My Favorite Hockey Player Calls Me Mom
Being a mother is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. Watching your children grow and develop their personalities is a joy that cannot be replicated. But when your child has a favorite hockey player who calls you "mom," that takes it to a whole new level.
The Origins of My Son's Hockey Fandom
When my son was just five years old, he saw his first hockey game on TV. He was instantly mesmerized by the speed, skill, and physicality of the game. He begged me to take him to a game in person, and we soon became regular attendees at our local minor league team's games.
It wasn't long before my son had a favorite player on the team. His name was John, a rugged defenseman with a booming slap shot and a willingness to stand up for his teammates. My son would wear John's jersey to every game and cheer him on with enthusiasm.
Meeting John and the Beginnings of a Relationship
One game, my son and I arrived early and stood by the player entrance to try to get autographs. John was one of the first players to come out, and my son excitedly asked for his signature. John obliged, and then something unexpected happened.
"Thanks for bringing him to the games," John said to me. "He's a great kid."
I was taken aback. John had noticed my son's fervor for the game and his support for him specifically. We struck up a conversation, and I found out that John was a new father himself. We talked about parenthood, hockey, and life in general for a few minutes before he had to head back inside to prepare for the game.
From that moment on, John would always acknowledge us when we came to the games. He would give my son a quick fist bump or a wave from the ice during warmups. And every time he scored a goal or made a big hit, he would look up at us in the stands and point to my son's jersey as a way of saying thanks.
Becoming "Mom"
One game, we were waiting outside the player entrance again when John came out. My son ran up to him and said, "Hi John!" John smiled and said hi back, and then my son said, "This is my mom." John looked at me and said, "Hey mom! How's it going?"
I was again surprised but delighted. It was a term of endearment that signified our relationship as fans and friends. From then on, every time we saw John, he would call me mom. It became a running joke between us, but it also meant something more.
John was thanking me for supporting him and his team. He was acknowledging the role that parents play in fostering a love of hockey in their children. And he was showing his appreciation for our relationship, however small it may have seemed.
A Lasting Bond
John eventually moved on to other teams and cities, but we remained fans of his wherever he played. Over the years, we would see him and catch up on life, family, and hockey. Whenever he was in town to play against our local team, we would make sure to get tickets and see him play.
When my son was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of ten, John reached out to us in a big way. He sent a video message of support and encouragement that meant the world to us. He also organized a charity game where he and other players raised money for pediatric cancer research.
That game was one of the highlights of my son's treatment. He got to meet John in person again and even got to drop the opening puck. It was a moment that we will never forget.
Conclusion
Being a hockey fan is a wonderful thing, but having a favorite player who calls you "mom" is something truly special. John's kindness, generosity, and friendship have meant the world to us over the years. And even though he's no longer playing professional hockey, we still keep in touch and consider him part of our family.
As a parent, it's important to encourage your children's passions and support their interests. You never know what opportunities or relationships may come from it. And as a fan, it's important to remember that the players on the ice are people too, with families, friends, and lives outside of the game. Building relationships with them can be one of the most rewarding experiences of all.
