PEORIA, AZ (AZFamily) — A West Valley single mom has overcome years of domestic violence and abuse, winning full custody of her 10-year-old son.
What followed was a gift the two will remember forever.
Amanda Eriqez’s son, Stryker, is a diehard Arizona Cardinals fan. Last week, for the first time, the mother and son attended a game together. But it was what happened before and after the game that made the moment unforgettable.
For nearly two decades, Amanda Eriqez has made a living making others happy. She has worked at Kabuki Sushi and Grill in Peoria for 19 years.
“My customers have become family.” Eriqez said.
At home, her world has always centered around one person: her son.
“Yeah, that’s my whole world.” Eriqez said.
Eriqez says it has always been just the two of them. Since Stryker was born, she has been locked in a contentious custody battle with his birth father.
“So doing both jobs has been your disciplinary, your nurturer, your everything.” Eriqez said. “Going through a legal battle is a full-time job in itself.”
She says both she and her son endured years of physical and mental abuse. Last week, the long legal fight finally came to an end. Eriqez was awarded full custody of her son.
“I remember I hit my knees and I asked God, like, please make this stop.” Eriqez said.
Sharing the news with her coworkers and regular customers, her “found family,” brought an outpouring of joy.
“They were over the moon, happy for us.” Eriqez said.
Support that soon turned into an unexpected gift.
“And they’re season ticket holders, and they were like, we want to gift you with two tickets, come with us to the game. I was like, Stryker’s never been to a football game, but Stryker’s a diehard sports fan.” Eriqez said.
Amanda and Stryker walked into State Farm Stadium for a day they never imagined possible.
“Listen, I’m a waitress. I don’t get to go do these things.” Eriqez said.
And what happened next was the icing on the cake. After the game, Cardinals tight end Trey McBride signed Stryker’s hat and gave him his gloves.
“We’ve been through a lot. And for that to like happen, like, to him, it might be just being a good person, but I just want you guys to know like, you made a little boy’s world.” Eriqez said.
McBride later learned the impact of the gesture.
“once I found that out I meant even more. I was really happy I was able to give that kid my gloves, that little thing to me means a lot to him.” McBride said.
While Stryker proudly wears his signed jersey and carefully protects his autographed hat, his mother reflects on the journey that brought them there. It was never just the two of them.
“I have so many relationships and genuine people in my life because of this place.” Eriqez said. “And we’re appreciative.”
Stryker hasn’t taken off the jersey since the game. His signed hat now stays tucked safely away, kept clean and treasured as a reminder of how far they’ve come.
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