Photo by Jessica Stewart / St. Joseph News-Press

West Nodaway senior Garrett Carver practices at Mozingo Lake Golf Club. Garrett and two of his teammates will be competing at the state tournament Monday.

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Terri Carver just can’t stay away, when her body allows.

At last week’s Class 1 District 8 meet, she found a golf cart and headed out on the links to find her son, Garrett. Terri followed every shot for the final nine holes and watched as Garrett won his first district championship.

That same day, Terri found herself back in Kansas City at the University of Kansas Medical Center, an expected bout in her battle with cancer.

“You are ill, and you just never know when you’re going to be in the hospital or whatever else,” Terri said. “It just makes you want to be out there (watching Garrett) more.

“I think as a mother you’re always interested in your son’s activities and wanting to constantly be a part of what they’re involved in and what they’re having success in.”

Terri makes a presence at as many golf events as she can, even as she’s battled renal cell carcinoma — the most common form of kidney cancer — for the past year and a half. Diagnosed in November of 2006, RCC has not been able to keep Terri away from the golf course very often.

Garrett’s become accustomed to seeing his mom in the clubhouse after a round during his four years as the Rockets’ No. 1 golfer. Terri spent last year’s district tournament watching with binoculars from a balcony overlooking the course.

With her health struggles this year, she used a cart to get up close and personal at districts and the recent Highway 275 Conference Tournament.

“She always wants to know what’s going on,” Garrett, 17, said. “She doesn’t know that much about golf, but she just really wants me to succeed.”

Terri and husband Brian make weekly treks to the Medical Center for chemotherapy, as long as Terri’s white-blood-cell count allows. Garrett picks up slack around the house, caring for his 9-year-old brother Grant.

The two boys rarely make the 200-plus-mile round trips to the hospital, staying behind to keep up with school.

All the while, Garrett’s stayed in line to be the salutatorian at West Nodaway’s graduation this month — not to mention his standout seasons in basketball and golf. It’s an amazing load Garrett carries with few complaints.

“With kids, you don’t always know what they’re thinking or going through,” Brian said. “I try to get (Garrett) cornered every now and then and ask him if he needs anything or needs to talk.”

Garrett’s even found inspiration in his mother’s battle against a potentially fatal form of cancer.

The lanky senior said he was very aware of his mom’s presence at his recent golf meets but didn’t feel any nerves. Garrett will take any day with his mom watching him on the course.

“I know she’s being as strong as she’s being to do the normal things she does,” Garrett said. “Maybe I just have to help out a little more. But she’s very supportive of me playing golf.

“I just enjoy seeing it, and I hope she can do it for a long time.”

Terri’s recent stint at the Medical Center ended Tuesday afternoon. But after the five days in the hospital, Terri’s current condition won’t allow her to be there Monday when Garrett makes his fourth appearance in as many years in the Class 1 Boys State Golf Championships.

Brian will make the trip and follow Garrett at Silo Ridge Golf and Country Club. But Garrett’s faith allows him to know his mom won’t be far away.

“I know she’ll be thinking about me,” Garrett said. “I’ll be calling her as soon as I get done. I’d do it after the ninth (hole), but I might get disqualified.”

Cell phones and camcorders will be Terri’s only means of keeping tabs on Garrett. But this devoted mother couldn’t be happier to have the technology to watch from afar.

“It’ll have to do this year,” she said.

“It upsets me somewhat, but I also know I have to take care of myself. And he’s OK with that. He understands completely. He knows I’d be there if I could.”