Happy Mother’s Day and Kevin Durant’s MVP Speech

A strong, nurturing mother can change the course of history without even realizing it.

Happy Mother’s Day everyone! I know there are many people out there that criticize the highly-commercialized day and “bias” compared to Father’s Day, and while I think it definitely can seem that way, I believe we all need to make sure we take every possible moment to honor all of the mothers that have raised and developed strong and successful children such as myself. I first want to say that I truly appreciate the mothers out there that are striving hard to make ends meet and grinding so that their children could be something in their lives. My mother is a lover and a fighter but she always fought on our behalf. I can only say I am blessed to have such a defining influence in my life.

When I think of my mother I think of Kevin Durant and his MVP speech. You may know nothing about this year’s NBA MVP. Heck, you may not even know anything about professional basketball. But if you just take the time watch the first 3 minutes and the last 3 minutes of the speech, you’ll know everything there is to know about a great mother’s sacrifice and the love and appreciation her child should have towards her:

Wow. What a speech. As I reflect on that, it is astonishing how it makes me feel. I can totally identify with Durant and he echoes everything I could ever want to say to my mother. You see, I remember when PB&J was a luxury and many times either breadsticks or a cinnamon roll would be my lunch for the day. I remember when we had to move from a spacious 3 bedroom house in a nice neighborhood to “the hood”, barely getting by. I remember when my mom had discussed with my brother and me the possibility of needing a homeless shelter.

But I also remember my mother’s love for us, her guidance, and her sacrifices. Because I’m sure during many of those times I had my breadsticks, she didn’t get to eat. She had to fight through her debilitating back pain to bring in money to keep food on the table. My mother had to essentially put her life on hold in order to ensure we even had a chance at life. She is the reason why I am so passionate about succeeding in all areas of my life; I want to prove her right when she told me as a kid that I was specially made and had a purpose for this world.

You never know how much time you have with those around you. So I encourage you to reach out to your mother today and at least tell them that you love them if you can, even if you two don’t have much of a relationship with each other. It will provide more peace for you both than you will ever know.

So I love you, Mom. And thanks. I know we both have a long road ahead of us for where we want to be, but like Durant so eloquently puts it, “we weren’t supposed to be here” in the first place.