Letters from my mother
Outnumbered any other

I emigrated across the sea
And weekly she wrote to me

She kept me up to date
With everyone’s fate

She wrote who was born
And what relationship was torn

She informed of who had died
And who was the latest bride

I learned all the village news
And everyone’s views

In her letters were recipes and tips
And newspaper clips

And in almost every letter
She wrote about times not getting better

She wrote about pains due to getting old
And she dreaded when the season became cold

She had grown up in a family of only thirteen
Because her mother had e few miscarriages in between

Her desire had been to become a midwife
But it turned out to be she had a different kind of life

She married my Dad and as a team
Managing the farm they were seen

This life on the farm
brought independence without harm

She managed the life stock and fields with my Dad
And was happy for the success they had.

She did not go to college,
But villagers respected and trusted her knowledge.

She was well liked and kind,
And always had the welfare of others on her mind.

She never gossiped, because it was her belief.
That in most cases it would cause mostly grieve.

She was the favorite aunt of my nephews and nieces,
And they all loved her to pieces.

For being a perfect host,
An aunt who cared the most.

They thought there was much charm
In spending their vacation on the farm.

Her home cooked food
Put everyone in a good mood.

She had good taste
And taught us all the prevention of waste

She continued to teach
Everyone within reach

For most things she had a cure,
She influenced my life for sure.

She often flew across the sea
To visit me.

I was lucky to call her Mother,
She was like no other.