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.
It’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.
I really enjoyed watching the games this year and wow Penny Oleksiak,she certainly is a sensation.I am so proud of them all!
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!!
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.
Proud to be a Canadian and proud of the parents of our Olympians
Amazing and heartwarming post! I was so proud of our Canadian athletes!
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
I did not watch, but I heard our Canadians did us proud, way to go athletes!!
Very proud of our athletes, they did amazing! Mom’s always need to be thanked :)
i didn’t follow aside from Penny’s matches
The Canadian women kicked butt!
so proud of all of them and their determination
the opening ceremonies was pretty neat
What a lovely post for your Mom!
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.
all that hard work and support from everyone paid off :)
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.
I love how the Olympics brings out such Home pride!! We really do have a lot to be grateful for and proud of!
Had to watch our athletes everyday they were preforming
I watched every day and really enjoyed it. So proud of all the athletes.
I did watch it, and De Grasse running with Bolt during that semi final was my highlight!
I watch it here and there and really enjoy it! Those athletes have so much strength and determinations. I’m so proud of them!
I watched a lot of amazing Canadian moments.
I loved watching all of the Canadian athletes do so well.
Very proud of our athletes,they work so hard.
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