The Fiercest Mother I Know

Do you know Liz (Jordan’s Mom)? I met Liz when I was working out at Armezam, which is now LevelUp Fitness. LevelUp is in Guilford. The owners are great, the trainers are great, the classes are great. Liz and I bonded over burpees, deadlifts and running loops around the building. One day in the fall I saw a poster in the ladies locker room advertising an event in New Haven. The event was called Dominate the Day and it was a 5k race to honor Jordan. I was in the locker room with Liz, and another club member and I asked about the event. Liz said that’s my son. I’m Jordan’s mom.

I felt the color leave my face. I had no idea and I could only think my goodness, the pain that Liz must endure every waking moment of her life. Jordan passed away due to cancer at the very young age of 24. Liz had only 24 years with her son Jordan. 24.

I cannot imagine what it is like to lose a child. I know the pain of losing a loved one; the pain of losing a child is entirely different.

Liz inspires me. Her kindness, fortitude and love of others is unparalleled. Liz is a teacher, like my mother, who was also fierce. Teachers have grit and compassion. They love their students, even the ones that try them; and they have the patience of Job.

When I learned that Liz was Jordan’s mom I immediately wanted to help. Liz is the founder of Dominate the Day foundation.  Please follow this very important non-profit on socials and see how you can support the important work they do to carry out Jordan’s mission and legacy.

When I think about Liz and the work she does and how much she misses Jordan it reminds me to be considerate and to once again, think before posting. I see so many posts on socials of people with their children, especially on Mother’s Day, sharing how being a mother is the greatest gift in life. I am sure that it is, but on Mother’s Day I mostly think about those mothers who have lost children, or those who have struggled to have children, and those children who have lost their mothers because it is such a difficult time.  

I am not suggesting that people should not post pictures of themselves with their children on Mother’s Day. If that is what brings you joy, then by all means post away. But also savor the time as time is not promised. Often these posts seem more focused on the post and not the bond. The joy seems to be more akin to a “look at me and my perfect life and family” than a true statement about family love. Is the joy that one feels only found by boldly and relentlessly posting. Does the joy that one feels only manifest itself through social media. It seems disingenuous and insincere at times.

For Liz, and mom’s like Liz, there is a hole that can never be filled; and so I think of them before I post.   

Liz handles Mother’s Day and every day with grace, determination and gratitude. Gratitude for the time she had with Jordan; and gratitude for the lessons he taught her. The world would be a better place if we all handled every day like Liz.

Sweet Dreams,

Ava

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