Logan Finowski has seen his mother Lori Daniel go through tough times, but through the rough road, he gained a lot of perspective and life lessons.

Daniel, who is an art teacher at Fort Dodge Senior High, was having heart troublesand doctors had trouble pinpointing the problem.

“She had a heart problem a couple years ago, where her heart started to work at 10 percent capacity while most peoples works at 55 to 60 percent and 40 percent is considered heart failure,” said Finowski, who is a senior wrestler and football player at Fort Dodge Senior High. “She was turned down by so many doctors, saying she just had a bad case of irritable bowel syndrome.

“Doctors finally took notice and she went out and found the best heart doctor in the nation. He put in a pacemaker in a way that no one else can.”

Through that experience and his everyday adventures with his mother, Finowski knows how much of an impact his mom has had on his life.

“My mom is one of the strongest people I know and she’s the greatest person I know,” Finowski said. “She has taught me so much in life either directly or indirectly.

“My mom overcame this with perseverance. This not only taught me perseverance, but taught me to never give up and that there is always a way.”

As today is Mother’s Day, families will gather to share their love, but also reminisce about all the memories, strength, love and support they’ve received.

When St. Edmond senior Devyn Scott, who plays volleyball, basketball, softball and runs track, was going through a tough time with migraines, her mother Lisa was right by her side.

“My freshman year at St. Edmond I suffered many debilitating migraines and the doctors weren’t able to figure out why,” Scott said. “My mom stayed with me through all of it. She would wake up in the dead of night to help me when it got bad and she would drive me to the ER when the migraines were unbearable.

“This went on for months, but she was with me every step of the way until we got it figured out. I think of this time in my life a lot and when I do, I am reminded of just how amazing and supportive my mother really is.”

Bishop Garrigan senior T.J. Schnurr, who plays football, basketball and runs track, remembers the times in the drive way when he would play basketball with his mother Bo.

“I would play her one-on-one in our drive way, and she’d make me cry because she played so hard,” Schnurr said. “My mom means everything to me.

“The countless hours driving me to tournaments have shaped me into the athlete, but more importantly, the person I am today.”

Behind every good athlete is a support staff, and Messenger-area athletes had a lot to stay about how their mother’s have been there through everything.

Ryan Duckett, St. Edmond

with Melanie DUCKETT

“My mom is a very influential person in my life that works hard for everything we have and that has taught me a lot. We’re not always on the same page, but I always know she loves me.

“Even the times where she blames me for something I didn’t do,. One time she blamed me for losing a piece of our mixer, when actually she left it at her friends house, but like I said she’s a great mother and I couldn’t ask for a better one.”

Macey Mason, St. Edmond

with Megan Mason

“My beautiful, compassionate mother is my biggest role model, number one supporter, best teacher, and most importantly, forever my best friend.

“My mother has been there for me in many instances. As graduation approaches my mother is always there for me. Helping to guide me in the right path with both academics and my future dreams. Her input makes a world of a difference, and I can’t imagine life without it during this stressful time of year!”

Drake Ayala,

Fort Dodge Senior High

with Angie Ayala

“To say I’m thankful for my mom is an understatement. It’s so much more than that — she’s the one who is always there for me when other people aren’t. People don’t see all of my losses, the bad practices, or even when I do poorly on a test. My mom is always there for me in those times.

“She is also one of the most selfless people I have ever met. She’s always the last one to complain and the first one to comfort someone. I love my mom, and words can’t explain how thankful I am for her.”

Drevon Ross,

Fort Dodge Senior High

Amy Ross

“Honestly, my mom means the world to me, and I don’t know what I’d do without her. She’s been there through thick and thin.

“During my freshman year, she and my dad would drive me to wrestling practice in the summer and I’d hate doing it, but she sacrificed so much time to help me reach my goals. I owe all my success to her and my dad. She’s the best!”

Drake Miller,

Fort Dodge Senior High

with Staci Miller

“My mom has been my No. 1 fan, my person I can lean to in need, and my rock from the start. From making sure I had anything I would ever need, to being at every single one of my games, and picking me up after a rough game.

“You have always been there for me. Thank you for everything you have done for me mom. Happy Mother’s Day and I love you so much!”

Caroline Shelly, St. Edmond

with Monica Shelly

“I love my mom, not only just my mom, but my counselor, coach and biggest supporter because she encourages me to be the best I can be even when I doubt myself.

“She inspires me in every aspect of my life. I hope to one day be a strong and independent woman just like her.”

