Dear Mom,
It's me, Shane.
No. 97, freshman defensive tackle Shane Moore, in your Marshall football program, No. 1 in your heart.
But all joking aside, Mom, it's actually you who is No. 1 in my heart. That's why I wish I could be with you today in North Carolina on Mother's Day to tell you how much you mean to me.
Since I couldn't, I asked a sportswriter for the local newspaper to write this for me. I told him all about you, Mom. I hope you like it.
When I look back at all the sacrifices you made for me, Mom, I can't believe it. It wasn't easy when we were going through it. But, now, when I think back on those days, I am overwhelmed by what you endured just for me.
They were tough times, Mom. But somehow you always managed to get us through them.
It couldn't have been easy. The divorce. Losing our home to foreclosure. The car being repossessed. Moving to that awful town-home in Gibsonville.
The living conditions were horrible. ... unclean water, overflowing toilets. But I guess that's what you get for $300 a month rent.
The worst part for me, though, was playing football at Eastern Guilford High School. Remember that day during the middle of my junior year? The day I told you I wanted to play college football?
We both knew that a football scholarship was the only way I could get a college education. And we both knew I would never get one playing for Eastern Guilford.
So, I told you I wanted to transfer to Northeast Guilford for my senior year.
And you made it happen, Mom.
We moved to Browns Summit and tightened our belts. We had to because the rent went to $711. And your hour commute to work in Raleigh got 20 minutes longer each way. It cost about $400 a month just for you to get to work.
So, we made sacrifices. Mostly, you made sacrifices, Mom. I went without. You went without. We went without. But we made ends meet. We didn't have nice clothes or shoes, but we had what we needed.
And that's all we needed because that's the way you raised me.
I remember what you taught me, Mom. If you can only use what you've got, then use what you have. Use what you have to get what you want.
Those were words to live by, Mom, and I still do.
It was a really tough year for you. But it all became worthwhile when Marshall's coaches looked at me and, then, offered a scholarship.
You were so proud. And you were even prouder when you were in the stands at Nippert Stadium last season to watch me make my first collegiate start against the University of Cincinnati.
I got hurt in that game, but I remember what you told me afterward. What's a high ankle sprain after all we've been through?
I wouldn't be here at Marshall if it weren't for you, Mom. If you hadn't been willing to make all those sacrifices, I'd be at Guilford Technical & Community College taking remedial courses in classes that I'd already passed.
I owe everything I have and everything I am to you, Mom.
You are the greatest mom in the world. And today -- of all days -- I wanted to tell you that.
I love you, Mom.
Your son,
Shane
Chuck Landon is a sports columnist for The Herald-Dispatch. Call him at 526-2827. E-mail him at clandon@herald-dispatch.com.
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