Monday, January 3, 2011

My Mother's Teapot


My Mom's teapot had no lid and as a child I often wondered why she would keep an old teapot that was missing it's lid in a special place on her shelf.

As I grew old enough to understand the significance of her teapot she told me the story about it....

When she and my Dad were newly weds they had their first big fight, I mean a REALLY big fight and since they both felt they were in the right neither one wanted to be the to give in and apologize...

Then one evening my Dad came home from work with a gift for Mom, an "I'm sorry" gift, it was a beautiful teapot with a rose on it....a loving and thoughtful way to bring their first fight to an end :)  Those who know my Dad would understand that this is a perfect example of the way he has handled the difficult times that come in any marriage.

I remember drinking tea made in this teapot whenever I felt sick and needed something to soothe my upsets, but I don't ever remember a lid on it, Mom said somewhere along the way it was broken but she kept the teapot because it was special.

Then one day while browsing in an antique shop there it was!  The exact same teapot in perfect shape....we bought it and presented it to Mom on Mother's Day...she loved having her "special" teapot unbroken once again.
            I am pretty sure my sister, peppercorns2, tucked the broken teapot away to use in her home :)

Mom passed away on December 15, just a few weeks ago, Dad was sitting by her side, holding her hand and comforting her....they would have celebrated their 71st anniversary next month....

I now have the teapot in my home...a memory and a reminder that lasting love is constant, faithful and triumphs over the difficult times...

VE

6 comments:

Runs With Scissors said...

VE, this is so touching and beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing this with us!

autena said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. This is a lovely story and it is so inspiring to think of two people spending such a long time together.

goodgosh said...

Wow. What a great lesson about love. Isn't it amazing what one simple item and it's story can teach us all above life?
It was meant to be for you to find that teapot. That way you and pepper didn't have to fight over it. :) God bless your mom.

Peppercorns said...

WOW! Our parents had the most amazing marriage and relationship. Thanks VE, I remembered the story of the teapot, but had forgotten a few of the details.

Yep, I have the original.:0)

Doodle said...

Awesome story VE. True love really does last. It's so cool when we can hold on to something not just in our memories but a physical object that represents that memory as well.

jj said...

Very beautiful and touching.
Thank you for sharing.