I remember waking up in the morning and coming into your room.
The rule was one that was loud and clear.
“I’m having tea. No one is to ask anything of me until I have had my tea”.
Then I would proceed to climb in bed,
cozy up right next to you and snuggle.
We would talk about things that only mothers and daughters talk about.
It was sacred, special time.
A time not to be disturbed by anyone.
A time to wake up, close out the world, connect and center.
There were many moods during these tea time talks growing up.
Some days were full of love and laughter
Others with tears and trauma|
Many with giggles and growing
-but all mornings were special.
Lessons learned were infused with each morning.
With each cup of tea.
The mornings are fewer now, but when they happen I cherish them.
The lessons are still there.
They are lessons I will never forget and I will always value.
They are lessons I will pass on to your granddaughters.
Sixty years of your life, connected by cups of tea in the morning-
that I will always carry with me.
Be strong
(Know that you can rely on yourself)
Keep laughing
(Some things you can’t change so you may as well laugh)
Be proud of being a woman
(Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do anything you dream of)
Take time for yourself
(You can’t take care of others without your first cup of tea)
Keep learning
(A good book will never let you down)
Value yourself
(No matter what)
Value your daughters
(There is no better gift)