My mom has always been the toughest person I know. She embodies resilience in a way that goes beyond the typical no-nonsense strength of mothers; there’s a fierce determination in her spirit that’s truly inspiring. When she shares tales from her past, it’s easy to believe her when she says she used to play rugby. That gritty sport was more than a pastime for her—it was a fierce passion that ignited her zest for life. The bruises she carried weren’t just marks of battle; they were badges of honor, symbols of her unyielding spirit. Each story she tells about the matches, the camaraderie and the victories paints a vibrant picture of her youthful adventures, adding a splash of color to my childhood memories and shaping the way I view strength and resilience.This past weekend, I watched my mother prepare for the rugby game in Kansas City like it was the biggest day of the year. She talked about the players, the stadium, the rising visibility of women’s rugby and what i...