Did you see Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma Thunder’s acceptance speech for the NBA MVP award? If you didn’t, you should. I’m not a big NBA fan, but I am familiar with most of the players as I come from a family of sports addicts. Yes, I called them sports addicts. ESPN is their friend and if I want to be around my family I have to endure. My grandson wanted these shoes, KDs as he calls them, so I purchased a pair for him. I’m glad I did, Kevin Durant is a man of true character and a great role model for our youth.
I watched Kevin Durant’s speech while getting dressed yesterday and it had me in tears. It had me in tears for several reasons: 1) I was watching a man who came from nothing to be one of the most successful players in the NBA accept the MVP award and 2) He contributed his success to his teammates, family, but most importantly his single mother.
It affected me in several ways, but I think the biggest was the fact that his success was another example of a son raised by a single mom who went on to do great things both on the court and in his community. It also affected me because it was another example for single mothers to use as inspiration to keep moving forward because you can successfully raise your children too.
During the speech he recalled watching his mother struggle to put a roof over his and his brother’s heads. He talked about how she went to bed hungry because she made sure they got enough. He recalled their first apartment that had no beds or furniture, but they were happy because they had each other. He recalled his mom making him do push ups, run up hills and yell at him from the sidelines during his sporting events. Most importantly, he considered her to be the real MVP for the sacrifices that she made raising him.
I was literally in tears as I watched his mother fight back tears while he was speaking to her during his acceptance. It was one of the most heartfelt speeches that I have ever witnessed. I understand the struggle of a single mother trying to do the best for her children and sacrificing so they can have enough and at times the best. I know how difficult it is to have to work, educate them, keep them off the streets and build a strong foundation for them so they can have a future. I have seen a lot of athletes or people for that matter recognize their mother, but I have to say that it’s far and few that recognize mom in the manner that he did. What a great Mother’s Day gift.
Your children will follow your lead. Wanda Pratt, Kevin’s mother, talked abut how her mother told her that it was time for her to move out of her house and make it on her own. It was tough love, but it made her determined to raise her children on her own and give them a good life. Single mothers, this is what I’m talking about, you must set priorities, become independent and be an example for your children. Nobody owes you anything, you must make your mark in the world. Becoming educated and independent is empowering. With hard work and dedication, you too can raise your children successfully.
@J – People are still talking about Kevin Durant. He moved a lot of people with his tribute. I know what you mean about the other news that usually floods our TVs, lol. I had to stop watching it for a while. It was nice to see something that touched your heart.
This one made me cry too! How refreshing to see this story tucked in among all the tiresome political bashing and business dishonesty that usually occupies cable news…a nice glimpse of wisdom from a talented young man who could teach all of DC a thing or two about respect, gratitude and keeping your mouth shut unless you have something valuable to contribute!