We’d share a cup of tea and chat about everything. The topic
didn’t matter much it was just being in each others company that truly mattered. "A hot cup of tea will cure anything", she’d say to me. As a young boy my tea was
more milk and sugar but in time, I began to like the flavors of the teas
themselves and actually acquired blends from across the globe in pursuit of the
perfect one. It became something we both looked forward to, the arrival by post
of a new flavor. Opening the box was a labor of love careful not to damage a
single leaf. With the water coming to a boil, we’d put a bag in each of our
favorite cups both well worn from years of daily duty. "Breath in" she would say, "oh what a marvelous aroma, don’t you agree?" When the new flavor had the time it
needed or we thought it needed, we’d ring out the excess on our spoon careful
not to waist a single drop. Then the waiting game began. Letting it cool down
just the right amount to avoid a scalded mouth and ruining the moment entirely.
Smiling at each other we picked up our cups and let a sip enter our mouths.
Feeling much like a connoisseur of fine wines I let the tea swish around my
mouth as I told myself out loud of course how I found it to be. "Simple," I said. "With just a sprig of tartness like a citrus of sorts." She did the same and
agreed with my assessment adding she tasted an earthy taste like a damp moss
after a spring rain. It was a lovely blend that we agreed would make an excellent
addition to our cupboards. As time passed and my life took me many miles away,
we never lost the times we spent together sharing a cup of tea. We’d chat on
the phone for hours surprising each other on that day’s choice sometimes
choosing the same blends. When she became too ill to have our tea together, I
would remind her of all her favorites and shed smile letting me know she
remembered. When she passed, I gathered up her teas and special cup hanging it
next to my own. I still to this day brew two cups and chat with her wherever
she may be. I hope she’s in a beautiful garden sharing her favorite blends and
telling the others how she and her son found the key to happiness with just a
few sips of tea and a loving daily chat.
For my dear mother who passed away from The virus leaving behind a treasure chest of memories for me to remember and savor much like the teas we shared for a lifetime.
