Saturday, April 26, 2014

My Mothers Teacup...

 
I had no idea that when I bought this teacup for my Mum, that she would no longer be with us within the year.
 
I had no idea that this would be the last Mothers Day we would spend together.
 
We gathered in our leafy garden, under the Poinciana trees, and felt the warm bond of family weave it's magic over us. We are a large family and occasions where we all gather together in unison, are rare. She was smiling and happy and radiated contentment.
 
I remember being cross at my brother because he'd neglected to give buy her a gift. She didn't care of course, and only now that I am older, do I understand that the greatest gift was to have us all there together.
 
Seven weeks later, she was diagnosed with a terminal illness.
 
Twelve weeks after that, she was gone.
 
She had turned 60 just three weeks before.
 
Nearly twelve years later, we still miss her loving presence in our lives.
 
Treasure your Mum this Mothers Day.
 
No-one knows what the future holds.
 
This teacup is used most often as a small vase. I fill it with rosebuds or gardenias or a single hibiscus, depending upon the season. I sit it beside a photo of Mum, smiling and radiant as she was that last Mothers Day.
 
I cannot bring myself to drink from it.
 
It was Mums teacup. It still is.
 
What a wonderful Matriarch she was. She raised seven of us alone, in an era when single Mothers were rare. We all turned out pretty darn well, thankyou very much.
 
Wherever she is now, I know she looks down upon us all proudly and with a sense of satisfaction.
 
Job well done, Mum. Job well done.
 
...Mimi...
 

7 comments:

  1. Mimi, that's gorgeous. 60 years young; that would have been a sad shock for everyone. You are lovely and I only imagine what your dear mum would have been like. Xx
    PS the Guild's Embroidery loveliness is on tomorrow Sunday from 8-12 noon. Just in case you can make it. Best to get in early and park up around the corner in Warry Street.

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  2. Hi Mimi, thanks so much for stopping by my blog again. I will have to make teriyaki with salmon next time! What a great way to remember your mum. I'm so sorry to hear about her passing. I'm excited that you will be joining the tea mug exchange that Stephanie is hosting. They are so much fun and you meet new friends. Have a lovely weekend.
    Julie

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  3. What kind sentiments you have shared about your mother. She sounds like an incredibly strong woman, one especially to be proud of and inspired by.

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  4. What a lovely post. This will be my second Mother's Day without my mom. It just seems to get worse for me. I think now that the shock is behind me, the grief has really settled in. I keep constantly busy, but am always haunted by the loss.I do have some lovely things that belonged to my mother and I treasure them.

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  5. Oh Mimi, I am so sorry! You are so right to cherish the moments one has. We never know how long we have. I am so happy to hear about your strong mother and how she took such good care of you all. This pearly tea cup is lovely, but more lovely since your mother held it in her hands...and now it is with you...and you hold her in your heart.
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  6. What a beautiful post Mimi. I could feel the love you have for your mother so strong while reading about your last Mother's Day with her. Her cup is beautiful!!!
    Thank you so much for your sweet comment.

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  7. This is such a lovely tribute to your dear mother. I am lucky to have my mum and a close sister's relationship with her, however I have recently lost an old neighbour of mine who was like an adoptive mother and it is so hard and a shock. Cherish the cup that brings you so many happy memories. I have been paired up with you for the mug exchange so a parcel will be flown to you shortly. So glad to be directed to you and will now follow your lovely blog xx

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I love hearing from you! I always respond to comments, so don't be shy! Mimi xxx