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Thank You, Mom.

August 21, 2016 By Lena 25 Comments

Today, I’m a little emotional.

As the 2016 Olympic Games come to a close, I’m thinking about the highlights from the Games. The women’s 4×100-metre freestyle relay team, including Penny Oleksiak, the 16-year-old sensation from Toronto. Brianne Theisen-Eaton and Andre De Grasse, more-than-ever household names thanks to their medal-winning performances. Olympic gold in high jump, individual trampoline, freestyle swimming and wrestling.
winIt’s a great time to be Canadian.

I’m also thinking about the parents of Olympians. I’m thinking about the moms and dads who’ve supported our athletes in the pursuit of their dreams. I’m picturing the early morning practices and the late night physiotherapy sessions. I’m thinking about the fierce hugs and pep talks; the emotional words of encouragement, the calm words of comfort. I’m wondering how many times they waited by the phone for their child to call, saying they have safely arrived.

But that’s what parents do. It’s the job we signed up for. 

I’m thinking about my own mom who is celebrating a birthday today. And while she didn’t raise an Olympian (I am grossly uncoordinated, there was never a chance), she did exactly what I needed. She did exactly what I wanted from her.

She did her best.

Today, let’s salute parents everywhere for the sacrifices they’ve made, and continue to make, for their children. I am proud to have partnered with Pampers over the past two months as a Thank You Mom Ambassador, highlighting the accomplishments of athletes and their parents alike. It has also been rewarding to watch the journey of Mark Oldershaw, a new dad and Olympic hopeful. And while the podium alluded him in Rio this year, he no doubt has many things to celebrate.

Did you follow the 2016 Olympic Games? What was your highlight?

This post is sponsored by P&G. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #PampersParents, #ThankYouMom, 2016 olympic games, Pampers

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. kathy downey d

    August 22, 2016 at 7:58 am

    I really enjoyed watching the games this year and wow Penny Oleksiak,she certainly is a sensation.I am so proud of them all!

    Reply
  2. Leslie Crosbie

    August 22, 2016 at 9:12 am

    I followed the Olympics somewhat this year and there are so many amazing athletes but I am especially impressed with the performances of the Canadian women!!

    Reply
  3. Florence C

    August 22, 2016 at 11:26 am

    My daughter and her boyfriend are leaving Rio today to come home after spending 2 weeks there taking in the events. They kept us up to date on social media. I watched a lot of the games this year hoping to catch a glimpse of them.

    Reply
  4. DARLENE WISSENZ

    August 22, 2016 at 12:42 pm

    Proud to be a Canadian and proud of the parents of our Olympians

    Reply
  5. Anne Taylor

    August 22, 2016 at 3:12 pm

    Amazing and heartwarming post! I was so proud of our Canadian athletes!

    Reply
  6. Cheryl

    August 22, 2016 at 3:59 pm

    I watched the games and I love so many moments to list! Penny’s gold, gold in high jump, Andre degrasse, etc.. Just to name a few

    Reply
  7. Lynda Cook

    August 22, 2016 at 4:02 pm

    I did not watch, but I heard our Canadians did us proud, way to go athletes!!

    Reply
  8. Judy Cowan

    August 22, 2016 at 4:42 pm

    Very proud of our athletes, they did amazing! Mom’s always need to be thanked :)

    Reply
  9. mrdisco

    August 22, 2016 at 10:30 pm

    i didn’t follow aside from Penny’s matches

    Reply
  10. Debbie Bashford

    August 23, 2016 at 8:08 am

    The Canadian women kicked butt!

    Reply
  11. Melinda Jana

    August 23, 2016 at 2:45 pm

    so proud of all of them and their determination

    Reply
  12. mrdisco

    August 23, 2016 at 3:48 pm

    the opening ceremonies was pretty neat

    Reply
  13. Julie Hartwig

    August 23, 2016 at 4:26 pm

    What a lovely post for your Mom!

    Reply
  14. angelehm

    August 23, 2016 at 10:43 pm

    That’s all we can ask of anyone and that’s to do their best. I did watch quite a bit of the Olympics and somehow I still missed the equestrian my favorite sport but I saw the gymnastics, running and swimming, they were amazing. Our women athletes blew me away .Very proud of our Canadian athletes and all the countries they were fine games indeed.

    Reply
  15. Melinda Jana

    August 24, 2016 at 4:14 pm

    all that hard work and support from everyone paid off :)

    Reply
  16. AD

    August 28, 2016 at 1:06 pm

    I’ve been lucky enough to know Olympians and grow up around them; I live in a city that has many Olympians train. And I am constantly in awe of their dedication, but more so in awe of their families’ complete support. Have you seen the P&G commercial? I turn into a crying sap watching it.

    Reply
  17. sarah alexis

    August 30, 2016 at 1:05 pm

    I love how the Olympics brings out such Home pride!! We really do have a lot to be grateful for and proud of!

    Reply
  18. DARLENE WISSENZ

    September 1, 2016 at 11:15 am

    Had to watch our athletes everyday they were preforming

    Reply
  19. Terri Baker

    September 1, 2016 at 1:03 pm

    I watched every day and really enjoyed it. So proud of all the athletes.

    Reply
  20. Jenn Erin

    September 3, 2016 at 11:22 pm

    I did watch it, and De Grasse running with Bolt during that semi final was my highlight!

    Reply
  21. Carole Dube

    September 5, 2016 at 10:46 pm

    I watch it here and there and really enjoy it! Those athletes have so much strength and determinations. I’m so proud of them!

    Reply
  22. Stephanie LaPlante

    September 19, 2016 at 9:41 am

    I watched a lot of amazing Canadian moments.

    Reply
  23. Donna Wilson

    October 11, 2016 at 5:58 am

    I loved watching all of the Canadian athletes do so well.

    Reply
  24. kathy downey

    November 17, 2016 at 11:01 am

    Very proud of our athletes,they work so hard.

    Reply
  25. Debbie White Beattie

    August 11, 2017 at 4:46 am

    No one sacrificed more than my mother and if not for her I wouldn’t have survived after my accident but she has done everything to give her kids as much as possible for as long as I can remember

    Reply

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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