Jim Fannin Blog

It’s at this time of year that I reflect on my mother.  I probably took her for granted for most of my formative years.  It’s only after she’s been gone from this earth that I have come to realize her true impact on molding me to be the man I am today.

I miss her presence in my life so much that I would give up all my earthly possessions just to have Mother’s Day brunch with her one more time.  If I could, this is what I would say:

From the moment I took my first breath you were there….smiling ever so bright. Your voice soothed me. Your touch guided and comforted me. You were the first person I saw when I opened my eyes and the last person when I fell asleep. You coached me day after day to be the best I could be.

After all these years I’ve realized the motherly impact on my life. All my decision-making abilities were initiated with your care and concern. You molded my manners and hygienic routines. You coached my ability to communicate. Most of all you filled my mind with possibilities. My dreams have been fueled by your belief in me.

You placed me on a pathway of ultimate self-discipline. You yelled, pleaded, begged, demanded, punished, rewarded, hugged and kissed your ways of living into the fabric of my mind. My decision-making ability today was born and reared by you.

You helped me focus my energies on the tasks at hand and made me realize when I was off-track. You planted seeds of belief, expectancy and knowing that have grown into the confident person that I am.

You let me fail many times only to pick me up after the lesson was learned. These moments were your greatest gifts. Through my failings and your guidance I learned the dynamics of risk and reward that I still use today.

Mom, you taught me about family and tradition and I value them because of you. You made the holidays special and they radiate in my memory like they were yesterday.

You have been behind the scenes in the reality movie of my life. You were the producer and director. You helped me write and re-write the script. With every chapter of my life that ended you were always there at the beginning of the next one. And through each page until now you have never asked for credit. You always let me be the star. Your sacrifices most of the time went un-noticed and not once did you complain or demand attention.

I placed you on a roller coaster of emotions as you watched me grow. Even though I tested you in every way, your intuition never wavered in its relentless pursuit of my well-being. Today I see this as nothing short of amazing.

You were at every major event in my life. You cheered for me when I was failing and you beamed with pride when I was a success. You have been the one constant in a world of variables. Your consistency is remarkable.

Now I know why the biggest and toughest athletes always say, “Hi Mom” to the camera when they appear on national television.

Mom…you are the world’s greatest coach. I love you and thank you.

Lahoma Fannin Crouch
(5/7/26-8/29/98)