My Mom

For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to come back to Larned after college.  I loved small town life, I loved knowing everyone, and the majority of my family is here.  I had no idea how important the later would become after I had children of my own. 

I don't know how she did it when my sister and I were little.  My Dad worked very hard to provide for us and was sometimes gone for weeks at a time hauling silage.  Even when he was home, he worked many long hours.  I love how hard working my Dad was, but it put a load on my Mom to care for 2 small kids all by herself.  I go nuts after just a few days when Marc is away for work. 

Since graduating college and moving back to Larned, my Mom and I's relationship has grown so much.  I can remember when I was young, my Mom would always tell me, "My job isn't to be your best friend, it is to be your mother."  Back then that was so very true.  (As a parent now, I foresee myself stealing that line from my Mom.)  But once her job was done, once I was an adult and out on my own, she became one of my best friends.  For that, I am so very lucky.

Of course I knew that she was an amazing mother.... she has had that role since the day I was born.  But until I saw it in action, I could have never dreamed what a caring, patient, loving, playful grandmother she is.   I joke with her that she missed her calling in life.  She should have run a daycare.  No matter what, she is always willing to do whatever is needed for her grandchildren.  I know if we lived far away, we'd make it work, but having her in the same town is an incredible blessing.  I can not count the times I have called for advice or to watch the kids.  She is always there no matter the time or the situation.  Whether to vent my frustration, brag about my kids, or to come to my rescue when Marc is gone for work, I can always count on her. 

After having Kade, I fully realize how much work Marleigh really was compared to most babies.  It was not her fault at all, but she was a tough baby.  It took at least 45 minutes to get her to sleep, if not even longer than that.  When you finally got her to sleep, she only slept 30-45 minutes.  Her hearing was so sensitive, the smallest noise woke her up.  Never once did Mom shy away from keeping her.  Instead she would ask to watch her to give me a break. 

My Mom is hands down the most selfless person I know when it comes to her kids and grandkids.  (I know most moms and grandmas are, but really, she takes the cake!)  If you mention something in passing to her, she will either give it to you, buy it for you, or do it for you.  She would gladly sacrifice anything and everything for us. 

My Mom doesn't have internet, so she will never read this. I tell her all the time, but I hope she knows how very much she is appreciated and loved.  We love you, so much, Gigi!!!