On October 30th as I watched my son Jack struggle with an injury on the football field, I felt the helplessness no parent ever forgets. But amid the uncertainty and emotion, I also witnessed something that filled me with pride and gratitude: the strength of the Holliston Football Family. The compassion, sportsmanship, brotherhood, friendship, and community surrounding Jack gave us comfort during a frightening evening.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to the entire Holliston High School Football Coaching Staff, who immediately stepped in to help Jack. Your calls, emails and texts were very much appreciated. To athletic trainer Whitney Howe, thank you for your care, professionalism, and compassion during such a frightening situation. To the first responders and paramedics, thank you for taking such incredible care of Jack when he needed it most.
Alongside that gratitude to everyone who helped, there are two special people…
Billy Rodenhiser, thank you for lying on the ground with Jack and staying there to help keep him calm. In a moment when Jack was scared and hurting your presence gave him comfort and reassurance alongside the medical care he was receiving. As his mother, I cannot tell you how much that meant to me.
Jake Brodsky, Team Captain, thank you for being right there beside him as the paramedics treated him. Your friendship, loyalty, and presence meant more than words could ever express. Knowing Jack had one of his best friends by his side during such a frightening experience is something I will never forget. You lightened the moment with compassionate humor that helped all of us.
And then there was a moment that truly took my breath away. At one point amidst all that was happening, I turned around and saw something I was completely unprepared for.
The entire Holliston football team was there, kneeling together. Some of the boys were visibly emotional. Others were simply watching, waiting, and supporting their teammate. But every one of them was there for Jack.
As a mother, that image is forever etched in my heart.
We spend years watching our kids practice, compete, win, lose, and push themselves beyond what they think they are capable of. We cheer from the sidelines, celebrate touchdowns, and sometimes question whether all the time, sacrifice, and commitment are worth it. Well… at that moment, I had my answer.
Football has given Jack so much more than a sport. It has given him brothers. Young men who care deeply about one another, who show up when it matters most, and who understand that being part of a team means something far greater than what happens on the scoreboard. To every single player on that field, thank you. You may not realize the impact of what you did that day, but I promise you, this mother will never forget it.
When I think back on that day, I know there will always be moments that are difficult to remember. But what stands out above everything else is the extraordinary outpouring of love, compassion, and support surrounding Jack. Even our neighbors showed up with a pizza, that fed us the night we came home from his surgery. It was perfect.
I hope that when Jack looks back on his years playing Holliston football, he remembers not only the games, the victories, and the challenges, but also the people who stood beside him when it mattered most. Because long after the final whistle blows, the lessons, and brotherhood built on that field will remain.
I have always been proud to be Jack’s mom. That day, I was equally proud to be part of the Holliston Football Family.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Jack’s Mom
