Tonight I hosted girl's Bible study at my house. I made Mexican food because today is, after all, the day that Mexico kicked France's butt. Anyway, I really enjoy the fabulous beautiful women I get to spend my Tuesday nights with. One of the girls just got engaged recently and was talking about what to register for and what not to register for, where to register, and so on. So, we laughed a lot about the stupid things some of us had registered for when we were engaged. We also laughed at the fact that those of us who had been married got a blender as a gift and not one of us really uses the stupid thing... not ever...ever...ever.
Then we talked about the dying trend of fine China, wondering what it would be like to actually use China. And why doesn't anyone register for it anymore (if you did though, I commend you!). It just seems so impractical I guess. To be completely honest, I would love to host dinners where it would be only appropriate to serve the meal on fine China. Tonight's enchiladas just were not the meal to start that tradition, however.
I happen to have China. A complete dinner set for 8. It was my mother's and it is very of the times (of the "I got married in the 80's" time). It has a very sweet pattern of these tiny cream colored flowers with blue centers and wispy light green leaves, and of course, a shiny silver trim. But I never use it, because it's C-h-i-n-a. And goodness knows I don't have great intentions on buying a China cabinet. So it sits in a drawer for no one to see. It got me to thinking, this China is important to me because it was my mom's, but I never use it, nor do I display it. It just is special that I (at the ripe old age of 23) own my very own China which was passed down to me from my mom.
It's weird, you know, I hold so dear these things left behind my mom. Things that were hers and are now mine, and I love that. It is hard sometimes, because these things don't carry memories for me. It seems a little odd that of everyone who was a part of my mom's short life, I knew her the very least, and I am her only daughter. I think that my memories of her are made up in my mind by stories I've been told and the things of hers I now have. They are really not memories that I actually have. So, I am glad that I have her China. It doesn't mean a lot to me as dinnerware- but it helps to make her feel real to me... She was a classy lady who was not afraid to register for some Lenox China.
4 comments:
:)
I just love you and I only know your mom from stories mostly and a few cloudy memories as I was an ancient 6 years older than you at the time but of the little I know, I know that she would have loved reading your thoughts even more than I do and she would love that the little things matter to you. Her plates that she very well could have gotten because she was told she ought to and they've turned into you holding onto her. Makes you appreciate all the silly little things your mom tells you and gives you...
I know that your mom would be so proud of you. Love you friend.
Oh Tara, how I wish that you could have known your mom. As her older sister, I loved her so much, and wanted to always take care of her, but God's plan was not to let that happen for too long. I am glad that her china is a part of your life now even if it is only on a shelf, and that it makes you think of her when you get to use it.
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