When Hockey Has to Wait

Today’s post is going to be a little different from my usual mom-life chaos and sarcastic humour.

Life has forced us to slow down a little lately. My son is recovering from a concussion, and while it’s been hard watching him sit on the sidelines, it’s also reminded me to appreciate something we don’t always get enough of anymore… time together. ❤️

If you’re a hockey mom, you know our lives pretty much revolve around the rink. Practices, games, tournaments, early mornings, late nights. We’re always rushing somewhere.

And then suddenly, everything stops.

Watching my son have to sit out something he loves has been heartbreaking.

As a mom, you want to fix everything. Unfortunately, this isn’t something I can fix with an ice pack, a good meal or a quick trip to the pharmacy. And believe me, if Amazon sold a magic concussion recovery kit, it would already be in my cart. 😂

The hardest part isn’t even the missed games. It’s watching him want to get back out there and knowing he has to be patient.

So I’ve been trying to find little ways to make these days easier. His favourite snacks, comfortable blankets, quiet activities, little things to keep his spirits up and remind him that hockey will still be there when he’s ready.

And here’s the part I almost feel guilty admitting.

I’m enjoying having this extra time with him.

Not the injury. Not the frustration. Not seeing him disappointed.

But the slower days.

The conversations we normally squeeze in between practices. Sitting together without rushing out the door. Just having him home a little more.

Because when you have teenagers, those moments aren’t always easy to come by. Usually, they’re off with friends, at practice, at the gym or somewhere that requires me to be their personal Uber driver.

And suddenly, I get a little more time just being his mom.

Of course, I’d trade every extra minute for him to be healthy and back doing what he loves. In a heartbeat.

But while we’re waiting for that day, I’m going to appreciate the little moments we wouldn’t normally have.

Sometimes motherhood is cheering the loudest from the stands. And sometimes it’s sitting quietly beside them while they heal. ❤️

And if there’s one thing this experience is reminding me, it’s that our kids won’t always need us the way they do right now.

So even though I can’t wait to see him back on the ice, I’m going to soak up these extra moments while I can.

Because hockey can wait. His health comes first. And these quiet moments together? They’re pretty special too. ❤️

❤️ A Few Little Things Making These Slower Days Sweeter

I’ve been finding little ways to make his days more comfortable and keep his spirits up. Nothing fancy, just a few simple comforts, favourite snacks and things we can enjoy together when he’s feeling up to it.

I’m sharing a few of our favourites below. Not because there’s some magic product that makes a concussion go away (trust me, I’ve looked! 😂), but because sometimes the smallest things can make a difficult time feel a little easier.

🍦 Ice Cream Sundae Kit

Because apparently, when hockey is on hold, Mom opens an ice cream shop. 😂 A little sundae-making night, complete with ridiculous amounts of toppings.

🎨 Kids’ Colouring Books

Yes, actual kids’ colouring books! Not those complicated adult ones with a million tiny spaces. Just good old-fashioned colouring like we used to do when he was little.

Who would’ve thought I’d be sitting at the table colouring with my 15-year-old again? And you know what? I kind of love it. ❤️

🍿 Popcorn Maker

Because nothing says cozy night at home like freshly made popcorn. Whether we’re chatting, listening to something together or eventually enjoying a movie when he’s feeling better, it’s one of those simple little things.

🛋️ The Cozy Blanket

A soft, oversized blanket for those slower days on the couch. Nothing exciting, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

None of these things are going to magically make a concussion disappear. They’re just little comforts and ways to spend time together without the usual rush of everyday life.

And maybe years from now, when I think back on this difficult time, I’ll also remember the ice cream, the colouring and those quiet afternoons together.

Because sometimes the smallest moments turn into the memories we treasure most. ❤️

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