Memories of Tea

Taking tea has been one of the things shared between mothers and daughters in my family for generations. Way back before I was even a twinkle in my Dad's eye, mother was sharing tea with her mother, perhaps with some Irish soda bread. Later, when I was of school age, I'd come home and have tea with my mom. We often discussed politics since she and I were both interested in that topic.

My daughter and I had tea parties when she was little, with tiny tea pots and cups. Later we'd have tea when she wanted to have some time just with me. After college when she lived nearby, we'd sometimes go out for tea on the weekend, sampling egg salad sandwiches and scones with whipped cream and jam. She even found me a beautiful calico tea pot for my birthday one year. By accident, I broke the handle. Then for mother's day she looked high and low and found an exact replacement! I treasure that teapot and the memories of our shared tea parties.

Now she has topped even that. Today I unwrapped a box mailed from Seattle. Hidden under a layer of packing materials, snuggled in three boxes, were a teapot with lid, two saucers, and two teacups. What makes them so incredible and special is that she painted them all herself at a ceramics studio. She even painted cute little flowers which are at the bottom of the cups. They hide under the tea until it is almost gone, then appear like magic.

I actually cried tears of joy when I opened this gift. I was talking to my sweet daughter on the phone while I was opening them, so she asked me to turn the teapot over. On the bottom was written 'Happy Mothers Day 2007'. So wonderful! On the bottom of the saucers and cups she had written the different ways she calls me mom, plus the year. Mommy, mom, mama, mother and a heart. This is a treasure beyond price.

So this afternoon, I toasted my lovely, thoughtful, talented daughter. I toasted my Sweetie and the son we had together. I toasted mothers everywhere and those who reside in our memories and in our hearts. Happy Mothers's Day - 2007.