Colorado Avalanche Defenseman Shares Emotional Tribute to Late Mother: 'All I Wanted Was a Few More Days'
Photo credit: Hockey Unplugged edit
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson shared an emotional tribute to his late mother on 'The Players' Tribune' with a beautiful letter that he shared with fans.
Josh Manson honored his late mother, Lana, in a very lovely, heartwarming message he published Wednesday in The Players' Tribune.
The Colorado Avalanche defenseman spoke about his mom's strength, empathy, and influence upon his life, most notably when she had cancer over multiple years. Lana was initially diagnosed with melanoma in 2014 and sadly passed away in 2023.
Beyond the game, it's a story about family, legacy, and the power of compassion
In his powerful letter, Josh Manson recalled how his mother filled their home with her continuous singing as she did chores around the house.
He described having the utmost respect for the manner in which his mother raised all four of her children throughout her life with complete devotion and love for them all.
"She was so much fun," Manson wrote in the article. "She made everyone feel welcome, and loved. And at home. She felt like home. And she made our house a special place."
One of his best times in his life and professional career was having his mother see him win the Stanley Cup in 2022 with Colorado.
"I have this photo from down on the ice after we won the Cup in 2022," Manson wrote. "I'm still in my Avs gear, and I'm with my family. My mom is holding my daughter, and that moment it just means everything to me. To see the smile on my mom's face, to have her granddaughter in her arms, that's what she cared about the most. Family."
He called it going full circle, not just because he had invested his entire life into the game, but because those around him, such as his mother, contributed money and time to bring him to practice and games as he was growing up.
"To me, that moment was possible because of all the donations, all the fundraising people do for cancer research. That's the real-life outcome right there. That's why there's galas and 10ks and rides for the cure and all sorts of incredible initiatives. It all matters. You can buy time. We all can."
- Josh Manson
- Josh Manson
It's an appreciation, an homage, and extremely telling of how much love they had between them, on and off the ice. Manson is ensuring that his mother is honored for her strength, which is what inspired him.
TRENDING NOW
