am talking about the Olympic Games. I admit, I have loved these games since childhood. From learning about other countries, to experiencing new athletic events, to witnessing athletes in their highest achievements; there is really nothing but positive happiness that comes from witnessing the Olympics every two years.
As I’ve gotten older though, I have come to appreciate these games even more for the specific athletes that are in them. Like all individuals, each athlete has a story. Some individuals have been competing since they were in diapers, others have to fundraise to even get a plane ticket, but every time we are reminded that these athletes are humans, are children and are parents, just like each of us.
One particular story that truly resonated with me this year is the story of the skeleton driver Noelle Pikus-Pace. She is a wife and mom of two small children, who missed out on an Olympic Medal four years ago by a margin of a second. However, after that, she retired. She gave it all up for her family. She shared that she truly wanted to be a mother and grow her family. In 2010, she said goodbye and didn’t look back.
Then, in 2012, Noelle lost her third baby through miscarriage at 18 weeks. While I do not know exactly how she felt, I can only imagine from my own personal experience how physically, mentally and emotionally devastating this was. From the time we conceive, we as mothers sacrifice so much for our babies. Almost always, it’s 100% completely worth it. However, when you experience a loss like this, many questions arise about these sacrifices. Fear sets in, wondering if all this sacrifice was simply for tragedy and loss. Moving through this grief is incredibly hard, emotionally draining, and really personal for each mother.
While there are many stories of grief and loss, we rarely hear about healing and overcoming tragedy. Noelle and her wonderful family gave us this wonderful story of healing! While processing their grief, Noelle’s husband suggested that she return to skeleton. She couldn’t conceive this notion, because she didn’t want to spend any less time with her children or allow her family to make personal sacrifices for her individual dreams. She told him that she would only do it is if she was able to take her whole family on this journey.
That’s exactly what they did! Since she reentered the sport of skeleton, her husband and two small children have traveled with her to every race all the way to Sochi, Russia. Her kiddos played right along side her as she trained every day. When she won the Silver Medal on Feb. 14, she climbed into the stands to embrace and share her incredible achievement with the family that helped her get there.
As I watched through tearful eyes as Noelle celebrated with kiddos, I am reminded of the power of motherhood. While we make sacrifices for our children, we also gain so much strength from them. Parents are often told that dreams need to be put on hold and sacrifices need to be made when kiddos enter their lives, or that they are selfish for putting their aspirations over the needs of their children. However, with a little creativity, I believe we as parents can truly accomplish anything we dream while enriching and fulfilling our children’s lives as well.
I encourage all parents to look inside themselves to find that dream they desire, and rather than suppressing it, share it with their children. We live in a world where all things are possible. Our children don’t have to sacrifice for our dreams, as long they are included in the process. Just as they will be there for you; you are teaching them that they will have support for every one of their dreams.
As I’m writing this with my two year old on my lap, I encourage you to share and live out your dreams with those you love! You never know what your family can accomplish!
Justina is a local mother, photographer, lactation consultant and parenting advocate. She may be contacted at http://growinglovingfamilies.com or growinglovingfamilies@gmail.com.
