By: Madison Brush
There’s something incredibly grounding about having someone who simply shows up. No fireworks, no grand gestures—just a steady, constant presence. That’s what my mom has always been for me, and I would venture to say my siblings. She was never about all the pizazz, but she was always there and always comforting.
As a kid, I didn’t always recognize the power in that. I saw the hustle, the late nights, the quiet sacrifices, and maybe even took them for granted in the way that only a child can. But now, as a mother myself, I see it so clearly. Her steadfastness wasn't just a trait—it was a gift. She was a constant, and if she was there, everything would be ok.
Of course, like any parent, there were moments of imperfection. Motherhood doesn’t come with a manual, and I would venture to say she navigated more than most. But her consistent presence—the way she kept showing up for us—left a deeper impact than perfection ever could have.
She was always there. At milestones, in the messes, through the chaos. And now, I watch her do the same for my children. She’s present, invested, loving in her own honest and grounded way. She jumps in to help, to cheer them on, to be part of their story—and they adore her for it (even if my kids are swimming in more Moana toys than they need.)
I catch myself saying things she used to say, pulling from her practicality and calm when I’m in the thick of parenting myself. She wasn’t loud or showy, but she didn’t need to be—she led with consistency, love, and a quiet kind of strength. Honestly, that probably explains how we got away with more than we should’ve growing up.
She reminded me—without ever saying it outright—that being a good mom isn’t about getting it all right. It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard. About being there with love, especially when it’s messy.
Now, seeing her with my kids—softer, slower, and more present than ever—I feel a kind of appreciation I couldn’t have fully understood until now. I see the weight she carried. And I understand it better now as a mom.
So this is just a simple thank you. For being steady. For being there. For being someone I could always count on, then and now.
