Manhattan Mom Is Kids' And Grandkids' Biggest Fan, Loudest Cheerleader

MANHATTAN, IL— Moms do so much for everyone around them. We try to celebrate them all year long, but Mother's Day is a perfect opportunity to shout it from the rooftops and post it on Patch: Mom rocks!

Editor's Note: This mom happens to be mine!

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize the awesome moms and mom figures in communities like yours.

This submission comes from James, Andee, and Lauren Traut, who nominated Patricia Traut of Manhattan.

What makes your Mom extra special?

Our mother gives everything she has into being a great mother and grandmother. She always puts others first and would give the shirt off her back to a family member or friend.

Our mom cares deeply for all those around her and will do whatever she can to help—whether it's jumping to hitch up our truck and trailer to bring someone's horse for a life-saving surgery, or making a batch of her renowned chicken noodle soup at the first mention of a cold or scratchy throat. She and her soup have soothed so many during times of illness and struggle. And her homemade ice cream cake with chocolate whipped cream frosting (made from scratch) is a request from so many for special occasions.

She's a devoted cheerleader of everything we do, always being sure to see me (Lauren) off on my horse with a "Have fun, be safe," and rooting (loudly) for her grandsons when they step up to the plate.

Mom has supported our dreams our entire lives—sharing in all the joys and heartbreak horses bring (with Lauren), happily babysitting grandkids during DJ gigs (for James, Andee, and Big Fish Music Productions), and taking in her granddogs and cats while I (Lauren) chase my passion to other states. Her nursing skills and calming nature came in handy during the births of her three grandsons, a force for every nurse in the room to reckon with.

We lost our grandma—our mom's mother Millie—in October, and we know it broke her heart. She stood strong as her caregiver for years, despite the turbulent ride dementia took her and our family on in Millie's final years.

Why do you feel your Mom deserves the spotlight?

Mom deserves the spotlight because she is an incredible person, James said.

She deserves it because she is always trying to put others first and never gets as much credit as she deserves, said James' wife Andee. She works so hard for those that she cares about and loves to see all their blessings come to light. She should be celebrated and know we all see and appreciate how much she does each and every day.

As for me (Lauren), Mom has dedicated much of her life sacrificing time, putting in the work, and enduring the highs and lows of the horse habit, and I'm glad we both still can't seem to kick it. She is my biggest supporter and most dedicated fan, and whenever I'm afraid to "get back on and try again" — in riding, life or work—her faith in me reminds me I can.

Happy Mother's Day to Patricia Traut, and thank you for all you do!

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Know an amazing mom? Nominate them here.