I wrote this in 2009.  I am sure my quotations are a mess!  Just ignore and enjoy the short story…..

Martha was the first to arrive at the house.  She wanted a little time alone before her sister Lauren and her niece Jessica arrived.  Four years ago Martha and Lauren’s father died and six months ago their mother Annette followed.   The three had planned to meet at the house at 9:00 AM.  No one was looking forward to the daunting task of packing away a lifetime of memories.   But, they sold the house and needed to get it ready for the new owners.    As Martha stood in the entryway, a wave of sadness swept over her.  “God, I don’t know if I can do this,” she said to herself.  She started to feel physically ill.  She sat down on the couch and held her head in her hands and started to cry.  When she heard Lauren’s car pull into the driveway she got up and met them at the door.  “Are you ready?” Lauren asked.  “NO, but we have no choice,” Martha replied with sadness in her voice.  “Where should we start?” asked Jessica.   “How about the kitchen?” suggested Lauren.  “I’ll get some boxes from the car”.

When Martha walked into the kitchen she immediately pictured her mother at the stove.   Her mother was a great cook and baker and she hosted many holidays at their house.  There was always a buffet of delicious Italian cuisine no matter what the holiday.  Even at Thanksgiving there was a lasagna right next to the turkey.  Everyone would pile up their plates and eat wherever there was room.  Martha’s mother was famous for her chicken and meatball soup that started most meals.  One bowl of that soup could easily warm up your body and soul.     Martha recalled the spirited political discussions and heated trivial pursuit games that sometimes took place at their family gatherings.  She could almost hear the laughter and discussions she witnessed and participated in over the years in this house.

“I really miss Nana’s cooking,” Jessica said while emptying the cupboards.   “I know they are eating well in heaven with Nana up there.” Jessica’s words pulled Martha from her memories.  She hadn’t realized that they had been working in silence for a while.  “I’ll miss her cooking too”, said Lauren.  “But, Nana left all her recipes and she passed down a few hints over the years.” “I’m sure with a little practice, we will do just fine.”   “I think we need some caffeine to keep us going,” Martha suggested.  “I’ll make a pot of tea.”   “It’s going to be a long day.”

Martha, Lauren and Jessica made great progress sorting and packing items. They decided to keep some items for themselves, some were being donated to the church rummage sale and assorted furniture and such were staying for the new owners.  It was an emotional day and the three of them must have cried a river of tears.  But at least they had each other.  “Mom, what are we going to do with Nana’s tea cup collection?” Jessica asked.  “Can I keep this cup and saucer?” I always loved this flowered cup.”   “Sure”, Lauren answered.  “I have a favorite one too.   Martha, do you have a favorite cup and saucer you want to keep?”  “Yes”, she said as she walked over to the collection.   “I’ve always liked this one with the butterflies on it.  Look at the beautiful colors.”  “What should we do with rest of the collection?” asked Lauren.  “None of us have any room for this many cups and saucers.”   “I have actually been giving this some thought, replied Martha.  And I know exactly what to do with the rest of them”.

Martha piled all of the brightly colored gift bags into her car.  She was on her way to Aunty Meg’s house for a birthday celebration.  She planned on distributing the packages there.  In each package was a cup and saucer from her mother’s collection.  Martha, Lauren and Jessica decided to pass along a cup and saucer to Aunt Annette’s sister, sister-in laws, and nieces.  They thought giving away Annette’s cup and saucer collection to members of the family would be a great way to keep her memory alive.  Tucked in the package was note that said:

Please accept this cup and saucer as a gift from us to you

It came from a collection owned by a woman we all knew

We hope that you enjoy it, and know it was given to you with love

So you can remember a special lady, who watches from heaven above

Martha, Lauren and Jessica distributed the packages and asked everyone to open them at the same time.   They were very pleased with the reactions of the family.  All the recipients were very great full and touched by the gift.    “We hope you like the cup and saucers everyone”, Martha said.  “Now, we have a request from all of you.  One day, we would all like to get together with our tea cups and have a special tea in memory of my mother.”  “Right”, Lauren added.  “This will be a great excuse to get us all together and remember a special lady while using the tea cups from her collection.”

Annette’s tea was scheduled on a beautiful day in May in Lauren’s back yard.  Everyone brought their cup and saucer, and a special memory of Annette to share with the group.   Martha, Lauren and Jessica worked hard reproducing Annette’s famous dishes.  The other’s pitched in as well and Annette’s tea party became a buffet of delectable dishes. The table was beautiful especially with all of the multicolored tea cups on display.  “Thanks for coming everyone,” Martha said with great appreciation in her voice.   “I’m so glad to see all of you today and especially glad that mom’s tea cups brought us all together.”  “Yes, I agree,” added Lauren.  “My mother would be very happy to see us all enjoying this beautiful spring day.”  “And, enjoying all this food!” Jessica exclaimed.”   “Look at this feast! I think Nana would approve.”

During the tea, two beautiful butterflies came swirling around Martha, Lauren and Jessica.  Jessica looked curiously at the butterflies and then at Martha’s tea cup.  “Look Aunt Martha.” Jessica said with excitement in her voice. “Those butterflies match the ones on your tea cup!  I think this is a sign from Nana thanking us for the tea party.”  Martha looked at her cup and the butterflies in amazement.  Tears came to her eyes.  “Well, what do you know?”  Martha said looking at the butterflies.  “You’re welcome Mom”.  “You’re welcome”.