We are a wrestling family.
My husband wrestled, his father wrestled, his brother wrestled, and our sons wrestle.
I used to think it was tough being a wrestler’s girlfriend (my husband and I have been together since high school), but I was wrong.
Being a wrestler’s mom is tougher, and I love it.
I love to watch our boys on the mat when they execute the perfect takedown.
To see them get out of a tight spot.
To see their faces when they set a cradle “nice and tight” and how they smile when their hand is lifted high in victory.
It would be great if all matches were like that, but as everyone knows, they’re not.
The toughness begins when they are on the receiving side of that takedown or cradle.
To watch them fight to get off their back and bridge just a little higher.
To see them struggle, knowing they are giving it all they have but still coming up short just breaks my heart.
I see them bent and twisted every which way but loose and hope it won’t result in an injury.
I watch them limp off of the mat and keep my fingers crossed an ice pack and ibuprofen will be all they need.
I watch them keep their composure as they shake the hand of the opponent and the coach that they just lost to.
I wouldn’t change a second of it.
Being wrestlers is teaching them so much.
Sure, it is making them physically stronger but what they are taking away from it mentally is immeasurable.
They are learning problem-solving, self-control, mental stamina but most importantly, self-reliance.
That is what I want them to take away from this sport.
It is just them and their opponent for 6 minutes.
No one else is going to step in and “drive them home” like in baseball, and I like that.
They also play baseball, and in baseball, if they have an “off” game, the team can still bring home a win but in wrestling, they understand, there are no “off days.”
I know they learn this both in wins and in losses.
It is all up to them, and there are so many situations in life they are yet to face where it will be totally up to them to figure something out, and I know they will be ready for it.
I know wrestling is turning them into young men who will be ready and willing to “take on the world.”
Jill Cuba
Wrestling Mom
They call it the greatest sport on earth for a reason.
It just took me 26 years to figure out why.
READ THE 1st CHAPTER
Every parent should get this book. It is a quick read but be sure to block out 3 hours or so because you won’t be able to stop.
A book that changed the way I look at life. My wife and two 14-year-old boys have also read the book and we all agree that it is not only an inspiring story but one that is life changing. A very quick read and one that is difficult to put down. This is a must read for anyone that has kids. It is a reminder of just how precious life is. You do not have to be a high school wrestling fan to enjoy this book.
As a coach, a father, a husband, and just someone always striving to have a positive effect, this book hit me on a million different levels. I bought this book because it had a wrestling title but I did not have great expectations. Like most others who reviewed this book, I could not put it down and it had a profound impact on me. After reading this book I regularly find myself now moving beyond the thought of sacrificing one part of my life for another, and simply saying “I want both”. Thank you, John, for writing this book!
This will be my next gift to my entire family and friends.
Tom Magnani HHH wrestling 1979- 2010
I couldn’t put this book down from start to finish. It was beyond inspiring. An amazing story of love, dedication, hope and the will to never give up. I am proud to have read his families story.
on March 20, 2013
I have known the Passaro family for many years through competing against them and trying to prepare my kids to wrestle against them (a very daunting task) but I did not know about the tragic events that they have gone through until I read this book. I started the book and completed it in one sitting, I could not put it down. As a parent of three boys myself I totally felt the pain that the author was going through, the struggle to help his daughter while trying to keep his family with a modicum of normalcy was gripping. This book is an inspiration to anybody who knows how to love their family and would move heaven and earth to save them if they were in trouble. I highly recommend this book, whether you’re a parent or not, this story will find a place in your heart. Bravo to you and your family Mr. Passaro it has been a pleasure and an honor to hear your story!!!
on March 17, 2013
You need to read it! It’s a great book for anyone!
“Amazing awaits when you work hard enough.”
“Champions muster up a little more.”
“There is something inside of you that is greater than any obstacle.”
Great book for athletes, students, parents, teachers, coaches. Great book for all….hopefully, each will be as inspired to share it with young people so they can be equally inspired. Many blessings to John and to his family…Miracles are coming…you just have to believe.
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Categories: Coaching, Life Lessons, Shorts, Sports, Wrestling
John Passaro 
Cuba is a tough and a good friend , looking foward to wrestling with you again.
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Where do I buy tne book?
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Which book?
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