In our latest in our “player honors Mom” series, we hear from Andi Jarvis, a senior catcher at Foothill High in Southern Calif. who plays for the Explosion-Morgan club team. She’s hitting .396 this spring with 17 RBI.

Andi and her twin sister, Ari, have signed with the Univ. of Maryland.

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I still remember one of the first Mother’s Day cards I ever gave to my mom.

I made it off of DisneyChannel.com and wrote, “Happy Mother’s Day. Thanks for always being cheerful and keeping me happy all the time.”

This was obviously a very long time ago, and to this day, my mom has poured more and more blessings upon me and still holds to my six-year-old standards. She remains cheerful even at the lowest of times, persistently keeps me motivated to stay positive and to keep moving forward.

With these kind words I would like to share a letter I’ve written for her:

My Dear Mother,

It’s been 18 years in the making since I started bringing chaos into your life. Over 18 years since you began raising not one, but a total of three young ladies. I don’t know how you did it, I really don’t, but I can tell you I haven’t been lucky enough.

It’s been a long and curvy road throughout these 18 years, but not one have you ever regretted. How do you do it? I still don’t know, but you’ve always told me its “love.”

You’ve always taught us to be kind to others and to believe in the grace of God. I never knew as a young child I would be so lucky to have been taught the way you taught me. I’ve cried plenty of times and you’ve always stayed by my side, no matter how stupid the reason was.

I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for all you’ve done for me. How many people can say they are moving to the collegiate level on an athletic scholarship?

I have been overly grateful for what God has provided for me in my life and you were the push to get me there. There was definitely no babying and you kept me on my toes, but in the end I’ve become a much better athlete, friend, sister, and daughter because of it.

I know our last months before college are going to be sensitive because we’ve been together for 18 years, but I know you will continue be there for me and I will continue to be there for you.

I promise you that every day I will walk in the footsteps of God and stay humble. You are the reason I live so fortunately and at the end of the day, there is no reason to frown. You have taught me to see the brighter side of situations, no matter how severe they become.

So with that, I wanted to say, “thank you.” You have been an outstanding role model, friend, and mother and I can’t wait to see what comes in the future with you.

Without you, my world would wouldn’t be complete.

I love you,

Andi