Happy Mother’s Day to all! This is the first of several first-person tributes we’ll post today from top softball players from across the country honoring their mothers…

We begin in the Keystone State as we hear from Delaney Elling, a 2016 Hot 100 first baseman/catcher from Washington, Pa., who has committed to Penn State where she plans on majoring in Bio-Medical Engineering.

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Hello everyone!

As you know, or at least I hope you know, today is Mother’s Day. On this day, our jobs are to celebrate our mothers and all the motherly figures in our lives. Since I am admittedly not the best gift giver, I figured I would write her a letter to express my gratitude for everything my mom does.

However, I didn’t know how to begin. How do you even begin to write about the woman who gave you everything? The one who literally gave me my life and made me the person I am today?

When writing, the most common advice I’ve heard is to “write from the heart.” I’m not one to talk about feelings or to write a heartfelt message to someone. Don’t expect a lovey-dovey letter, because that does not do justice to our relationship.

However, my relationship with my mother is filled with obnoxious stories, inside jokes, and a whole lot of laughter.

This is for you, Mom:

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I don’t think I could ever say those words enough to have you truly understand how grateful I am to be your daughter. I do not even know where to begin to explain the impact you have had on my life.

First, I would like to thank you for always being there for me. As a teenage student-athlete, most days I have stress coming out of every single pore in my body.

Whether my stress stems from school, sports, or my social life, you always make sure that I know that you have my back. There is nothing in the world that is better than knowing that someone has your back no matter what. Right, wrong, or somewhere in between I know you will be on my side.

When I feel that I am going to explode, knowing you are there gives me peace of mind. Thank you for that.

Thank you for being my best friend and also my partner in crime. Our relationship is… I don’t think there is even a word to describe it.

Whether we are grocery shopping in Walmart or creating trouble at family events, we entertain ourselves in any way possible. You listen to my stories. You give me advice. You don’t lie to me. You respect me. You support me. If I were in trouble, you would be the one I would want standing next to me which may not be the smartest option given your athletic ability. You’re my “Homie G.” Thank you for that.

Lastly, and most importantly, thank you for loving me for me.

You love me with good grades and bad grades, after good games and bad games, during my good days and my bad days, and you don’t know the impact that has had on me.

You understand the amount of pressure I put myself under and you do not add to that stress by setting expectations. While I want nothing more than to make you proud, I know that no matter what happens you will still be proud to call me your daughter. Thank you for that.

Thank you for being a role model in my life. Thank you for being strong, supportive, funny, but most of all thank you for your love. I wouldn’t be who I am today without you.  I know this does not even come close to the amount of thank yous that you truly deserve but I needed you to know this.

I love you to the moon and back.

Given this opportunity, I would also like to thank a few other women in my life for the impact they have had on my life:

• Mimi, thank you for teaching me the right way to treat people, with kindness and respect. If I grow up to be half the woman you are, I will consider my life a success.
• Aunt Heather, thank you for showing me to not take life too seriously. A little laughter goes a long way and your constant jokes could keep me laughing for a lifetime
• Aunt Brenda, you are one of the strongest women I know. Your continued strength and hope for the future keeps me going.
• I would also like to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to my Grammy, Jessica, and Megan. I hope you all have a great day!

You never know what the day brings. You never know when it will be the last time. Do not take another minute for granted. If you do one thing today, tell your mother or motherly figure thank you. It does not have to be elaborate or lovey dovey; it can be a simple “thanks.” However the important thing is that you do it from your heart.

To all the mothers out there, thank you for all you do. None of us would be able to make it without you.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Delaney Elling
Class of 2016
We Are… Penn State