There's a lot of talk these days about where kids find role models, mentors, heroes, etc. Many kids are forced to look to professional athletes, actors, musicians to find a role model. Many times, the individuals kids are selecting as role models aren't good role models.

I was fortunate growing up. I didn't have to look too hard, or far, for my role models.

Sure, when I was playing street hockey, I would emulate my favorite player -- Neal Broten. When it came to baseball I dreamed of being another St. Paul great -- Paul Molitor.

Yet there have always been two constants in my life that have remained my heroes, my role models, my supporters -- the two are my parents. They aren't professional athletes, or famous musicians. My parents are simple, hard-working people who care immensely about their family and have worked to make sure their children have it a little better than they did.

Several years ago, my father retired from a more than 30-year career with the railroad and at the end of this month, my mother retires from a more than 25-year career working as a school health aid.

My mother's stint as a school health aid really ends her third career. She started many years ago as a telephone operator with Northwestern Bell. She had a good job.

When I happened upon the scene, she made a decision to give up her good job to stay at home and raise her family. For the first eight years of my life, my mother was always there making sure we had food to eat, games to play, a role model to look up to.

When my younger brother entered school, my mother decided to reenter the work force. So, she retired from being a full-time mom and became a full-time mom and part-time worker -- some retirement.

She started at an elementary school in the Twin Cities where she taught Title I and was the lunchroom supervisor. She eventually transitioned to a health aid at a middle school.

Despite her going back into the work force, she was always home before her sons and always had a hot meal waiting for her family.

During the years, her job has changed quite a bit. When she first started as a health aid, she needed to know basic first aid and had a handful of kids on insulin. The worst accidents she saw were from shop or gym injuries.

Today she has a locked cage housing meds for more than 200 students. She's dealt with broken bones, near drownings, chokings and, unfortunately, other violent acts that seem prevalent in today's society. She's a counselor to students and to parents, helping them deal with all sorts of issues.

I know my mother is good at what she does because what she does best is be a mom. She's always been there -- tough when she's had to be, comforting when she's had to be and supportive regardless. The students that have come through her office over the years have no doubt come in contact with those qualities and are better for the encounter.

I don't think a child can have a better role model than a parent. Instead of celebrating athletes and actors as role models we should be celebrating those that choose to become parents.

Yes, it's time for my two heroes to enjoy the fruits of their labor. They have worked hard and deserve the opportunity to do the things they want to do. I am fortunate to have two wonderful people as my parents. They are an inspiration to me every day as I now raise my daughter.

Happy retirement, mom.

Neal Ronquist can be reached at 434-2201 or by e-mail at :mailto:neal.ronquist@austindailyherald.com