I'd Love a Cup of Tea

Have you ever read or heard of the book, "Tuesdays with Morrie"?  Mitch Albom wrote this delightful book from a collection of stories he had gathered after reestablishing his friendship with a former college professor after he learned that his professor, Morrie Schwartz, was suffering from ALS.  After graduation, he promised to stay in touch; but like so many of us, life's demands oftentimes change that vow and a day turns into a week and a week into a month and well, you know the scenario.  However, once he learned of Professor Schwartz's malady, Mr. Albom recommitted to his prior promise and thus became the substance of his now, well known book.  Most of us could do the same thing, if we only would take the opportunity, and for me, that time comes on Thursdays at tea time.

For years, my mother has enjoyed a good cup of tea.  I suspect her love for it came from my Irish born grandmother who would savor a good cup many afternoons herself.  During those casual afternoons away from work, my mother and I oftentimes enjoy a good cup of tea late in the day.  But what this little ritual offers is far more than just a boost for that late day slump.  The stories we've shared are filled from the memories of a lifetime spent accumulating them.  We have relived her childhood at Bristol Road, her trips to Canada on the boat out of Boston with her aunts, her academic achievements at St. Clements and later at Regis college, how she met my father and later her future in-laws, and some of the tales from my own childhood would find their way into the story telling.  And when my father or anyone else for that matter sits in, additional details are sprinkled in to reflect the differences in our recollections.

Yes, "Tuesdays with Morrie" captured some wonderful stories shared with an old friend, and hopefully, it has inspired others to take the opportunity to exchange similar life stories before they are, for whatever reason, forever forgotten.  There is something special about reliving the past while sitting around the dinner table, around a camp fire, or with your mom and a good cup of tea.  The memories we share are but the true gifts that life has to offer; and in the end, they are our legacies.  Mom, how would you like another cup of tea?  I can only imagine her response now, "I'd love it", and on Thursdays or any day, so would I!