Sarah Ebeling | Managing Editor
Most of the time, people think their mom is the best. From cookies and milk, to laughs and giggles, story time and shared secrets, there is something that usually stands out, making her a favorite. And she usually is — to her children.
But once in awhile, a mom comes along that has that “it” factor, so much so, that family members are convinced others should know her too. And that is exactly what happened to Sue Olson.
Olson has been married to husband Don for almost 44 years, has four children, Jon, Sonja, Ana and Eric. The couple lives outside of Colton on a farm that has been in the family since 1880.
Olson, who is a grandmother to six, is quick to talk about her love of people, children, horses and life in general. It was these passions and so much more that started the ball rolling to nominate Olson for a prestigious award.
Last August, Olson’s daughters began the nomination process with AmericanMothers.org, submitting their mother’s name as South Dakota Mother of the Year. By mid October 2019, all of the paperwork had been filed and all the family had to do was wait. In December 2019, Olson received a letter saying she was a finalist for the 2020 SD Mother of the Year.
“I feel very humbled and honored,” she said.
But then, on New Year’s Eve 2019, the call came in. Olson had won the nomination as SD’s Mother of the Year.
Although she wasn’t allowed to say anything to anyone until Thursday, Jan. 9, when the announcement was made official, Olson said she was so honored to have been chosen.
Daughter Sonja Delaney said she and her sister Ana Schurman had nominated their mother because they knew she would be the perfect candidate. She noted her mom had been a counselor all her life and just knew she should be mother of the year.
“I love kids. I’ve always loved them. I was a school counselor for 41 years. If I can use and help or make a difference with some of the knowledge I have been able to gain as a counselor,” said Olson.
She noted that discipline also plays a crucial role in her parenting.
“I see discipline as discipling. We have kids for such a short time that we need to make sure that every moment is teachable as we prepare them for their future,” said Olson.
Helping her with the process was Joyce Stevens of Crofton, Neb. Stevens, the 2012 Nebraska Mother of the Year, is the first vice president of American Mothers. Stevens noted that South Dakota’s chapter is not very active and they are working to help the state.
Olson noted that after Delaney got the process started, she had to go online and fill out her information such as her philosophy of her parenting style, character references and history and reflections of her own mom.
Olson smiled, noting that her mom was named South Dakota Mother of the Year in 1978.
Now that Olson won the SD nomination, she has had to submit a national profile and answer more questions. She is also learning about sponsorships as there are costs involved with heading to Washington, DC for the national convention.
“I am learning right now and how to make a difference and be affective,” said Olson.
Once at the convention, Olson said she is most excited about meeting other mothers, listening to them and the learning opportunities.
“Mothers are always learning and always teaching,” she said, noting that everyone needs a mentor.
She explained that she is always learning, from her daughters, moms at church and others she meets everyday.
“My daughters-in-law Jan and Laura. I see how they too have parented and I learn from them too,” Olson said.
She noted that the most exciting thing about all of this for her is that, “All of us always want to make a difference and I am hoping this avenue will allow me to do that and to also help children.”
“By helping mothers, we help children,” Olson continued.
She noted she also wants to learn more and find out what the needs are of moms today.
“As the advocate for SD moms, what do they need,” she asked.
Olson said she sees this nomination as an honor, but also a responsibility and she hopes she is able to do a good job.
“I hope that anyone’s lives that I touch is better off because I touched it. It doesn’t matter if it is holding a door, or saying hello, I want to touch lives and make them better. I think all of us hope for that, don’t we?” she said.
Olson noted though that she has so much to learn and she knows that. She said she would love to talk to others about her experiences as a mother and a counselor and is even open to speaking at different events in the future.
Whatever happens when Olson heads to Washington, DC in April, she knows it is all in God’s hands.
“It is an absolute honor, but it is a very humbling honor because there are so many wonderful mothers out there. I do have a strong sense of responsibility that I serve this honor well,” she said with a smile.