Devyn Scott, St. Edmond

with Lisa Scott

“My mother means so much to me. She has been there for me through everything from hospital visits to state events. She’s supported me through all of my decisions even when she thought I was making the wrong choice.

“My mom has been to any and every sporting event she could possibly make it to and having her constant support is one of the things I love most about her.”

Katelyn Werning,

Fort Dodge Senior High

with Lisa Werning

“My mom is the best sports mom you’ll meet. From dropping off practice clothes in my car when I forget something, sitting in the rain and cold to watch me play and to never missing any of my games or my brothers.

“She’s my number one fan and my favorite voice in the crowd. Her support means more to me than she will ever know.”

Carson Taylor,

Fort Dodge Senior High

with Abby Underberg

“She always sees the best in me no matter what.

“Something I always love doing with my mom is going on hikes with her and my family during the summer. We go to tons of different places and just explore and it’s a lot of fun.”

Andrew Gibb, St. Edmond

with Mary Gibb

“Yeah, I’m definitely a momma’s boy. My mom really means so much to me and has supported me athletically and academically.

“I have such tremendous respect for all she does for St. Edmond, and if I am even half the leader and great parent she is someday, I will be happy.”

Jalen Adams,

Fort Dodge Senior High

with Andi Adams

“My mom is my biggest supporter, and there is no one in the world that wants to see me succeed as much as she does. She pushes me when I need it most, and she gets me through the rough days. There is nothing she wouldn’t do for me as she is the most loyal, dedicated person I have ever met.

“I would not be where I am today, as an athlete or as a person, without her. I can’t wait to see what the future holds with her by my side. From catching me in the backyard to coaching me on the field, I am the luckiest girl in the world to be able to call my mom, my coach. I couldn’t ask for a better role model. Love you mom!!”

Maddie Moline,

Manson Northwest Webster

with Shelly Moline

“My mom means the world to me. She is my biggest supporter and cheerleader. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her.

“Last year, during cross country season, I broke my hand and needed surgery. There were many days where she had to take off work so she could drive me to doctors appointments and physical therapy. She did everything she could to make sure I had the best cross country season possible, despite running with a broken hand. I will forever be grateful for all that she does for me. I truly have the best mother in the world.”

Jace Davidson, Pocahontas Area

with Krystal Davidson

“My mom means the world to me. She’s where I get my competitive spirit from as an athlete. Every day, she pushes me into how I can make positive impact on someone’s life.

“After winning the district finals this year against Forest City, I can remember just running through people to go run into my mom’s arms because she has been there every step of the way.”

Christian Davidson,

Pocahontas Area

with Krystal Davidson

“My mom means everything to me. She inspires me everyday to be the best person I can be.She has always been there for me, during the good and bad to help accomplish my goals.

“My mom is the reason why I am so motivated for every game I play. She would not miss a game for anything, and that’s why I some grateful for her.”

Sean Flattery, St. Edmond

with Roxanne Flattery

“My mother is special to me and I love her because she will never miss a meet or game ever.

“No matter how far the distance is or even if I might not be participating a lot in the sport she still finds that time to watch me. She has done this for me and all five of my other siblings throughout our athletic careers.”

Tory Bennett,

Fort Dodge Senior High

with Shawn Bennett

“My mom is someone who I can call my mentor, coach, role model, my number one supporter, and most importantly — I can call her my best friend.

“She has taught me the ways of hard work, dedication, and importance of heart. She always pushes me to be not only the best athlete I can be, but to be my best self. All that I am today and ever hope to be in the future, I owe to my mother, the incredible Shawn Bennett.”

Tysen Kershaw,

Fort Dodge Senior High

with Cori O’Brien

“My mom means a lot to me. She is at every single event of mine and it gives me a little boost just knowing she’s with me. She will always be there for me win or lose.”

Asle Thorson,

Fort Dodge Senior High

with Julie Thorson

“My Mom is one of the most supportive people I know and she is always there for me through the thick and thin. I am so grateful to have a loving mother.”

Lexi Wood,

Manson Northwest Webster

with Dodie Wood

“My mom is a rockstar. I don’t know how she handles my three siblings and I. We all have such busy schedules and she always makes sure she’s at our events.

“Though my siblings and I can be a pain to her, she loves us and is always there. My mother is irreplaceable, and she makes a mean homemade chicken noodle soup.”

–Compiled by Chris Johnson

and Dana Becker