The past few weeks have been some of the toughest I’ve faced in my juggling act as both a mom and a professional athlete. For three straight weeks, I’ve been on the road, seeing my kids only briefly in between trips. Normally, we travel together, navigating tournaments and events as a family. But this time, things were different.
Last Thursday was JR’s birthday, and it coincided with the Major League Pickleball (MLP) event in Virginia Beach. As much as I wanted to be with him, my team needed me there. JR didn’t let me off the hook easily either—he made sure I knew how he felt about missing his special day. He’s only 8 once, and he let me know it.
We had fun plans set for him to help soften the blow of my absence, and my mom even flew in from Germany to celebrate with him. Everything was in place until Hurricane Helene decided to change the course of our plans. While I flew out to Virginia Beach, my family had to pack up the RV and flee the storm, heading west to safety. The planned birthday celebrations went out the window. But, in the end, we found solace in small blessings. I’m beyond grateful that our home is mobile, and that amazing friends took their Airstreamer with Ryler and the kids, allowing them to ride out the storm together while giving JR a bit of birthday joy.
Moms make sacrifices for their careers, and it’s hard not to feel the guilt. No matter how well you prepare, it never feels easy when you're missing out on your kids' important moments. I constantly wrestle with the balance between being there for my family and pursuing my passion, and the guilt creeps in every time I’m forced to choose one over the other.
To say this mama can’t wait to get back to her little ones is an understatement. There’s a part of me that’s always torn between my career and motherhood, but this past week has reminded me what’s most important. I may have missed JR’s big day, but I’m counting down the hours until I’m home to celebrate his 8th birthday properly.
God bless your Mother’s heart!