Tina Cox and her late mother. (photo submitted)

Vaught’s note: Since this is Valentine’s Day, I thought this would be the perfect time to share this story of true love — both for UK basketball and a daughter for her mother — with you. Enjoy and appreciate every moment of life for how precious it is.

By TINA COX

For as long as I can remember UK Basketball has dictated my schedule from November through March. It has determined what events I would attend, what time my family would eat,  it is my normal.

I can still remember coming into the house this past October going into my Mom’s room, plopping on the bed and giving her details of my night at the Kentucky Basketball Women’s Clinic. The season was getting ready to begin and I was so ready for my favorite time of the year!!

Mom had just moved back to Kentucky after 30 years. She had been here for March Madness and the championship this past year. We celebrated together, we bought T-shirts, we laughed and discussed the upcoming season. I know she probably didn’t share my intense love for Wildcats but she listened always. For 30 years she knew not to call me during games but would always discuss what was happening with “my Cats” (as she called them) during every conversation. This was my normal.

On Oct. 21 this past year my life changed. My mom was killed while crossing Main Street in Danville. My normal would never be the same.

During the weeks following her death the only time I could escape reality was when I listened to sports radio. I will always be thankful to you, Mark Buerger and Matt Jones for helping me escape the pain I was feeling for a few hours every week.

This season has been a different one for UK fans. Some are aggravated, some confused and some still hopeful. For this UK fan this season has provided the only normal I have from before my mother’s death.

Keep up the great work!!!