Elisa Marie Carter

My hero is my mother, Elisa Marie Carter, she passed away on January 31st, 2023 due to several cancers and other complications. She may not be around to guide me but I still do right by her and do what I need to when I need to, I have fond memories of her getting on to me for my grades in school and I miss that but now I do it on my own. I have had to realize that she won't be there to give me the nudge I need and I have had to learn how to knuckle down without help from her. She is my hero not because of her never-ending joy and passion but because she was a warrior, she survived breast cancer and she wore it with pride she worked hard to be successful she was my rock when I needed her and she was the one to help me when I fell. My mother supported me when I chased my dreams and she told me to keep going no matter what.

She used to want to be a bodybuilder. Still, unfortunately, she couldn't so when I started powerlifting I decided I wanted to do the best I could to make the most gains I could to make her proud even if she didn't want me to, I used her as my motivation for everything. when I lift I think of her not being able to lift anymore and I use that to go harder than everyone else, even if they are stronger. she is the pride in my heart that I carry with me even when I'm down, she is the motivation I carry in my soul when I'm tired, she is, quite literally, my everything. I remember all the times we went hiking and how much fun it was and how calm it was, I remember the bike rides we would go on, and I remember all the funny jokes she would make, even though they stung they were still funny. I may still miss her all the time but deep down I know she is looking down at me and smiling as she sees how far I've come. my hero is my mother because she was the only one nice enough and good enough to help my hometown's youth, unlike most others. she was a good hero to not only me but every kid she helped at her school and it even got her a library made in remembrance of her. her legacy still lives on even two years after her passing in the hearts and memories of many including me.

(unfortunately, I couldn't get any photos but if you go to @hike.lift.teach on Instagram you can find some photos)