DEAR ABBY: In response to "Mom in Denver," who asked what great moms do that make them great: My mother was a great mom, but I never realized it until after I graduated from college.
She always had dinner on the table, cleaned up after me and, of course, bought me most of the things I wanted that seemed reasonable. But what I remember most is that she was ALWAYS THERE for me. I was an athlete -- gymnastics, track, cross country -- in high school. I could always count on her being there. She'd drive five hours to watch a 15-minute race, then turn around and drive home. That is what I really remember.
I realize now that knowing my mom would always be there for me unconditionally made me secure and self-confident in a way that has carried over to my adult life. -- MELISSA IN SCOTTSBLUFF, NEB.