Article: Mother's Day Special: A Mother's Perspective, Diane Plouffe

[Seth Stohs]

Sunday is Mother’s Day! (All of you guys, after you’re done reading this, go to the store and pick up some flowers or at least a nice card for your mom)

 

Two years ago before Mother’s Day, Trevor Plouffe donated his hair to Locks of Love in honor of his mother, Diane, who is a breast cancer survivor. Today, Diane Plouffe was kind enough to write for us and give us some insight into what it’s like to be the mother of a Major League Baseball player. Thank You, Diane!

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------

 

A Mother’s Perspective

by Diane Plouffe

 

As a mother, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing your child immersed in their life-long passion, waking up every morning to do something they absolutely love, and have worked so hard for. Although I should be used to it by now, I still get chills whenever I have the opportunity to see Trevor play.

 

It is so surreal that the same little boy I took to tee-ball practice years ago is at the height of his professional career in Major League Baseball. I think back to his childhood baseball games, and I remember standing for seven innings straight with my stomach in knots, riddled with anxiety. I think the only thing that has changed in the past twenty years or so, is that now I have to stand for nine innings instead of seven!

 

After almost ten years, you would think I would get used to my son leaving for months at a time, but honestly, I still cry the same way I did when he left for spring training when he was only eighteen. Our family is very close, and it is not only hard for me to say goodbye to my son, but having to watch my children say goodbye to each other is somehow even more heartbreaking. Despite the trials we face when spread out across the country for work or school, baseball has always been an important part of our family and continues to bring us together, whether it is at the stadium, or at home watching the Twins play on TV.

 

Trevor never ceases to make me proud of the person he has become. Not only is he successful, but he is also a kind, charitable man who stands up for what is important to him. He has always been a big supporter of programs that benefit the troops as well as cancer research. Recently he has become a part of a few different programs that benefit cancer research such as, Stand Up 2 Cancer, and a campaign entitled, Strike Out Cancer. As a cancer survivor myself, I feel it is important that people with a large social media presence and fan base address programs such as these in order to raise awareness and gain support.

 

Although Trevor and many other players are able to use their social media platforms for good, they sometimes receive negative feedback. I’m sure many of them have learned to ignore these harsh remarks. As a mother, you can never get used to seeing these things written about your child. Constructive criticism is welcome, but cruel remarks are unnecessary. However, injuries, strike outs, errors, they are all a part of the game, and I have always felt that is important for me provide positive thoughts and encouraging words at times when I know they may be scarce.

 

Despite the roller coaster of ups and downs my son has faced throughout his career, I am glad that I have been able to be a part of his journey. Here’s to hoping the ups are here to stay and the downs are few and far between.

 

Download attachment: Trevor Plouffe 3 edit.jpg

Photo by Betsy Bissen.

 

Click here to view the article