What Children Take For Granted

If there is anything a child should be able to take for granted, it's the fact that their mom is always there for them.

I've taken that for granted since the moment I was born. Mom never let me down either, even though I'm sure at times she must have felt that I was unappreciative and oblivious to her countless sacrifices. I often wonder why and how she was able to do it. She made me feel as if it was my right to always have her listening ear, her trusted advice, or just her calming presence after a hard day at school. I never once doubted that I was her top priority. In fact, it pretty much never crossed my mind that she might have something more interesting or important to do.

She made motherhood an art form. Everything was neatly organized, the most important things were always done first, the teaching moments were never avoided, but embraced. She taught by spotless example. I always knew what she expected of me, and I always wanted to fulfill her expectations, not because I feared her, but because I loved her and respected her. I wanted to make her proud and never embarrassed that I was the daughter of Carrol and Don Tronson of Medicine Lake, Montana.

Now that I'm a mother of my own two beautiful daughters, I sincerely marvel at how my mom did everything she did for me, and continues to do for me even now. And it's not simply what she did, but the way she did it. How could she have been so positive, so willing, so truly excited and delighted to work and practice and pray and play with all of us? Mom was and is an angel, a gift from God, sent to our family with great purpose and potential, of which none went unrealized--she made sure of that.

I know that I will never be able to repay my mom for everything she has given me. Her example is what gives me hope and stands as my beacon. Whenever I'm asked the question, "who is the greatest person you have ever known?" my answer is always immediately and without contemplation, my mother.

In these last days and months (and prayerfully, years) of her life, I hope that she is able to take for granted the fact that I and the rest of her family love her so much and will be there for her, as she always has been for each and every one of us, though we may not be so perfect at it as she is.

Mom, if you're reading this, I love you.