Mother-In-Law

A few years ago I found this poem in a newspaper column - I believe it was Dear Abby - and gave it to Charlie's mom. I read it at her funeral on Thursday. She is loved and will be missed so very much by all who knew her.

“Our Mother”
Mother-in-law' they say, and yet,
Somehow I simply can't forget
'Twas you who watched his baby ways
Who taught him his first hymn of praise,
Who smiled on him with loving pride
When he first toddled by your side.
And as I think of this today
Methinks that I’d much rather say
Just “Mother”.

'Mother-in-law' but oh, 'twas you
Who taught him to be kind and true,
When he was tired, almost asleep,
'Twas to your arms he used to creep;
And when he bruised his tiny knee,
'Twas you who kissed it tenderly..
When he was sad you cheered him too,
And so I’d rather speak of you
As “Mother”.

'Mother-in-law' they say, and yet,
Somehow I never shall forget
How very much I owe
To you, who taught him how to grow.
You trained your son to look above,
You made of him the man I love;
And so I think of that today,
Ah! Then with thankful heart I'll say
“Our Mother”
-Minnie Price