We’ve got some fun Mother’s Day-themed posts going up later this week, and I’ve been thinking a lot about my own mom, June Donaldson and what an amazing mother she is. She was one of five children raised on her family’s ranch near Moccasin, Montana and was working as a checker at Rahn’s grocery store in Lewistown when she met my dad. They married in 1967, when she moved to Denton to join him on his family’s farm. I came along a few years later and was raised in the home my great-grandparents built—the house my parents still occupy today.
A few years ago, I posted a Mother’s Day tribute to my mom on Facebook. The words are as true as ever, so I’ve decided to post them again here with a handful of photos.
Here’s to you, Mom. Thanks for not only bringing me into the world, but also for getting me to this point in my life. For all the unconditional love, time and attention. For all the home-cooked meals, pies, birthday cakes and sticky buns. For being such a good wife to Daddy and working by his side on the farm. For driving grain truck, for all the years of hauling me to dance and piano lessons and community concerts, and for all the hand-sewn clothes and hand-knit sweaters you made me. For blooming where you were planted and for trying to teach me to do the same. For being a superb role model. For always believing in and supporting me. For your endless supply of encouragement and advice. For raising me in Montana around multiple generations of aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.
For living in a community like Denton, where all of Fergus County keeps a watchful eye on its youth, which annoyed me as a kid but am so grateful for now! For teaching me see the beauty and magic in ordinary “everydays”. Thanks for hand-picking (some might say sighting) my Big Buck of a husband; turns out sometimes Mom DOES know best. And, especially, thank you for being the best grandmother to my kids and for all you do for our family. You are so loved and appreciated. I owe everything I am and ever hope to become to you and will try to honor you by raising and loving your grandchildren the exact same way you have me. Happy Mother’s Day.
The Last Best Plates would never have happened without you and Daddy. Thank you for instilling in me an unabiding love for Montana.